Page 24

Chapter

Twenty-Three

The dinner was similar to that of our first evening.

The long tables had been replaced by circular ones, while the tables with the piles of food on them were lined against the back wall.

From where I stood, I could see the different roasts of meats, venison, lamb, pork, chicken, in addition to plates of vegetables and pies.

Never before had I beheld such a spread of food.

The sheer abundance left me overwhelmed; I didn't know where to start. Lil and Kadian were already at the table, each trying to put more on their plate than the other.

“I’ll get you some,” Lil told me as they bolted over there.

I don’t doubt it.

The king made a fleeting appearance, strolling through the room with his wife by his side, engaging with court officials. His sons trailed behind him for a time before breaking off. I wasn’t sure where Rai and Alvar had gone off to, no doubt somewhere in the room, but Dainan had shadow-stepped. Perhaps he felt he had fulfilled his social obligations for the evening.

Ilia.

“Here,” Lil said, shoving a plate into my chest.

I gave her a sideways glance while raising an eyebrow at her, “Is there a problem?”

“Kad got the last pudding, despite me saying I wanted it,” she took a bite of a slice of poultry, rolling her eyes.

“It’s not my fault you moved too slow. It’ll teach you better for next time. You go for what you want the most first, the rest can wait.” He grinned as he took a bite of the pudding.

A noticeable groan escaped her lips, prompting a chuckle from him. With a smile, he offered her the remainder of whatever he was eating. The genuine pleasure that lit up her face spoke volumes.

“So,” Lil looked between the two of us, “who’s going to ask the question first?” I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kadian as if he held the answer. He returned a blank stare, just as clueless as I was.

“What did you end up offering?” She sighed while looking at the server passing by with a tray full of drinks.

Lil grabbed a couple of glasses of what looked to be white wine and handed them to each of us before taking one for herself. I took a sip and confirmed that it was, in fact, a dry white. It had earthy tones to it, which made sense given the holiday we were in the midst of celebrating.

The minor details and decorations that had been seen were all in honor of the Eternal Court. Large smoky quartz crystals had been placed around the room, and the color of the plates, linens, and tableware were all varying earth tones.

“I’m not going to be the first to say,” Kadian responded, taking another bite. While they began to engage in a debate I continued to survey the room and its occupants.

Qurasa was mingling, or rather enduring small talk, with a cluster of Court of Whispers officials, offering the obligatory thanks for their aid. His face betrayed his distaste for the conversation, the thin veil of civility barely masking his discomfort. I watched him from afar, wondering how much we truly understood the intricate web of courtly dynamics. We were becoming more accustomed to life in Azmeer, but none of us were privy to its deeper currents.

Over the past few weeks, the lectures have been filled with the formalities of court life—when to bow, when to nod, when to extend a handshake. We’d learned how to greet every official from every court, each subtle gesture loaded with significance. Yet, the topic that gripped me most was the Well of Eternity and the Seers who guarded it. There was so much magic in this world, and I hadn’t begun to brush against its surface. My fascination felt like an ache inside me, a longing to know more, to see more.

The evening’s festivities unfolded around me as I continued to glance across the room, surveying the scene. Despite the devastation in Hadash less than a day before, it seemed forgotten here. The guests were immaculately dressed, women draped in gowns of deep green and earthy browns, while the men donned sleek charcoal suits. Their polished appearances seemed to say, “We are untouched by tragedy.” I tugged at the hem of my dress—olive green, snug against my waist with soft lines cascading down from the hips, the fabric silken and smooth. The capped sleeves fell off my shoulders, framing my collarbones. It highlighted the reds in my hair and accented the curves of my chest and upper body.

I liked to imagine that Giaxia would have chosen something like this to wear—a subtle, timeless elegance, powerful without being overstated. That thought made me stand a little taller.

“People are noticing you,” Oz whispered into my ear as he approached us. I put down my plate and pulled him into an embrace.

“I’m so sorry about today,” I placed my hands on his arms while holding his gaze. “Is your family…”

“Tamra heard from them this morning,” his voice heavy with sorrow. “Most are safe.”

“Most?” Kadian placed his hand on Oz’s shoulder.

“One of my uncles was killed this morning. In an aftershock.”

Before I could move, Kadian embraced him, “I’m sorry. If there’s anything we can do, let us know.” Kad whispered to him. Oz nodded in return.

“Have you had any food?” Lil asked.

“A little,” his voice was meek.

“I’m on it,” she grabbed a plate for him and filled it with untouched food from ours. “Here,” she said, handing it to him and squeezing his hand. “You’ll need your strength.”

He nodded as a sign of thanks and took a small bite of one of the pies.

“Well,” he said as he found my eyes once more, “like I said, people are noticing you.” A slight smile appeared on his lips.

