6. Chapter Six #3
The King continues, "A few months ago, patches of strange, chalky white soil were discovered in surprising locations across Zelindyr.
We have now come to learn they also showed up in Orztralis and Teyleoss.
Despite being nowhere near the south, the soil appears similar to what we can see of the surface of Envenar, so there is a chance it could be connected in some way.
I assure you, the barrier is solid, and all went well with the Offering this morning. "
This is what the Sage mentioned to me. I'm glad the King is telling everyone now so there's one less secret I'll have to keep from the twins.
A confused silence swells in the cavernous room as people try to figure out what could be causing the issue.
And is it me, or did he hesitate a little over that last sentence?
"When the analysis was inconclusive and no more spots showed up, we figured it was an anomaly.
However, a large patch was discovered a few days ago by a group of nobles travelling here for the Renewal.
It's not easy to access, so we have it under guard for now, and once essential meetings wrap up this week, Commander Adiston will take his squad to examine the site and collect samples to be analyzed by the High Sage and her attendants. "
He waves a hand toward the wall behind us, and I catch a glimpse of the tall, dark-haired Shield casually leaning against the wall next to Princess Coria, wearing a formal suit like all the other men in this crowded space but somehow still managing to look cavalier.
He lowers his head slightly in acknowledgement without bothering to drop his cold, bored expression.
The King doesn't seem to mind, giving him a wide, paternal smile while waiting for the room to quiet down again.
"Rest assured, we will find out what's going on.
We only wanted to let you know, since those of you with ranger assignments will need to keep an eye out when you're beyond the city walls.
That's enough of that, though. For now, let’s enjoy the celebrations. "
He raises his half-full glass of wine in the traditional toast. "May the trades be fruitful, the barrier remain eternally strong, every brave, young warrior survive the Trials to claim their Amplifier, and may our new Wielders choose well."
The entire room erupts with a chorus of, "Choose well," in reply, the noise building back up to a crescendo as the staff rush in to refill glasses and remove the covers from heaped, steaming platters of excessive amounts of food.
I turn to huddle with my friends, more interested to hear what they think about what we just learned than getting dinner, when a shrill voice from the neighboring table interrupts whatever Felix was about to say.
"Swear to the stars, your sister is so damn lucky.
" I turn to see the pretty, albeit sour, face of Lady Lisia.
"If I could get the Commander to so much as look my way, I’d let him rip this dress right off and do unspeakable things to me.
" She runs a hand down the jewel-crusted bodice of her pink lace dress with a hungry look toward the now-empty space where the man she's lusting after was standing moments ago.
Olvia’s nettling laugh follows. "Oh, please. You're both goldenbloods. You couldn't touch him even if he did."
"Last time I checked, Princess, it's only contact with my blood that would strip his magic, and you know it. I'm talking about sex. I’m not dumb enough to think I could marry the man."
"He's hardly going to take the risk for a bit of fun, not when he's got so many options."
"Options like you?"
"As a royal, I may not have magic or your special little tattoo, but at least I wouldn't be a risk to him.
" She tosses a smug smile at her friend, like she just won their bizarre little competition.
"And let's be honest, he's so gorgeous, I'd sabotage my fertility suppressant and beg him to bend me over the head table while everyone watched if I thought he'd say yes. "
My amused look is met with ones of revulsion from the twins.
Lisia giggles, jabbing her friend in the ribs. "What about your sister? Doesn't the King want her to marry the Commander, since he's our realm's next High General?"
"As if Father cares which one of us it is, just as long as he gets all that power in the family like he's always wanted. Personally, I think I'm the better match for him. She's too soft."
"You're not even of marrying age for another four years so this is pointless," Lisia snipes, sounding bored with the conversation. “Can we go eat? This wine is going straight to my head.” The women drain their glasses and head toward the overloaded tables before we catch Olvia's reply.
"Well, that was disturbing. Someone should probably warn him,” Felix jokes weakly, eyes wide.
"Agreed. I was going to suggest dinner, but I think a drink of something stronger is in order first," Willa says with a shudder. “Then definitely food. You still look pale, Aly.”