“And yet, it is still true.”
“What happened in your life that made you believe something like this?” I asked. The question was insanely bold, but I continued to test his patience with little caution.
His lips curved into a sad smile. “Your conviction in this belief that people are innately good is a rare and beautiful thing. It will be a sad day when you will lose it.”
Well, he didn’t have to worry there. “I will never give up on people.”
His smile faltered. “Yes, you will,” he said it as though it was a promise, a truth that he believed in.
And at that moment, I understood something. We were both playing a similar game.
He believed he was giving me the freedom that would ultimately stifle my views, causing me to see things his way. While I was trying to take that same freedom and use it to smother him in return. We both were playing with a lot of rope and both expected to come out victorious. But that was impossible.
One of us had to lose.
16
ARIANA
As I weaved through the small crowd, I finally made it back to the table. A pitcher of newly replenished wine sat before me, and I poured it into my goblet.
After my bizarre interaction with Clause on the balcony, I left him out there in favor of a drink. The room buzzed as more and more people took to the dancefloor. Those of all races lingered together without prejudice, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of that.
“You truly are a fine creature,” someone said, drawing my attention to one of the King’s many advisors who did anything but actually advise. Instead, they kissed the ground Clause walked on, hanging off every word he spoke, and nodded so fiercely they likely scrambled their own brains.
“You call all Bavadrins creatures?” I eyed him while facing the party. Music twirled around the room, giving the space a lively feel.
“I did not mean any disrespect by it,” he said, eyes glossy from having one too many drinks already. He then stepped tome, getting a little too close. “Care to dance?” Alcohol drifted from his breath as he offered his hand.
“I’d rather scrub the floors of the castle with a toothbrush,” I said with a polite smile. The last thing I saw was the dumb expression on his face before I downed my wine, set the glass on the table, and left him standing there.
I didn’t want to sift through the people at the party again, but I also did not wish to entertain Clause’s minions. Was it too soon for me to take my leave?
A familiar face snagged my attention. Timothy, one of the servant boys who helped Gorm that day I found the servant’s building, was gathering empty glasses on a tray. Shocked, I turned and made my way towards him.
“Fancy seeing you here.” I smiled as he looked at me in surprise. His gaze dropped, then rose once again, taking in my gown and appearance. I also took in his. He looked clean, his hair brushed, and the dark jacket and pants he wore made him look older, dapper even. “Don’t you look handsome this evening,” I stated.
His cheeks instantly turned red, and he stared at me with wide eyes.
Someone came up beside the boy, bumping into him, before leaning down and whispering loud enough for me to hear. “I think this is when you tell the lady she looks beautiful tonight.” Gorm glanced at me and winked.
“Ah, yes, of course. You– You look– beautiful.” Timothy’s face grew redder by the moment, nearly matching my dress.
“Thank you.” I smiled and turned to Gorm. “How is this possible? That you both are here tonight?” Typically, they worked jobs outside of the main palace. From what I knew, they never stepped foot inside.
Gorm absentmindedly scratched his elbow. “Well, the King requested we help with the party if we so wished.”
“And you wanted to?”
“Are you kidding?” Timothy’s eyes lit up. “You do not know how good the servants within these walls eat. This has been amazing compared to our usual work.”
I smiled yet turned to Grom in question. “Did something happen to the usual servants who work at such events?” Clause didn’t strike me as someone who typically allowed for such a service change. To take those given a rough cut and place them in polished roles.
“The King did it for you,” Gorm answered with a lifted bushy brow.
“Me?”
“He knows you are not close to many at the palace. You spend most of your free time with us or at our housing lodge. So, he invited us to work the event, to offer you a familiar face and hopefully a bit of comfort amongst this uptight madness.” Gorm smiled knowingly.