“Don’t be crazy; they’re looking at those two.” I gestured with my head over to Kadian and Lil, who’d begun debating which of the pies had been best. Kadian’s vote was the spinach and cheese pie, while Lil’s was the fish pie. A pie that Kadian reminded her she shouldn’t have eaten if the Court of Reflection was watching.

“This is a festival for Giaxia; she wouldn’t care if I ate fish. Besides, it was delicious.” Lil said, a massive grin painted on her face.

“No,” Oz said, returning our focus to each other, “I distinctly heard people talking about the woman with the black hair, woven with red, in the green dress,” he looked me up and down, “and that is most certainly you. And why shouldn’t it be? You’ve earned your place to be here, twice over now. About time you look the part. ”

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I lifted my hand. As much effort as I had put into my appearance this evening, there was no way to make a wrapped hand look formal. “They were likely curious about this.”

He cocked an eyebrow as if assessing the truth in my words before scanning the crowd. His eyes locked onto something, and after a moment, I followed his gaze to see him staring at his sister and a girl with dark, almost black, curly hair.

“Who’s that with Tamra?” I asked, taking another sip of my drink.

“Isidra,” Oz said while keeping his stare locked on them.

“Do we not like Isidra?” I made my way closer to him, peering over his shoulder.

He relaxed a bit, “She’s alright. I just…I don’t love the way she treats Tamra. They started up something before we came here and Isidra has been unclear as to what the parameters of their relationship are. Tamra found her getting close with someone on the 5th floor from Petrias a week or so ago. I had to console her for hours.” He sighed, “It’s their relationship and their business, but if she hurts Tamra, I’m going to have a hard time keeping my feelings in check.” I nodded in understanding. Kadian and I had always been protective of each other's relationships.

It was an unspoken agreement—we never wanted to see the other get hurt.

Placing my hand on Oz’s shoulder, I gave it a squeeze before he drifted off to speak with a few members from the Eternal Court.

Despite the exhaustion from last night and today weighing on me, an inexplicable restlessness stirred inside.

I needed to move. Lil and Kadian were deep in an animated debate over which type of carrot was superior, their voices rising and falling, the topic strangely passionate between them, I took the moment to slip away unnoticed.

The room was packed to the brim, the symphony of voices drowning out even the sound of my own shoes tapping against the marble floor, a sensation I found comforting.

The glow of the sun started to wane, and the flames from the candles took center stage.

Their flickering dance casting a soft, ethereal gleam upon every surface.

I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the gentle, shimmering light they emitted.

At the far end of the hall, a raised dais had been installed for the evening. Upon it were plush cushions, lounging chairs, and rugs. It almost looked similar to the interior of the pleasure den Kadian had taken me to that one time in Asteros. That had been an experience. Thinking about that night brought a smile to my face. Lost in my thoughts, I made my way through the messes of people and took a step up.

Few had seized the chance to lounge, perhaps wary of showing weakness in front of Qurasa. However, feeling sore and weary, I couldn't resist the temptation to rest, even if just for a few minutes.

I chose a chair with no arms and a curved back.

I rubbed the velvet with my uninjured hand as I sat down.

Its texture was rougher than I would have anticipated.

“How’d that happen?” I looked up to a voice that I didn’t recognize.

My gut instinct told me to leave, but I knew that would be ill-received.

Frozen in place, I met his gaze, “I fell,” the words hanging between us in the tense silence.

His face was handsome, even more so this close.

It’s no wonder Lil…well whatever it was the two of them had done or shared.

“May I sit?” Prince Rai asked, gesturing to the chair next to me.

“It’s not for me to deny you the chance to sit,” I murmured, inclining my head in a gentle sway of acknowledgment.

“I’m told you’re Brida,” he said as he sat down, facing me.

His eyes were a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of reds, browns, and onyx, their unique hues both unusual and captivating.

His angular cheekbones were similar to those of Dainan and Alvar, but his face was more classically beautiful than his brothers.

“I am,” I replied, eyes darting around the room to check if Lil and Kadian had noticed my absence.

Lil’s arms were flailing, gesturing wildly.

I couldn't help but smirk—they had probably moved on to arguing about potatoes or some other root vegetable, fully absorbed in their debate.

“How have you found your time in Azmeer?” Leaning back into the chair, he folded his hands over his waist. He seemed at ease, which was unsurprising given that this was his home, and perhaps, he would ascend to the throne in a matter of months.

I made an effort not to dwell on that thought.

“It’s been more than I anticipated and expected,” I replied.

He smiled, a seductive dimple emerging on his left cheek. It was easy to see how Lil could have been swayed by him. His ease, his charm, his beauty.

“I’m sure that’s the case. But, have you enjoyed yourself here, Brida?” He asked, leaning forward, inching closer to me.

