Page 31 of Elemental Hall: Nautica
The young woman nods, looking at Orion with wide eyes, as if drinking him in for the first time in a long time.
“I have been busy with my studies, Your Majesty,” Orion says.
“Lumina’s kingdoms always need more elementalists,” Queen Niann replies. “Although we were surprised when you chose to follow that path.”
“Might I introduce Seraphina?” Orion says, gesturing to me. “She studies alongside me at the Elemental Hall. There is no one better there when it comes to working water.”
“And you have brought her as your guest today,” Tia observes. She looks me over. I don’t see hatred there, but shedoeslook disappointed. She was clearly hoping that Orion would be alone. “So now I shall have no one to dance with.”
Orion offers her an apologetic smile. “I hardly believe that, Princess. There is no one in this room who would not want to dance with you.”
“Except you.”
“Alas, I have already promised the first dance to Seraphina,” Orion says. He looks to the queen. “By your leave, Your Majesty?”
“Of course, of course. Enjoy yourself.”
Orion leads me away onto the dance floor, pulling me close to him.
“You know that I don’t know any formal dances, right?” I whisper to him.
“It’s easy. Just follow my lead.”
I do my best to follow along with the steps, determined not to embarrass myself in front of a room full of nobles. I must admit, it’s a lot easier than trying to keep up with the movements of combat training. I go with the flow of the dance, keeping my eyes on Orion.
“So,” I whisper, “what was allthatabout?”
“My guess is that this is my parents’ way of reminding me of the life I could be living as a noble,” Orion whispers back. “Inviting Tia… well, that’s a low blow.”
“She’s the one they might arrange a marriage to?” I ask.
Orion nods. “One of the options.”
“So you could become royalty, but you’d still rather be an elementalist?” I’m surprised by that. Who would give up a life of luxury for one of harsh, dangerous training?
“It’s something I can achieve through my own talents, not because it has been given to me,” Orion says. “Besides, I don’t want to spend my life caught up in courtly intrigues.”
That’s a sentiment I can definitely agree with, since we seem to be caught up in one now. All I can do is keep dancing with Orion, keep moving, and wait for the party to end.
Not that it ends quickly. It seems that the nobles have the stamina for a lot of dancing. I stick close to Orion for all ofit, grateful that he’s the one who can handle the small talk in between dances.
Abruptly, though, the music stops. I look around, not understanding. Is this something that normally happens in noble balls? Judging by the surprise on the faces of those nearest to me, apparently not.
Queen Niann steps forward. There is a servant near her, dressed in the livery of a messenger.
“My lords and ladies, forgive the interruption, but we must cut the festivities short. I must speak with the members of my royal council. Everyone else, we must prepare to leave immediately.”
I look over to Orion, who shrugs and then leads me over to where his mother and father stand.
“What’s happening?” he asks.
“Orion,” his father says, “it may be best if you and Seraphina head back to Nautica.”
“Why?” he asks. “What’s wrong?”
“There has been news. Several Umbran ships have succeeded in piercing the veil of storms.”
Chapter SIXTEEN
