He leveled me with a flat stare. “Very few.” After a breath, he continued, “This evening should be a simple affair. Queen Avery is a paranoid woman, believes some mysterious entity is stealing her magic. This is one of many gatherings she uses to subdue her wild suspicions. I am included because I’m her mapmaker and I understand every corner of her realm.”
“You’re a cartographer?” My gaping mouth could catch flies.
A lopsided grin eased out of him. “I have a talent for it, and with the ever-changing landscape across the realms, I’m quite sought-after. I also don’t try too hard to highlight Aphellion.”
“I’d like to view your work one day.” I wondered if King Nolan used his maps.
“Hmm. Perhaps.” He crossed his ankle over his knee, leaning further back into the seat. “There are some people in attendance,besides Oster, that we have our eye on. If you see anything suspicious, tell me immediately, and I’ll take care of it.”
I nodded absently as I traced the metallic ivy on the carriage’s walls, their ongoing movement as calming as the swells of the ocean. “Do you not trust me with the enemy?”
“It’s not about trusting you. It’s about protecting you.” The ivy ceased its undulating motion.
Annoyance prickled. “That’s what Nolan claimed as well.”
Shadows surged from his fisted hands. “I do not operate on manipulations and deceptions. I am nothim.”
His earnestness settled me; I relaxed further into the seat. “I’m beginning to think you might not be.”
Along the carriage walls, the flowers resumed their blooming.
Chapter Twenty-Four
THE SPY
The Topaz Castle glowed as we approached. The walls climbed upward like a giant slab of luminous marble. No lines marred their smooth surfaces. Windows dotted the upper levels, glimmering in the draining light of dusk. The amber topaz diffused the light borne from within its walls, rendering torches unnecessary. The deep sound of rushing water beckoned my gaze eastward. Snowmelt ribboned down from the lavender mountains, flowing through the castle before emerging as a waterfall that tipped off the edge of the palace’s foundations. It rushed gracefully down, merging with the waterways and canals that flowed below the elevated city of Lyrae.
It was rumored that magic from the nymphs aided in the castle’s elaborate construction. Its many carved facets, along with the makeup of the gemstone itself, allowed the castle to retain an ethereal glowing translucence, rather than the transparent quality of mere glass. The sea carved a thin blue line beyond it, kissing the horizon.
Armored men barred entry, their chest plates and gauntlets ornately crafted from a topaz-colored metal. Only the finest for the jeweled queen. Our transport curved around to the entrance of the castle. Dom exited the carriage first, extending his handto me. He pulled me to his side, the scent of leather and musk filling my senses. His lips brushed my ear. “I haven’t told you, but you are stunning this evening.” A shiver skated down my spine.
Before I could respond, we were moving, following armed guards into the palace. The sound of my heels clicked along the white-marble floors. My arm threaded through Dom’s, his stride easing to compensate for my slower pace. His arm tensed as the doors to the dining room opened.
When I stood this close to him, the shock of familiarity resounded despite our years of separation. My mind felt jumbled, as if a mind manipulator hovered nearby. But I felt confident no outside intervention had unleashed the flutter in my stomach. I shouldn’t indulge it. But for one night, it wouldn’t hurt, right?
Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting their crystalline radiance throughout the polished space. The golden walls shimmered with intricate carvings and ornate moldings. Gossamer curtains swayed in the sea breeze from the open windows. A large rectangular table with legs carved into the shape of lion’s feet showcased richly prepared dishes with delicately stacked fruits and colorful cakes. Servers streamed from a discrete door, bringing in plates of braised meats, roasted vegetables, butter-soaked lobster, and fragrant rice.
Dom led me to an offset table made entirely of crystal. Effervescent liquor filled a swan chiseled from ice. It streamed from its hollow body out of its mouth into a bowl beneath. Dom grabbed two goblets and filled them both, offering me one. I politely sipped its contents. Bubbles sweet and chilled fizzed across my tongue. I had never tasted anything like it, and I tipped the glass back for more.
“Careful,” Dom tsked. “Nymphian wine goes straight to your head if you aren’t used to it.”
My lips pursed into a brief pout, but I relented my consumption. I scanned the other people milling about. Focusing on my sight, I willed my eyes to water just enough to glean their auras. Several people hid their nervousness, their auras ranging from the pale orange of amusement to lime green indicating worry.
A woman entered the room and assumed a chair in a far corner, pulling down a gilded harp. Her fingers floated across the strings, composing a mellow melody that swept along the currents, softening the ambiance.
Dom leaned into me, his body warming my space. I involuntarily breathed him in, scolding myself in the process. “Oster just walked in. He’s the one in the vest.”
I casually scanned the room, landing on the man with the dark-green vest. His sandy hair was pulled back in a smart tail at the nape of his neck. He reclined lazily against the wall. His shrewd eyes noted the other guests, appearing to size them all up. His perusal stilled, a note of surprise lifted his brow as he glimpsed me. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, his curiosity instilling a vigor that energized his approaching steps.
I glanced away, feigning boredom, and took another small sip of the nymphian wine.
Oster’s hand clapped the side of Dom’s shoulder. “Good evening, Dominus,” he boomed. A few others glanced our way, a roll of their eyes returned them to their previous conversations. “Who is this striking beauty you have with you?” His leering gaze left my lip curled in distaste. My fingers itched to pull a blade.
Dom placed a steadying hand at my lower back. “This is my… companion, Rue.” I met his stare. Dom didn’t turn away as he finished his introduction. “She’s pretty, but she bites.” I nearly choked on my wine. Dom chuckled as he sipped from his glass, unhurriedly returning his attention to Oster.
“The pleasure is truly mine. If this brute becomes a bore, come find me.” His eyes glinted conspiratorially. He leaned toward my other side, indecently close. I held my ground as his tacky breath heated my face. “The name’s Oster.” He pulled away, straightening his vest.
His nasally voice grated on me. Dom’s hand now gripped my waist, and I leaned into his side, relishing the comfort of his presence. Oster offered a licentious wink before strolling away, meandering through small clumps of other guests. If only it were appropriate to douse myself in my water magic to remove the tang of his presence.