“As much as one can while one is being educated on court life and attempting to survive trials.”

He scoffed, “Court life. Tedious, isn't it? Look at this,” he gestured around the room, his arm sweeping to encompass the entire dining hall, “isn't this all meaningless? No one has seen or heard from Giaxia in millennia, and yet, we continue to make offerings to her each year, hoping they'll be accepted. It's nonsensical,” he concluded, his arm falling back to the armrest of the wingback chair.

I cocked an eyebrow at him. That’s not what I expected. “Are you a believer in Primal Dissent then?” I turned to face him more directly now.

“Is that a common terminology amongst the inductees?” He asked, a hint of amusement on his face.

“If you know where to look,” I returned my gaze back to the crowd as I heard him chuckle.

“Are you an ardent of Primal Dissent, Brida?” He asked, curiosity in his voice. A voice that was so similar and yet so different to Dainan’s. Although Dainan himself was not warm, there was a certain resonance in the cadence of his voice that stirred something within me. I couldn't pinpoint when I began to feel this way about him. It had only been a few hours since he had been getting under my skin. And yet…

“Brida?”

“I’m sorry,” I looked back at him, “what was the question?” His entire face lit up, and the joy on it was infectious. I couldn’t help but smile in return.

“I asked where you stood on the debate of the Primals, that is if you even believe there is a debate to be had,” he turned his attention to the wrappings on my hand.

I stilled for a moment before responding, “There are valid arguments on both sides. I value academic discourse and believe that debates can enrich our understanding. I'm uncertain where I stand on the issue. Prior to coming here, I might have been more inclined to share your opinion. However, everything I've witnessed since my arrival has given me pause.” I hoped that my lengthy response would ensure that his focus returned to my face and would not continue to linger on my hand.

“Indeed.” He said as his eyes flickered back up to mine. “Would you say that your time here has been educational?”

“Do you believe that I would have been able to maintain a cordial and proper conversation with you without said education, Your Highness ?”

He laughed, “I do indeed. I suppose that answers my own question. Which Magister have they given you?”

“Illerium,” I replied as my gaze drifted back towards the guests in the room. There was beauty in the evening. Not just from the manner in which people were dressed, or how their hair was done, but in the grander sense. In the face of tragedy, life does carry on.

“He’s an odd man, even at the best of times.” Rai snickered.

Before I could respond, he continued. “Illerium, overall, is a good man. Not overly patient, but who would be when you have held the same post for a millennia.”

No wonder he seems to hate his job .

“Well, Brida,” he said, rising upwards, “this was… enlightenin g.” He started to move forward, halting abruptly before pivoting back towards me. He lowered himself until his face stood mere inches from mine, “I know you're friends with Lil. Please inform her that I wish to see her, and that I want it back.” His tone changed, devoid of any curiosity or playfulness. His words seemed to reverberate down my spine, compelling me to sit straighter, reminiscent of when Asana had addressed us. Undoubtedly another gift from the Court of Shadows.

I blinked at him, caught off guard. “I have no idea what you're speaking of.”

“Oh, of that, I have no doubt,” he said, glancing back at Lil before refocusing on me. “But she does, and I want it returned to me.” With that, he straightened to his full height. “Enjoy the remainder of your evening, Brida,” he said as he began to walk away.

“Oh,” he paused, “and I would take care of that hand if I were you. We wouldn't want it to leave a scar."

As he exited the dais, greeting those in the crowd down below, I remained paralyzed. What did Lil take from him? I stood and smoothed my dress. Act naturally , I thought. I slowly stepped from the dais so as to not trip on the bottom of my gown and began to navigate my way through the crowd.

The room was a bustle with activity. The clanking of glasses, conversation, those celebrating creating a dance floor. I need to get out of here .

Lil and Kadian remained in the spot I’d left them, but Oz was nowhere to be seen. My mind raced. Why would she steal something from Rai? What if it was found out? What if we’re all found out? I paused to catch my breath, the temperature of the room increasing to the height of a midsummer day.

“Are you alright?” The voice startled me, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts.

“I—pardon me,” I stammered, looking up. He had black hair and dark eyes, his features sharp and otherworldly. He was Fae, with that ethereal beauty and agelessness that made it hard to guess his age. “My apologies for blocking the path.” I tried to sidestep him, eager to escape the conversation and the unsettling feelings that clung to me.

Before I could get away, I felt his hand on my arm, firm but not unkind. “Aela? What are you doing here?” he whispered, the words hanging in the air like ghosts.

I froze. What did he just call me?

“I’m sorry. What did you call me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady but failing miserably.

“My apologies,” he said, releasing his grip. “I mistook you for someone else.”

My heart pounded in my chest as I remained while I watched him walk away, the noise of the room fading to a dull roar. How does he know that name?

