“Stop! He'll hear you, he’s right outside and you are extremely loud. Before you get us in any trouble, let's just go.” She laughs under breath and links her arm with mine. Opening the door, Thylas and Rhenor stand outside talking to one another.
Thylas stands, his broad chest stretching a silky blue shirt with flecks of gold throughout, paired with black leather pants. His boots are also black, and he stands with a look I'm unfamiliar with as his eyes dance across my body.
Tingles shoot across my skin from the places his eyes skim over slowly and I flutter with self-consciousness, something I'm not used to, placing my hands over my chest to try to hide some of the skin. It's not normal to worry about the showing of skin in Antalis, but the look in Thylas' eyes makes me feel like some prey about to be eaten. It's not a look I have seen from him ... in a very long time. He cocks a half smile before catching himself and bowing, “Good evening,Su Kechni.” He is certainly being formal tonight.
Rhenor also bows. He is wearing a matching set to Siphonie's yellow, bringing out the color of his eyes — even more so tonight. I look toward her with a curious expression, she catches and kisses the air toward me as though nothing is amiss.
Usually, couples wear matching colors while attending the festival, and it's that thought that makes my eyes shoot toward Thylas. His outfit coordinates with mine and as I look more closely, the seams of his shirt and leathers are gold, and the material is the same exact shade of teal as mine. His hair is pulled high on his head with a leather tie that is intertwined with strips of gold, silver and black. We look like a couple. I chose this dress two hours ago, there is no way he could have known, it must be a coincidence. Maybe his companion will be wearing the same fabric, it's not unheard of, we all find our outfits around Antalis.
Siphonie pulls me forward and out of my thoughts as we find our way toward the festival.
The lanterns are made of sea glass in different shades, casting a multicolor shadow through the streets as we walk. The moon is full and high, helping shine light on the patrons and celebrations before us. The activities are pretty mild right now since children are still awake and enjoying the festivities. Bobbing for apples, pin the fin on the fish, and a game of finding the flower are being played by children and families. As the night progresses, the activities will become more adult centered.
The vendors have many delicacies available for purchase ranging from roasted fish, lobster tails stuffed with garlic and other herbs, kabobs that have different types of meats from animals raised on land, and so much more. The kids run with their sky candy, a special sugary treat that looks like clouds. Sky candy is a favorite of mine, but I only eat the pink kind.
Dancing is in the center while families play and laugh. Those looking for entertainment tonight are already perusing others who are marked with a silver clam shell around their neck- asymbol of being open to more for the night. The necklaces can be picked up at any of the taverns, as well as ale for the night.
This is our first stop of the night, the first ale house we see. Siphonie and Rhenor smile at each other as he grabs her hand and leads her in. He pulls her into his side and kisses the top of her head.
Thylas glances at me asking, “What's going on?” It's not new information that those two aren't always super close, so I just shrug and head inside with them, Thylas following behind.
The tavern is busting with the noise of voices and laughter, ale flows freely tonight. A cloud of smoke from tobacco pipes wafts around us, the air becomes even hotter as so many bodies are pressed into each other. As we walk in, the patrons realize I just walked in, stop and bow slightly.
“Don't stop on my account, continue.” I bow back toward them, respect given is respect earned.
The patrons continue back to their business and the four of us head toward the far table in the back corner. Thylas pulls a chair out for me, situated deep in the corner. He claims I’m easier to guard, only having to worry about what is in front of us not behind us. He sits beside me on my left, making the chair creak beneath him as he does. Siphonie sits on my right with Rhenor sitting across from me.
A red-haired woman, topless, except for the necklace between her breasts and the shells pasted on her nipples, immediately comes to take our order. Her sheer, red skirt drapes down her long legs ending at the silver bells wrapped around her ankles. Her eyes land on Thylas and I don't miss the way he quickly looks down, scuffling his feet as he tries to appear less than interested. It's a lie.
“Can I get you anything, Your Highness?” She smiles at me but her eyes constantly dart toward Thylas.
She's obviously amæna, and it's obvious that Thylas has visited. A heat I've not felt before flares inside my chest. I know of his trysts outside his watch hours, but having a woman who he must have visited here, in my face, is something I’ve not knowingly experienced. I rarely feel jealous, but right now, it’s as though there is a knife deep inside me, slowly twisting.
“We need some necklaces please,” Siphonie interrupts my thoughts. With a quick glance toward her, Thylas adds, “And some ale.”
The red-haired woman walks off quickly to gather what we requested, and I can't help but hide the smile that crosses my face as I look toward Thylas. “A friend of yours?” I tease.
“Don't” – he shakes his head – “whatever you are wanting to say ... just don't.”
I chuckle to myself as she returns, tossing the necklaces onto the center of the table and walking off again to fetch the ale.
Rhenor grabs a silver shell and ties the small strands holding it around Siphonie's neck before placing one on his own. Siphonie grabs one and fastens it quickly on my neck.
“You know I don't want this ... stop.” I start to tug the necklace off but she places her hand on mine.
“This is the last Festival ofTähtandMarbefore you are taken away from us, shouldn't you enjoy it?” Her eyes plead with me and the truth of her words hurts. This will be the last festival that I will be simply, Princess Carnaxa. Next year, I will be Princess Carnaxa of Antalis, the future Queen of Shaston.
I hesitate for a moment before nodding and letting the shell rest along my collarbone. The woman returns with ale for us, smiles like a fox toward Thylas, and grabs the last necklace on the table, fixing to place it around his neck when he catches her hand.
“Not tonight, Chantara,” he says simply, before grabbing his ale and taking a drink, not looking at her again.
Hurt momentarily flashes across her features before she quickly nods and walks away. Chantara glances back at him, her expression full of sadness, until she looks at me. Then her facial features show nothing but fury, before she turns again, disappearing into the crowd.
“What's gotten into you?” Siphonie asks Thylas, while she moves the ale in front of her toward Rhenor. “Last year, from what I hear, you were all the women could talk about.”
“And you were all the men could talk about,” Thylas retorts before he mumbles to Rhenor, “Sorry. That was uncalled for.”
Rhenor smiles. “The past is the past. Every day is a new chance to create something better. Now, let's not start the night off this way. Leave all the shit behind us and let's just have a good night.” He takes a gulp from his ale.
