I turn with him, the two of us leaning against the ledge together and watching everyone interact. Apart from Desmond and Keane, who are stillbeing shuffled around, the rest of our group from Disce have chosen to remain with eachother. Cal is still standing with Alanna, the two of them sharing glances over their drinks. Holis and Mana are enjoying a conversation with Barnes and Claymore, the four of them laughing as Barnes’ pretends to stumble over something in his story.
I take in the rest of the court and notice all the beaming smiles on their faces. Everyone is conversing and drinking with their neighbors so simply that it reminds me of a calm Gaumond. There’s no distinction here, no side glances or small frowns like those you’ll subtly see in Knowledge. Everyone just melds together as one people of Pyre.
“I’ll walk you back to your room,” Lord Daniel offers when he watches me take my final drink.
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I blush slightly.
“I’m thinking of turning in, too,” he extends his arm to me, “and your room is on the way.”
“Then I would gladly enjoy your company some more, Lord Daniel,” I smile and fold my arm into his.
The two of us walk through the throng of people on the balcony and back into the mountain as I sigh.
“I’ve never seen so many crystals in my life.”
Lord Daniel leads us through the throne room and towards the stairs beyond one of the pillars. The chandeliers are still hanging low from the walls, the sparkles shining everywhere and illuminating everything in sight.
“The mountain peak beyond this one is called the Crystal Mountains. It’s rumored this Kingdom has more gems then the Pyrenese know what to do with.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” I reply as we walk up the stairs, “but I think I’ll stick to our gems in Disce. I love our emeralds, even the black granite that’s used in Warrior.”
Lord Daniel smiles to himself as we reach the top of the stairs. He continues to walk us down the hall towards my room, his movements slow.
“You were very brave with the tiger earlier today, Lady Alexis.”
I chuckle and shake my head, “trust me, I felt everything but brave. I considered reaching for my dagger in the beginning.”
“But you didn’t,” he smiles, “and instead greeted the beast as a friend.”
“After speaking with Princess Clair all night I’m glad I made that decision.”
“What a different night this would have been had you not,” he laughs.
“Indeed,” I smile, “I’d probably be sitting alone in a prison cell right now.”
Daniel turns to me with a serious look, “no, Alexis. We’d all come for you.”
I blush once again as the two of us reach the door of my room.
“Thank you for the company, Lord Daniel.”
The Lord takes a step back and releases my arm with a small bow. “The pleasure was mine, Lady Alexis.”
Ancients,he’s so polite.
Daniel gives me one last smile before continuing further down the hall to his room.
“I may not have had to hide you, Golem!” I push into my room, hearing his padded feet move quietly as he enters from the shadows of the balcony.
“If you had been there tonight I think the Princess would’ve been open to you entering the library with me.”
Golem nods as I turn back towards the door, peaking my head outside. The bath I had earlier tonight was too quick. I want to soak in the hot water again and take my time, especially after learning that I’ll be starting my search tomorrow.
A young girl stationed down the hall notices me looking her way and walks over in greeting.
“May I please have some hot water for a bath?” I ask, spotting a lick of flames on her neck under her tunic. She smiles at me and then closes her eyes for a brief moment, then opens them again.
“It is done, Lady.”
