Page 132 of Riftborne
“I was under the impression he didn’t affiliate much with the Guard.”
“Not normally, no. But they figured his focus could be of use around the border.” She shrugged her shoulders, finally calming enough to sit next to me.
“What is his focus?” I asked, assuming it would be true to the Soleil family line, and therefore something involving fire.
“It’s an interesting one. I’m not sure I understand how it works, exactly, but he can pick up traces of essence and discern where they originate from. I guess you could say he’s like a bloodhound for magical signatures. I think they are hoping he can–”
“Figure out how the enemies move. Maybe even discover if they’ve been places we aren’t aware of,” I stated, eyes focused on the wall straight ahead. “That could be very helpful. I’m surprised they haven't used him before.”
“They have a few times, I believe, but there seems to be some kind of political issue between him and the Guard. If I was going to wager a guess, I’d assume it's because of his brother. They’re estranged, you know,” she said, leaning onto her hand.
My mind shifted to Baelor. He was so awful. I could only imagine what his father was like back in the day.
“I guess it makes sense. So, you travel with them wherever they go? Why would Lady Soleil follow him this far West?” I gulped. I never imagined Osta would find herself in an active warzone.
Osta scrunched her nose. “I’m actually not sure why she needs to be here. But if Lady Soleil goes, I go. That’s the agreement.” A bright smile returned to her lips. “And she’s incredible, honestly. I couldn’t imagine having a better boss. She loves every design I show her.” Osta bit her lip, but the smile still spilled over. She was radiating pure joy despite being in perhaps one of the most dangerous parts of the Isle.
I didn’t want to ruin her excitement by divulging all the details. She was here now. There was nothing I could do.
“You deserve the world, as I’ve told you before.” I sighed, glancing toward the balcony. At least I’d successfully distracted her.
“So, now it’s your turn. Where exactly were you all night?” Her head snapped towards me, eyes ablaze with curiosity.
Guess not.
I felt my stomach twist. If she had caught me first thing this morning, I would have melted into a puddle and spilled all of the illicit details, but now? Blood Clot had certainly cast a dark shadow over my evening, despite how much I tried to shove what she said from my mind.
“Well, erm–” I started, scrambling to find the words.
“You were with the General, weren’t you?” She squealed, hitting my arm and bouncing up and down on the bed.
I shrugged but said nothing.
She screamed.
“I knew it!” She clapped. “I need to hear everything. I knew from the very beginning—at the ball when he was undressing you with his eyes.” She shook her head, an all-too-satisfied smirk forming at her lips.
“Well, I need to start by telling you what happened on thejourney here.” I turned towards her and hoisted my leg onto the bed.
I spent the next hour filling her in on every detail. From discovering my dream walking abilities, to Blood Clot’s words outside Laryk’s door just a few hours before.
“She’s just jealous. She probably hoped you could hear her! Why else would she have that particular conversation right outside the General’s chamber? She had to have known you were in there,” Osta said, sighing with irritation and rolling her eyes. “I mean, it’s obvious, is it not?” she asked.
“I kind of figured no one knew I spent the night in his bed…” I trailed off.
“You’re sure no one saw you follow him to his room? Were you being sneaky about it?”
My face flushed.
“I mean, I don’t think we were being super noticeable.” I bit my lip, recalling how I had slammed the bottle down and stormed off after him in the middle of a very crowded courtyard.
“Well, I guess… there’s a small possibility that someonecouldhave seen...” I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.
“See? Exactly. And gossip like that travels so fast in places like this. I mean, what else is there to do?” She stood, beginning to pace.
“You said you’re attending the ball with him tonight?” she asked, that familiar elevated octave taking over her voice.
I nodded, eyeing her movements with suspicion.
