The gargoyle laughed. I didn’t see what was so funny. I didn’t enjoy having a shadow, aguard,everywhere I went. Some mischief was best achieved in isolation.I sighed and pushed to my feet, finishing Tassarion’s angelwine. Slipping on fuzzy slippers and sliding an onyx silk robe around my shoulders, I made for the door.
“Come with me, Coralai. I need to find Saundeiah. We have a masquerade ball to ready ourselves for.”
We walked out into the hall. With every step, my body levitated off the ground as Coralai’s heavy stomps shook the floors.
“I can’t believe you convinced the king. He hasn’t had a festivity here since before...”
I knew exactly what she was talking about.
I waved my hand to shake off the creeping oppression.
“Yes, I know. But it’s time all of that changed.”
When we reached the spiral stairs, I spread my wings and began flying.
“Have you ever been to a masquerade, Coralai?”
The gargoyle looked at me with a strange expression on her harsh face.
“I’ve watched many from afar. But Gargorètti aren’t allowed to attend such affairs. Angels are too scared of us. Our appearances terrify them.”
“Well, to the Hèls with judgmental angels who can’t accept you for who you are. Youwillbe in attendance this twinight.”
Coralai smiled. Then she nudged me as we flew up the ramps of the manor, passing floor after floor.
“I knew I liked you,” Coralai laughed.
“Unhinged I may be, but room will I create for those I love around me.”
The Gargorètti fell silent for a while. We flew in quiet, flying through the massive manor, crossing through endless chambers, courtyards, and halls.
“Thank you, Roièssa.”
I looked at Coralai and reached over, mid-flight. I scratched her head, and the gargoyle purred. If the garbled sound she made could be called that. I made it to the main kitchens, and to my luck, Saundeiah was inside bossing a few of the Nanmiess around.
“We willnotserve our Roi and Roièssa this... thisembarrassment. What do I always tell you younglings? Presentation matters! In all things!”
“Ehem,” I coughed.
Saundeiah whipped around. I was shocked to see the cheeks of the soul darken as if she was actually blushing. Her luminescent eyes held a peculiar look. Something in my gut told me I should poke her about it. To check in and see if everything was all right. But I knew Saundeiah well enough. She was reserved. Observant. Kept to herself while maintaining her duties in the manor. I didn’t feel comfortable getting too personal with her yet. I shook off the feeling, zoning in on what she was saying.
“Roièssa! Stars. Is everything alright? Why are you here? I was going to bring the rest of your firstfast for you?—”
“Saundeiah, breathe. Leave the littles alone. I need you.”
The Nanmiess blinked at me three times before releasing her grip on the plate she was holding and floating to my side.
“What happened?” She asked.
I wriggled my brows.
“Notwhathappened, but whatwillhappen, is what you should be asking.”
The soul’s eyes flickered. The luminous orbs grew a shade darker before lighting up again. She looked at Coralai while I was left feeling strange. If this friction between the soul and I would get better, it would be from effort made on my part.
“Why is our Madame Nahomie speaking in riddles?”
“Hèls if I know,” Coralai said, shrugging. “She’s in a mood this dawn. Prepare yourself.”
