Page 50 of Riftborne
I gave Osta a puzzled look and she shrugged before sauntering off after him. I crossed my arms and hesitantly followed.
The man stepped down into a narrowboat constructed from dark wood. These boats traveled down the canals near the apartment daily, but I had never ridden in one.
He held out his hand and helped Osta down before motioning for me. She climbed in effortlessly. I inhaled a deep breath and took his hand. As soon as my shoes touched the floor of the boat, I lost my balance and stumbled onto the bench, quickly straightening myself and adjusting my gown.
“Fia the graceful!” Osta laughed and came to sit next to me. I shot her a look of contempt. If this was any indication of how the night would go, we were in for a real treat. My stomach twisted endlessly as the boat took off down the canal, setting my nerve endings on fire.
We approachedthe easternmost edge of Luminaria, and I watched as the channel branched out to surround the Imperial Keep. the Keep’s towering spires scraped the night sky. Droves of Base Guards lined the perimeter and surrounding canals.
One of them strode over to our boat and motioned towards the guard who brought us here.
“Guests of General Ashford,” he huffed before flashing his badge. The other guard simply nodded and stepped aside.
Fortunately, exiting the boat was a far easier task than entering it. Osta and I shifted, adjusting our gowns after climbing up onto the cobblestone. The sound of live music filtered through the streets, mixing with the voices of attendees socializing near the grand entrance. I didn’t even have to look at Osta to sense her anticipation. It radiated off her. She was practically vibrating.
We gathered ourselves and made our way towards entrance. My eyes shifted down as we approached the crowd outside. But it was a feeble attempt at anonymity. I felt eyes on me the second we reached the stairs.
We did our best to filter through the labyrinth of bodies, finally reaching the heart of the Keep. Osta inhaled sharply as we took in the opulence of the grand hall.
Gilded adornments splayed intricately across the ceiling, eventually giving way to a painting that honored the Esprithean pantheon. Ivory walls were draped in rich emerald fabrics and tapestries showcasing the royal insignia. We both stood in awe as our eyes shifted around the room.
Massive crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting an ethereal glow that danced across the polished marble floor. The air was sweet with the fragrance of exotic flowers, arranged in towering vases. The grand staircase at the center of the hall loomed ahead, leading to upper galleries where guests could take in the festivities from above.
Aossí revelers twirled and glided across the room to the melodies of a live orchestra. On a raised dais, the King and Queen sat in thrones, dressed in emerald shades of the royal court.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Osta cooed, her eyes still wide.
“Tell me about it,” I mumbled, trying not to think about the people who were clearly staring in our direction.
“Fia, don’t ruin this for me,” she huffed.
“Everyone’s just staring at us. It’s maddening,” I whispered, hooking my arm in hers.
“Yeah Fia, because we’re the best dressed here. Not everything is about you. Stop being so tortured and brooding,” she hissed through a smile.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I was so used to people gawking at my appearance, it didn’t even occur to me that it could be because of Osta’s hard work. Guilt flooded me and I fought back a wince.
“You’re right, sorry.”
Osta’s eyes darted around the room, no doubt analyzing the attendees’ fashion choices. A satisfied grin formed on her face. The sparkle reflected in her eyes could have blinded someone.
“Wha–What do we do now?” I asked hesitantly.
“I see the bar in the back. Drinks?” Osta winked at me.
“Yes. Definitely. Now.” The words couldn’t leave my lips fast enough. Osta tugged my arm and I turned to follow her.
I glanced up and saw a sliver of copper hair in the distance. The General was surrounded by a posse of Sídhe guardsmen, all in matching black. He leaned against a column, seemingly oblivious to the conversations happening around him. A smile crept up his lips.
CHAPTER 19
The General mutteredsomething to the group surrounding him before starting toward us. His long copper hair was tied back, but a few tendrils had slipped out on the sides. He wore a crisp, black shirt and matching dress trousers. A long coat lined with badges and medals cascaded down his frame.
He kept his hands in his pockets and held a curious expression on his face. Osta looked at me, confused, before following my gaze over to the General, who still had his eyes glued to mine.
She grabbed my wrist and gasped.
“Why is he looking at you like that?” Osta whispered.
