Page 193 of Gates of Tartarus

It’s not until just before the dancing begins that Maddox is able to distract Fallon, and I’m able to do a clear, concise read on Cole. She is easy to spot – her face is barely masked, silver leaves twisting through her hair to a silver Orphic Egg just in the center of her forehead. The leaves curl slightly under her eyes, giving the illusion of a mask, but really it is more of a crown or a diadem. I fade into a shadowed corner, catching her on her own for a moment as she surveys the room, looking out over the hidden faces and swirling colors with satisfaction. Nothing is bothering her; nothing is simmering below the surface. She is simple excitement, the feeling making me inexplicably nervous.

One of her handlers approaches her with a note, and she turns from her moment, snapping her fingers behind her, never looking over her shoulder. Seconds later Fallon is trailing her as they cross the ballroom, shaking hands and smiling at the waiting crowd. I pass the information along to a stern-looking Maddox, who barely looks at me before drifting away, presumably to go tell Seef, and Deo appears by my side, taking my hand and pulling me towards the floor.

“How are you holding up?” he asks quietly, moving me around the floor with practiced grace. It’s a testament to how worried I am that I barely notice that I’m dancing with Hideo.

“I don’t know,” I admit quietly. “I’m bordering on exhaustion. My head still feels fractured – it’s too soon to be reading this much, but if it helps… I just need a rest after this. Arealrest.”

Deo nods. “Have you had anything to eat? To drink?”

“I had something earlier, but I’d take some water.”

A silent waitress circulates past us with a full tray, carefully weaving through the crowd as people take flutes of champagne or smaller, iced glasses of water. Deo steps away from me and grabs two before returning and leading me to a chair on the edge of the dance floor.

“Here,” he says. His face is concerned, and, despite his tux, he crouches down low before me, looking carefully at my face. “You’re not looking good, KaiKai.”

I don’t even joke about his words, just drink the water and sigh. “Notfeelinggood, D.” Too many people tonight have been acid, corroding my brain, a congealed oiliness so overwhelming I can taste sulfur on my tongue. Cold eyes and colder emotions, writhing like snakes in my sternum, burning and freezing at the same time.

He nods and motions to someone. Moments later Jonah is there, looking equally worried. “Maybe take Kai to one of the quiet rooms for a few?” Deo suggests. “I’d do it, but you’re her date tonight. Appearances and all.”

Jonah takes my hand gently and pulls me to my feet. “Let’s get you out of here for a bit,” he whispers and lays a hand on Deo’s shoulder for a moment. “I’ve got her. I promise,” Jonah assures him.

Deo nods. “I know, Shotridge. I trust you. Kai… just... rest. Okay? As much as you can for as long as you can.” He glances around, then places a quick, feather-light kiss on my cheek.

We separate, Jonah leading me towards the landing, me following blindly. My migraine has returned, the space in front of my face looking fuzzy again, and I try desperately to focus. I haven’t had a migraine in years, and now twice in as many days... it makes me worried.

Once outside the main room, we run into Maela and Jorge. I can barely see her face and clench my jaw, biting my lip in order to force my eyes to work. Her lips purse slightly, and she tilts her head, studying me.

“I’m going to take a few minutes,” I say, trying to sound cheerful, but even I can hear the tired, slurring sound in my voice.

“Garden?” she suggests sympathetically. “Should be fewer people there.”

Jonah squeezes my hand, clearly approving of the suggestion, and I nod. “Back in a bit,” I bite out, my tongue feeling heavy in my mouth, and we move on past them towards the cool breeze I can feel tugging me forward, tantalizingly close. Something pulls in me, and I look over my shoulder to meet Maela’s concerned eyes. I stop, drawing Jonah to a halt beside me, and just look down the hall at her for a moment. Then Jonah wraps an arm around me and turns me away.

Up Before the Beadle

Saturday, 15 December – Maela

The server’s looking flustered.

“Ms. Driscoll? I’m sorry to disturb you, but Ms. Reed is asking for you.”

“Oh? Is everything OK?” I peer worriedly at him. Kailani had looked so wan earlier.

“Ms. Reed’s had a slight problem with her wardrobe… one of the straps, and our seamstress is currently helping another guest. Ms. Reed mentioned that your mother is in fashion and was hoping you might be able to fix it.” The server lowers his voice, and his face flushes. “Ms. Reed’s in the Beadle’s Office at the moment and really can’t go out. It wouldn’t be… polite.”

“Oh! Oh, dear. Poor Kailani. Of course I’ll come. I’m not as good with a needle and thread as my mother, but I’m sure I can do something.” I look at Jorge. “Save the next dance for me?”

He bows slightly. “Claro! But let me escort you.” I see Emlyn give an approving nod out of the corner of my eye.

The server looks relieved. “Thank you. Her companion is with her and asked me to come find you.”

“Jonah?” I ask.

“Yes, it seems they were coming out of the garden when the strap, and… I was showing a couple of the VIP guests to the Wardens’ Room, next door, but of course Ms. Reed couldn’t go there... The Beadle’s Office is the closest private room. It’s really off-limits to us, and I don’t know what Ms. Agnew will say, but, under the circumstances…” He’s now looking nervous as well as embarrassed, and I smile reassuringly at him.

“That’s very kind,” I say. “I’m sure the Drapers’ Company won’t mind, and we should only be a few minutes. Shall we go?”

“Please! If you’d like to follow me?” He turns and starts weaving through the crowd, as Jorge holds out his arm.