Crowns of Flame and Ice - Book One

(22) What Happens in the Shadows

Quilo and I stood before the beautiful alabaster home. Vines grew up the sides, curving around the windows. I presumed that they once flowered however, with either the loss of magic or the harsh seasons, there were no flowers in sight. I shivered, it had nothing to do with the cool temperature. in fact, it was not often I got cold. Tonight held two purposes, one was to smile and wave prettily at the lords and ladies in attendance, the other was to find out if anyone knew anything about the object we were looking for. we'd decided that since Quilo was the more well-known one, he'd do most of the talking. I just had to stand there and look pretty for anyone who questioned our motives, I snorted, everyone in attendance would likely be too drunk to care.

We neared the front steps that led up to the grand entranceway, slow idle music sounded within. I thought it to be unusual, the way the sounds arched and beckoned reminded me of the music that played in The Bowl. People laughed from inside the doorway and bright light greeted us as we stepped inside. The space was open, the entry hall becoming the main space for hosting guests. There were little alcoves towards the back of the hall, each space cloaked in shadow so I couldn't see inside. The room stilled, turning to face Quilo and me. Everyone in the room bowed and I had the feeling it was more because of the cold prince next to me as his voice boomed "rise." I'd forgotten how cold and unfeeling that voice was, I shivered.

Those in attendance went back to chatting and dancing with one another, doing their best to pretend that we were not there. "I'm going to go and get us a drink" I whispered stepping away from his side. I immediately spied the servant who held a tray of red wine glasses, I glided over to him and swiped two into my hands. A large banquet table had been pushed to one wall, every inch of it covered in a different dish. My mouth watered as I spotted the plate of brownies on the far end, much like the rest of the food, it sat untouched. Nothing here was meant to be touched, it was meant to be admired, looked at. I glanced up, glass orbs hung from the ceiling on an invisible thread, each containing a small candle. The effect the flickering flames had as they bounced off the surface of one another was mesmerizing. My mind immediately went to what would happen if one of the cords holding the orbs snapped, I moved out of their way.

I turned back to where I had left Quilo, he was chatting with a pretty blonde woman who was wearing a simple red gown. It highlighted her small waist and tanned skin, the material smoothing over her soft curves. I sighed and again turned towards the banquet table, glasses still in hand. I'd just wait for them to stop talking, I had little interest in engaging in unnecessary conversation. Glancing around the room I again stopped to ponder the decorations, draped across the wall was a trail of holly leaves and red berries. Each berry was dusted in a fine coating of silver glitter which sparkled under the candlelight. it must've taken forever to coat each individual berry, although I had to admit the effect was beautiful.

I glanced back towards where Quilo and the Pretty woman had stood, frowning when I couldn't see him. I shrugged, he'd probably be back soon. The tempo of the music shifted, slowing into a steady pace. A man approached me, his long brown hair reached his shoulders and his brown eyes twinkled as he studied me. "Is that for me?" He asked, gesturing to the two glasses I held. "Unfortunately not. It is for my... guest", I cringed at the word. The man's hair swayed as he cocked his head to one side and I noticed the rounded ears and his strong jaw, I guess he could be considered classically handsome. " I think your... guest" he drew out the word, "has his hands full." Frowning my eyes followed to where he pointed, a large round sofa that was overflowing with pillows. On the sofa sat Quilo, and on Quilo sat the pretty girl from earlier. Her arms were draped around his neck and her legs rested either side of his as they stared at each other. She threw her head back and laughed at something he said, long blonde hair flicking behind her. My jaw ached as I watched him move his hands to her hips, then his lips to her neck. She smiled, a dazzling smile that showed off all her perfectly straight teeth. Her slim back arched and I watched as he twirled strands of her hair around his fingers. I swallowed one of the glasses of wine, then the other. glancing back at the man I frowned, "it appears we've run out of wine. Will you accompany me to find some more?" The man grinned, placing a smooth hand on my shoulder, "I'd love to."