Page 81 of Kingdom of Today
“I told you the castle rearranges often, but no one, not even those of us who fathom the layout, can find the emperor’s wing without the aid of his personal servants. These individuals have been forcibly silenced, yet they are fully authorized to kill anyone who enters without permission.”
“Byforcibly silenced, do you mean they vow not to speak, or ...”
“It’s done surgically, and with their consent.”
Yikes. That was hardcore. And soon I would come face-to-face with the guy who demanded such a life-altering action. With a snap of his fingers, he could order my death. I worked on my defenses the entire trek. Or I would have, if I hadn’t worried for Domino.
Where was he? Our connection had dulled, and I couldn’t feel him as strongly. Or at all. Had something happened to him? No, of course not. He was too powerful. There must be some other explanation.
Focus.I couldn’t afford to get lost in apprehension. Shadows covered the walls, shifting as we approached, a reminder of the horrors I’d experienced inside the chamber of death. I cringed away.
“My grandfather collects them,” Cyrus said in an effort to distract me, motioning to the many side tables displaying an abundance of goblets, big and small, old and new, decorated and unadorned.
The attempt to distract me worked. “Why?”
“There are rumors Astan owned a goblet made to contain water from a fountain of youth.”
How interesting.
We slipped through a shimmery patch of air that filled an archway, and suddenly I spied the emperor. He wore a suit and tie, resembling an older, albeit shorter version of Cyrus. The plain but elegant pregnant woman—Giselle—stood at his side. Diamonds of various size decorated her neck, wrists, and fingers. To my disappointment, she wasn’t wearing the key.
The couple waited beneath another archway in front of a large sitting room with high-backed velvet chairs and intricately carved wooden tables, their surfaces gleaming under the soft glow of floating crystal orbs that drifted lazily through the air. A grand fireplace crackled with mesmerizing blue flames that cast flickering shadows upon a mantel sculpted with battle scenes and bookshelves bursting with tomes.
Both the emperor and his companion brightened as we approached.
“Grandfather,” Cyrus said, and the two men embraced. “I’m pleased to present to you Lady Arden Roosa.” He waved a hand toward me. “Arden, the emperor, Piven Dolion.”
“Your Majesty,” I said softly, offering my best curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“So, you’re the infamous Arden Roosa.” He looked me over with deep, mysterious eyes. “From everything I’ve observed, the Dolions either love or hate you. I’m glad Cyrus suggested we do this so I can finally pick my side.”
A vague threat issued with an easy smile. I decided to laugh as if he teased me. “Prepare to be won over.”
“I shall.” He motioned to his companion. “This beauty is Giselle,” he said, his tone softening at the same warp speed as his expression. His affection for the woman couldn’t be denied. He traced his knuckles along her jawline, beaming adoration at her. “The key to my every happiness.”
Jolt! Did he know I’d come for the key and now planned to toy with me?
Giselle wound her arm through his and grinned at me. “Let me set your mind at ease. He adores Cyrus, so he’s predisposed to favor you.”
I returned her grin, though mine faded fast, lost in a wave of nervousness. How was I supposed to introduce the field of berries, the force field, and its key without her wearing said key? “I appreciate the reassurance.”
“I’m not late, am I?”
The familiar voice came from behind me. I twisted, spying Felix as he strode closer. He dazzled in a streamlined tux, his hair artfully styled and his eyes sparkling.
The brothers exchanged a swift hug, not as stiff with each other as usual but not quite friendly either.
“I hope you don’t mind, Cyrus, but I invited your brother. And now that we’re all here, come, come. I had Chef prepare a veritable feast.” The emperor and Giselle led us into the dining room.
The vaulted ceiling was a stunner, adorned with intricate frescoes of celestial scenes and draped with shimmering silken banners that shifted color with the changing light. Gilded columns reinforced the walls. Along, polished table of dark mahogany occupied the room’s center, set with silver goblets and plates resting atop brocade place mats woven with the imperial crests. Each piece of dishware reflected the warm, golden glow of an elaborate chandelier made of intertwined branches that held a glowing pritis rather than a bulb. Stained glass windows dominated the far end of the room, depicting mythical creatures in vibrant hues, their forms seeming to alter subtly as I neared. A faint aroma of exotic spices hinted at the lavish feast soon to be served, while the air carried a faint melody as refined as the decor.
The emperor claimed the head of the table, with Giselle at his right. Cyrus offered me the seat at his left, a place of honor. Felix took the spot at Giselle’s right, across from him.
Immediately, masked servants glided over to fill our goblets with white wine. Others followed with the first course, which I could not identify.
“Caviar on blini with crème fraîche,” Cyrus whispered, as if I knew what any of those words meant.
Felix toasted his grandfather with a sardonic smile. “Only the best for us, isn’t that right, Grandfather?”
