6. Chapter Six #2
I haven't been on a horse for years, and now, I'm about to ride bareback up a steep hill—which is still a hell of a lot better than walking.
The thunder of my heart quiets as the men shout and curse, louder than before.
A small, victorious chuckle at their anger escapes me as I lie flat against the horse's dappled grey neck and we step out into the inky blue evening.
After pulling my soft wool cloak around my shoulders, I ensure my satchel with Bri's things is secure, and we turn to face the darkening forest. The sight of the familiar, dark stone castle at the top of the steep hill and the giant mountains towering in the distance seem to be telling me to hurry home, so that's exactly what I do, leaving the Amplifiers to follow behind, their monstrous riders screaming into the dark.
The last thing I need is any more trouble tonight.
Leaving all three horses with the guards on duty at the gates, I describe what I can of the men I assume will eventually come looking for their horses, down to the blackened Ritual blade one of them will be carrying.
I'm not the slightest bit convinced they'll be held accountable, considering it's my word against theirs and I can't stick around to confront them.
Still, I had to try, just in case it protects the next woman they try something on.
The bells chime, oh-so-kindly informing me I have to be at the Great Hall in thirty minutes. The stairs alone take five each way, and only because I'm hurrying. If I miss our formal entrance, my father's corresponding wrath will not be pretty.
I manage to wash quickly and wipe away the blood before changing into an appropriate black dress.
There's no time to do anything with my hair, other than attempt to smooth down Mother's earlier handiwork as best I can.
My aching feet protest the heels I slip on, along with plain silver earrings and a dab of the new perfume Bri left me.
Careful not to trip on my full skirts, I rush down the stairs and reach the elegantly dressed group clustered around the towering oak doors to the Great Hall just in time for them to swing open.
The names of Zelindyr's four Foundation families are called over the music and chatter.
My parents, who barely acknowledge my presence, are immediately swallowed up by the crowd, and I smile at Willa and Felix, who came in behind us.
As if sensing I need it, Felix loops an arm through the crook of Willa's and extends the other to me.
"Come on. Let's go see if they opened the good stuff to impress the visitors.
" I take his arm, grateful for the support, and we step into the candlelit room, where staff from the Triv are laying out dishes for the dinner buffet.
The scents of spiced wine, fresh bread, and roast meat fill the air, mingling with the fragrant perfume coming from bunches of red and white roses on tall tables littered around the room.
Hundreds of people mill about, ready to celebrate the Renewal.
Weaving through the crowds, we’re handed glasses of peach-colored wine with sliced strawberries and claim a table with a clear view of the raised dais at the back of the room, next to the delegations from Orztralis and Teyleoss.
I’m guessing that's why the table was still empty: they don't exactly look friendly.
Not surprising, though; as resources become scarce, tensions between realms rise.
If we didn't need to make the Offering together and trade essential supplies, I doubt we'd ever interact.
It’s not long before the royal couples from each realm are announced and enter the Great Hall, now quieted in anticipation.
They take their seats on the dais, everyone so beautiful it’s almost painful to look directly at them in their multi-colored dresses or perfectly tailored suits and glittering crowns, not a hair out of place.
They radiate power, despite there not being a drop of magic between them.
There's also a distinct air of tension—not that the kingdoms have ever been overly friendly.
"They look serious," I whisper to the twins, subtly tipping my head toward the stage, where crystal flutes are being filled with pale sparkling wine, not a smile to be seen.
"Wonder what's going on," Felix mutters back quietly.
"Looks like we might be about to find out," Willa adds, and the whole room turns to face the Zelindyr King, who's standing, arms wide, ready to officially open the Renewal Period.
I notice every member of the grey-clad staff being ushered from the room.
Apparently, whatever he's about to say is not for outside ears.
"First, I’d like to welcome our guests and extend our gratitude to the High Sage, who graciously made a rare exception to spend today with us here in Zel, offering counsel."
The twins swap curious looks. Just like I was this morning, they're clearly shocked she left the Grotto. Earlier, I'd thought about mentioning seeing her, but I decided against it. What would've been the point when I couldn't tell them what she said?
The King clears his throat. "There is something we have decided to share with you all.
It is information the Shields and Endurers will need to know, although it has the potential to impact everyone.
Given how information travels within cities, we have decided it best to brief you together.
However, please ensure it does not spread beyond the castle.
The handful of villages along the road will be informed on a need-to-know basis. "
I glance at Willa, eyebrows raised, as if to ask what could this be? She shrugs, tugging at a piece of curled, fiery red hair already coming loose from where it's been twisted and pinned up. She looks beyond beautiful in a slinky, hunter-green gown with a high neckline and fishtail skirt.