Page 54 of Riftborne
Laryk’s words sliced through my thoughts, and then I abandoned them all together. The feelings were too confusing to ponder in a setting like this.
I focused in on the massive space instead, allowing the sheer opulence to become my distraction.
In one corner, a lavish banquet beckoned. Tables set with crystal and silverware showcased an expansive feast. The smellfresh bread intermingled with balsamic glaze and the sultry aroma of roasted boar. Courtiers engaged in lively conversations and laughter bellowed through the room, mixing with the music from the orchestra below.
“Ashford, not so fast!” A voice commanded from behind us.
Laryk turned first, smiling brightly and walking past us. I turned around to see the King and Queen approaching. The King lifted an eyebrow and gestured towards me.
“Is this the one you’ve been telling me about?”
CHAPTER 20
They werethe epitome of regality, vibrantly draped in emerald silks. The King bore a roaring smile and a full head of peppered hair.Though his eyes seemed gentle, they nearly glowed in shades of violet.
Beside him, the Queen emanated radiance, bedecked in a cascade of jewels. Her blonde tresses were meticulously styled in perfect ringlets that flowed down her back effortlessly. It contrasted her hauntingly onyx eyes, which seared into me. She wore a more curious expression.
Both monarchs sported golden crowns adorned with green stones. Their presence was overwhelming.
The King had found his Queen forty years before, and songs of their love story were sung throughout the realm, both by bards in lowly taverns and by orchestras at Royal banquets. The songs spoke of a love at first sight, so powerful that it forced the King to abandon the woman who had been promised to him since birth. He risked everything to marry a member of a distant noble family from the furthest reaches ofSídhe.
Even now, the King looked at her with such pride, it was almost uncomfortable to witness.
Osta and I shared a quick look of panic before dropping down into a bow. The King, with his booming voice, chuckled. We rose to see the three of them beaming with amusement.
“How adorable, my dears, but there’s no need to be so formal,” Queen Ophelia remarked, casting a glance down at my Riftborne marking and cocking her head to the side. I shifted my weight nervously.
“Fia, is it? Laryk was right. You’re hard to miss.” Heat rushed over me, embarrassment blushing my cheeks. I was starstruck and I hated myself for it. The Guard may have been responsible for the destruction of Riftdremar but it was the King who sent the orders.
The king smiled. “You both look absolutely radiant.”
Osta was frozen solid beside me. She wasn’t even blinking. I nudged her softly.
“Your highness, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. What a lovely ball! Everything is just absolutely perfect.” Osta’s voice went up an octave. I feared she would soon faint.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” The King responded before looking past us as if he’d lost interest in the conversation. The Queen’s eyes remained locked on me.
“Ashford, we will speak later. It was nice to meet all of you. Fia, welcome. We’re overjoyed to have you in the Guard. I’ve heard you have great potential.” He patted Laryk on the shoulder before taking the Queen’s hand.
“Yes, of course. I’ll come find you after dinner,” Laryk said with a tight smile.
“Pleasure,” I managed to get out as they walked away.
“Osta, darling, are you alright?” Laryk was holding back laughter. I looked over at her. For once, she was paler than me. She nodded shakily.
I helped steady her as Laryk guided us to the table. It was full except for a few empty chairs on both ends. The ones alreadyseated were chatting amongst themselves, alcohol pitching their voices loud enough to easily overhear.
“Did you hear about the Riftborne joining the faction?” One of them attempted to whisper.
“I did hear about it, and it seems to be true.” Laryk leaned in, whispering back in the same tone.
The two guards spun around in their chairs, eyes widening as they saw him.
“Oh–General, I didn’t realize you were standing there,” one of them blurted, heat spreading over his face.
He brushed off the response before directing his attention to the entire table. “Everyone, meet Fia. Fia, everyone.” He gestured back and forth between us with a flick of his wrist. I didn’t want to read into the exchange, but a part of me felt like he was setting a precedent. Normalizing my attendance.
My skin simmered at the heat of their eyes on me, but I managed a small wave and a gulp. Osta and I sat down, and Laryk took his place at the head of the table. Callum sat to his left. We made eye contact, and he gave me a slight nod.
