Page 50 of Wrath Of Suns And Shadows (The Osparia #2)
As the carriage began rolling along, the rhythmic clopping of horses’ hooves intermingled with the scent of hay and leather.
My thighs burned against Kade. Every dip and bump only made me realize just how close we were to each other.
The size of the carriage made it impossible to put any space between us.
I had done my best to keep my distance since the catacombs.
His words and actions continued to confuse me, and I didn’t want to entertain his indecisive mind—or mine.
I had continued to ignore Crow, regardless of his shadows that shrouded my room every day, either under his own command or because they wanted to be near me. My feelings toward him were so jumbled even though I loved him and he loved me, or at least I thought he did.
He'd left me here for whatever reason—it didn’t matter. I knew if I truly loved something, I’d protect it at all costs, consequences be damned, and I didn’t think I’d ever be able to forgive him for that.
Through the small window, I caught fleeting glimpses of the festival outside.
The aroma of roasted meats and sugary treats wafted in, making my stomach twist with a mixture of hunger and longing.
Laughter and chatter reached my ears, a stark contrast to the tense silence that had taken over the carriage.
As the festival unfolded beyond the window, I found myself torn between yearning for my freedom and the strange camaraderie that had blossomed within the time that I had been here.
As the carriage came to a stop, I balked at getting out.
I didn’t want to face these royals. I didn’t want to be on display.
Sensing my hesitation, Kade leaned over to me.
“I’ll be with you the entire time. Remember, we just need to put on a quick show and then we can leave,” he whispered to me.
But I didn’t want to leave either. I wanted to enjoy the festivities. I wanted to eat and dance and do all the things that I hadn’t done in what seemed like forever since being trapped within the walls of that palace. I wanted to be normal, even if it was just for a night.
But instead of saying all of those things, I just nodded and stood with Kade.
He opened the door and quickly got out, offering me his hand to help me out of the carriage.
People murmured their opinions and whispered to each other about the great Peacebringer being brought down by Ember as I walked by the small crowd that had gathered around to catch a glimpse of me in irons.
A symbol of peace lost. I was sure those who sided with Valos viewed this as the war won, but I knew differently. This was only the beginning. I wouldn’t let this place be my end. I had too many people counting on me.
Kade dragged me around the district square.
It was a grand expanse paved with smooth cobblestones that shimmered faintly under the soft glow of starlight.
A magnificent centerpiece fountain stood tall, its waters illuminated by enchanted crystals that changed colors as the night progressed.
They reminded me of the crystal catacombs, and a part of me wondered if that was where they had come from.
Had Kade decorated the fountain as a boy?
Had his mother done it to add a touch of beauty to this sad place?
Elaborate stone benches and intricately carved lampposts surrounded the fountain, providing resting spots for visitors to soak in the festive atmosphere.
A little ways away, I could see the many stalls lining the square, offering an array of wares.
Potion masters peddled iridescent elixirs that shimmered with colorful hues.
Artisans displayed intricate jewelry made from stardust-infused gems and rare metals.
Street performers dressed as mythical beings captivated audiences with mesmerizing displays of fire dancing, illusion, and acrobatics.
A grand stage dominated one corner of the square in the distance, featuring live musical performances by minstrels skilled in playing their instruments. A troupe of actors presented whimsical plays based on age-old tales, bringing the legendary stories about the gods and goddesses to life.
There was so much enjoyment to be had just beyond all the judgmental stares.
I kept my head down as Kade and Evereht stood on either side of me.
Kade gripped my arm tightly and paraded me around the square as if I were just another attraction for their entertainment.
The few times I glanced up, though, not everyone looked at me with distaste.
It was quite the opposite really. I could see sadness in their eyes, telling me they didn’t want what was happening.
Their pity lingered in the air. I brought my eyes back down to the cobblestones as Kade swept me through the square to get back to the carriage.
He had stopped only a handful of times to talk to people who seemed to be of a higher class. I could tell Evereht and Kade had plenty of practice getting out of those long, drawn-out conversations that seemed common among royal gatherings.
