Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
brANDON
T onight's dinner takes place in a breathtaking aquarium on the other side of the city from the Kai residence. Jesse escorts me to the dinner with Isabel and Lexi Blue in toe. Both of them are wearing long gowns with intricate hair updos, while Jesse and I wear black suits. The event is small, with only a few tables around the room.
I look around for Roman as we enter the room, but can’t find him. My grandfather called for him before we departed, and he never returned before we had to leave. I spot my grandfather as he spots me. I waste no time walking straight to his table.
“Grandfather,” I say in greeting. I lower my head in respect. Both girls and my brother follow. It is always good to show that even we follow tradition.
“It’s good to have you back. Roman is a horrible replacement for you. Next time, ask Lexi Blue, why don’t you?” My grandfather leans to the side and waves at Lexi Blue and Isabel. “You both look lovely. ”
The girls take their seats, and I follow, setting in for the evening.
I can’t shut my brain off. I tell myself Grandfather has been doing this for a long time, he’s the current King of Puerto Quinn and he knows best. But a part of me says he’s wrong. He’s blind to his comradery and love for those he has known for ages. We have a traitor in our midst. If it is a Royal Family, it might be someone my grandfather thinks of as a friend, if not family. Choosing to focus on the common people feels wrong—I dare say foolish.
They quickly serve all the tables food. I need to get out of my head and be present. As I look at the fish dish, a sense of unease washes over me as the memory of Mel's hand grasping the blackfish and the shriek reemerges in my mind. I’m usually a fan of all seafood, but I might have to feign illness to get out of this one. I move it around with my fork, trying not to make it obvious I don’t plan on eating it.
“What?” Jesse whispers to me with a mouth full.
I flick off a piece of potato that lands on my jacket. I’m about to remind him he needs to act with decorum in public when a rowdy laugh has us both turning to look behind us. A few tables away, we spot the source of the noise. My oldest brother, Roman. He’s talking and laughing with the youngest Kai’s daughter, Rose. Their table is full of guards, all enjoying the food and ambiance. I don’t think Roman has ever talked to Rose, which makes the entire scene odd.
“He’s laughing,” Jesse says in shock. “Rose looks good. She’s grown up. Look at those arms, she’s fit.”
I turn round and gulp down some water as my eyes find Isabel. Her gaze is locked behind me. Her cheeks flushed and there is a tint of pink is covering her skin. I would have wondered if it embarrassed her if it wasn’t for the hard line of her lips. She’s angry. I’ve only seen Isabel angry a few times, and it’s always been directed at me. It happens scarcely, when I ask too much for Lexi Blue, in her opinion.
“They look good together.” My grandfather states to the table, not caring who hears. “Her father asked me to introduce them earlier today. Roman must have escorted her to dinner.” He takes a sip of his drink and looks around. “Are you all acquainted?”
“Yes,” I answer for the table.
Everyone continues eating as Isabel and I look at our plates with disdain. About an hour later, Roman joins us once the staff has cleared the plates. Rose is close behind, with a handful of guards at their backs.
“There you all are. I hadn’t seen you,” Roman greets the table.
“Rose Kai, how nice to see you, young lady.” My grandfather stands, and we follow suit. He extends his hand, and she takes it with a stern shake. “You look so grown up. Doesn’t she look lovely tonight?” he says back to the table.
“Lovely,” Isabel confirms with a tight smile.
“Would you forgive me for being as bold as asking if I can have this dance?” The question comes from one of the guards standing with the Kai soldiers, directed at Isabel.
Her eyes bounce around the people standing by the table before my grandfather clears his throat. “He is growing roots as we wait, sweetheart.”
Isabel is flustered, and the flush on her face deepens. “Of course.” She gets up, and in an instant, the soldier is holding her hand and leading her to the dance floor.
“Sit and talk with me.” My grandfather pulls out a chair for Rose. “I heard you are part of the city’s security team. Are your plans to join us in the Royal Force?”
Rose goes on a long rant with my grandfather about her ambitions. Eventually, she plans to join our ranks once she’s gained more experience and found someone to take her place here. Her intent in asking to be introduced to Roman was to better understand what she needed to make the jump. I watch my brother’s fixed gaze on the dance floor as the conversation continues around him.
“Rose,” Roman interrupts. “Would you like to dance?”
She scrunches her nose in distaste. “I’d rather not.”
Roman hangs his head. Isabel is still dancing with the guard. The song changes, but they keep going on to the next song instead of splitting. Rose looks back at Isabel and then at Roman, putting the situation together.
“We have some wicket cool fish on the fourth floor that shot black ink. We have been trying to mimic their ink. An unreal weapon once it works.”
“Freezes intruders?” Roman cheers up, intrigued.
Jesse mirrors his expression.
“Disorienting to anyone who smells it.”
My brother doesn’t have to hear anything more. He’s instantly on his feet. Jesse tries to get up, but I yank him down by the sleeve of his suit jacket.
“You’re on guard duty,” I remind him.
We both watch as Roman and Rose leave the party hand in hand. We wait for them to return, but after the room begins to empty, we decide to head back.
“I’ll speak to you all tomorrow,” my grandfather says before heading out. “Early morning.” His last statement is directed at Jesse.
I laugh in good humor and walk him out. Shutting the door behind him, I lean my head and take a deep breath. I can’t help but worry, but I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.
I turn back to the room and find Lexi Blue and Jesse staring at Isabel. She’s sitting upright on the couch, but something seems odd. Her spine is straight, and her hands are clasped tightly on her knees.
“Isabel,” I say, trying to get her attention. “Are you okay?”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
“You sure look like it,” Jesse says under his breath, but she doesn’t react.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I’m waiting for Roman.” She looks at her watch and then back at the door. “He should be here soon.”
Jesse and I share a look before he says goodnight and leaves. The door locking behind him sounds loud in the room's silence.
“I want to go to bed,” Lexi Blue states impatiently.
Isabel’s head moves slowly to her sister. “Can you get ready for bed on your own?”
Lexi Blue looks almost affronted for a second before she nods.
“Then go ahead, do it on your own. I’ll come to bed once I’ve talked to Roman.”
Her head slowly moves back to the double doors of the suite. Her eyes stay fixed on the wooden frame, willing them to produce the person she wishes to see. I follow Lexi Blue’s example and retreat to my room quietly.