I rubbed my temple, trying to make sense of it all, but the thoughts just tangled further. I turned around, desperate for some semblance of normalcy, and that’s when I saw Marsh. He looked ashen, his usual calm demeanor replaced with something bordering on dread. Magister Illerium and Qurasa were with him, Qurasa’s hand resting on Marsh’s shoulder in what seemed like a comforting gesture.

Before I could move, before I could find my voice to call out to him, they were gone, exiting the room together. Whatever I wanted to say would have to wait. Everything would have to wait. And the longer I stood there, the more I felt like the walls were closing in.

“It’s going to be so much fun; I’m so excited. I want to take you guys to the Spice Quarter before we visit the bar, though. It’s amazing and has the best kebabs I’ve ever had.” Lil said as she and Kadian found me.

Feeling the need to leave, I informed them that Qurasa had left, meaning we were free to follow suit. I remained silent on the way back to our rooms, listening to Lil and Kadian discuss their offerings. Kadian offered a hand-drawn copy of his family tree to inform Giaxia of his ties to the Eternal Court, while Lil offered sand from the Hydratas Sea she had brought with her. “It’s earth-based, so I thought it may work,” she shrugged as she explained. They forgot to ask me what I had offered and I had never been happier to not truly be part of a conversation.

My room was dark when I entered. I lit the candles that stood atop my desk and bedside tables. I let out an audible sigh, a mix of relief and panic washing over me.

Glancing at my window, I felt a slight breeze across my cheek.

“ Are you alright? ” I heard the wind whisper.

“ I have so many questions, ” I began to say, “ but they will have to wait for now. ”

“ Yes, but are you alright? ” It asked once more.

“ I will be. ”

As I was about to crawl into bed, exhaustion pulling at every limb, a soft knock sounded from the door. My body tensed, the fatigue melting into something more jagged—anxiety, maybe. Who would be visiting this late?

“Just a second,” I muttered, my voice just loud enough to carry. I fumbled my way to the chair, my fingers trembling as I grabbed the cover and wrapped it around my shoulders. The familiar, quiet creak of the hinges met my ears as I opened the door, the dim light from the hall casting shadows across Kadian’s face. His hands were shoved deep in his pockets, his expression somber.

“Hey, Bri,” he whispered.

I didn’t hesitate. No matter the time, no matter how drained or broken I felt, I’d never deny Kadian entry. Our parents used to joke when we were kids, spinning tales of invisible portals that connected our rooms. They’d always find us huddled together in the middle of the night, hidden under blankets, sharing secrets or giggling over some silly thing that had happened during the day.

“You okay?” I asked, closing the door behind him, my words more of a reflex than genuine inquiry. I crossed the room and perched on the edge of the bed, motioning for him to join me. The chill of the floor seeped into my feet, grounding me in the moment.

A flicker of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m actually here to ask you that. Felt like a pretty close call today.” His strides were slow, deliberate, as he crossed the room in three easy steps. It struck me then—how much he’d grown. Not just in height or muscle, though that too, but into himself. The scrawny boy I grew up with had become a man while I wasn’t looking.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “It did feel close. I swear, it felt like I was holding soup in my hands—the way my palms were sweating.” I managed a weak chuckle, hoping to lighten the heaviness hanging in the air between us.

Kadian nodded, his eyes soft but sharp, always seeing too much. “Yeah. I don’t know what I would’ve done if they’d called my name and not yours.” He hesitated as if weighing his next words. “Well, that’s not true. I know exactly what I would’ve done.”

I turned to face him, my stomach tightening. “And what would that be?”

His gaze held mine, unflinching. “I would’ve told the whole lot of them to fuck right off.”

I barked out a laugh, relief washing over me like a tide. “Do you remember when you did that to Tayo Mindalas? I swear, I’ve never seen a person turn such a deep shade of red.”

His grin broke through, wide and easy, as if we were back in those simpler times. “Scarlet. Damn near scarlet, Bri.” He clasped his hand over mine, and the sudden warmth of it stilled the restless energy buzzing under my skin. His laugh quieted, his voice dipping lower. “But in all seriousness, Bri, this…all of this…it means nothing if we’re not here for each other.”

The weight of his words settled into the spaces between us, heavy but comforting. I leaned into him without thinking, my body folding into the familiar curve of his as he wrapped an arm around me. I could feel the steady rhythm of his breathing, the rise and fall of his chest. I didn’t realize how much I needed that—something steady, something real.

“How did I get so lucky to have you in my life, Brida Larrow?” He whispered.

My grip tightened, “It’s just the way the story was written, Kad.”

I smiled up at my best friend, the one person in this world who knew me possibly better than I knew myself, the one who had seen me at my lowest low and I hoped would be there until the end.

“And what a story it is,” I said.