Kade would respond, and the moment the conversation seemed to linger, Rhet would interject and Kade would saunter away with me.
Rhet would join us again a few moments later.
They were quite the team. Evereht looked at me with a grin, and I couldn’t hide my chuckle.
Kade glanced at me with his princely mask still painted on his face, but I could see the playful glint in his eyes.
We made it back to the carriage in one piece, and I stepped in and took my seat. Kade and Rhet did the same, and soon the horses began trotting us back to the palace, and the thought of leaving without enjoying the festivities made a frown tug on my lips.
I glanced out the window, watching the sight grow more distant until the carriage came to a stop.
“What’s happening?” I asked, and Rhet stood and lifted the seat of his chair. There was a secret compartment full of what looked like clothes. He yanked out a hooded cloak and handed it to me quickly.
“Put this on,” he said while grabbing another one and handing it to his brother. I did as he said and so did Kade.
“Stick to the plan. We’ll be back,” Kade said to Evereht, and my eyes volleyed between them.
“What the hell is happening?” I lowered my voice like theirs was, even though no one else was around.
“Remember how I said I aim to please?” Rhet said, and I nodded.
“Well, I’m pleasing.” He opened the carriage door.
“Now, both of you, go.” Kade made haste out of the carriage before helping me out, and we began walking quickly side by side down some back alleyways that seemed to head toward the music, laughing, and chatter.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To enjoy the festival,” he replied, and heat rushed to my cheeks as he grabbed my hand and tugged me along.
Vibrant stalls lined the streets, each one adorned with exotic delicacies that promised to tantalize our taste buds.
As Kade navigated us through the lively crowds, I couldn’t help but let my eyes linger on the mouthwatering array of treats that beckoned to us.
We paused, and I almost knocked into Kade from the sudden stop.
He moved me along with him in front of the vendor with the treats and tossed her some coins.
“Get whatever you want,” he murmured to me from under the hood of his cloak, and I could see the faint glow of his amber eyes and his grin as I grabbed what seemed to be some sort of cookie almost the size of my head.
We found a quiet spot to blend in with the crowd of people readying to enjoy the next show from the actors playing out ancient tales, our surroundings a stark contrast to the complexity of our situation.
But I couldn’t hide my bright smile as I sat there like a giddy child while watching a play. Kade leaned over.
“You’re glowing,” he whispered with a smile, which made my stomach turn and heat flush my cheeks.
I shouldn’t have felt anything for him, but seeing him take the risk of bringing me out here did something to my heart.
I savored the next bite of the cookie before I broke some of it off and handed him a good hunk of it.
We cheered our pieces of dessert together as the show began.
Afterwards, we moved through a few of the stands that had games, and Kade won a prize.
“Pick one,” he said, but I wagged my head.
“No, you pick something. You won,” I countered, and he glanced over the choices again and ended up grabbing a small stuffed bunny. It was adorable, with mismatched colors on its ears.
“It seemed fitting,” he said with a grin, and I rolled my eyes at him as he looped his arm around mine, and we made our way farther into the Imperial District, moving to the outskirts of the festival.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“You’ll see.”
I grew tired of his and his brother’s secrets.
We sauntered up to a stand that sold lanterns, and not just any lanterns, but ones made from some type of thicker paper, which cast a soft but warm glow.
Kade tossed the elderly man some coins and took two that were unlit before he thanked the man and nodded his head in the direction that he wanted me to follow him.
Kade cautiously led us through the dimly lit alleyways. My steps were hesitant and my eyes darted around, searching for any hint of movement. I didn’t want to get caught outside the palace.
The festival’s distant laughter and melodies reached our ears. I cast Kade a wary glance. A mixture of fear and uncertainty filtered through me. We were getting too far away. But he held my gaze gently, as if he could convey his intentions through his eyes. I could tell he had done this before.
Eventually, our feet carried us away from the main festivities. Kade led us to an old tavern nestled on the outskirts of the Imperial District. The tavern exuded an aura of rustic charm, and we entered, drawn by the promise of further escapades.