Page 24 of Mistress of Hours

It opened to a tiny, winding alley, less crowded than the main thoroughfare that led to the front gate. Evienne preferred to slip out this way when she could; it was quieter. She enjoyed the forgotten corners of the city—they gave her time and space to think.

She meandered through the maze of streets, taking moments here and there to admire the vignettes the city offered her. The afternoon sun sent a pinprick of light bouncing off a deep violet window; a tangle of crisp dried leaves, loose and caught swirling in the breeze, scraping against the pavement; the sweet smell of fresh, warm bread on the air.

Soon, her winding path brought her to a busier street, and she looked up into the open blue sky as the buildings parted to make space above her. Her gaze landed on the massive glass dome of the Centrale Lumine. It truly was a marvel—both the architecture and the energy produced within.

Ichorna was now known across Domhan na Rùin for their technological advances, but what made their energy source so incredible was that it only required a few mages at a time to channel their magic into the system. The lights that kept Ichorna bright and the Rail system that kept them connected were both extremely efficient in their use of magical energy.

The Centrale Lumine was so large because of all the energy storage it housed. There was often a surplus. The facility was created primarily to store any overflow to be used in the case of emergency.

Evienne sighed and turned away from the Centrale Lumine, heading instead for her favorite tea shop in the city. After walking a few blocks, she pushed open the large wooden door of the shop and the tangy, herbal scent that greeted her made herclose her eyes in pleasure. She stepped in and began to make her way toward a table, but a familiar voice called her name.

“Evienne, hello!” Lou called from a small table tucked behind the door, right by the window.

“Oh, Lou, what a lovely surprise! What are you doing here?”

“Had the day off, so I thought I’d stop by to get the best cup of tea in town,” Lou answered with a smile. They gestured for Evienne to take the seat opposite them.

Evienne returned their smile and took a seat. “So how are things, Lou? Did everything go alright after I left Cambrie?”

“Oh of course, we had everything under control! You worry too much, you know?” Lou said with a laugh.

Evienne did know; she wished she could stop worrying, actually. She laughed along as she waved over the waiter and ordered a pot of tea.

“Other than that, things have been… alright, I suppose. Something odd happened the other day,” Lou said, concern creasing their brow. They continued, “I had a few of my mages pulled from my cohort this week, but no one will tell me why or where they’ve been reallocated.”

Evienne felt herself frowning. “Who told you, though? Who gave the order?”

Lou rolled their eyes. “Dominique did; she came to tell me herself and then refused to answer any of my questions. Typical.”

Lou knew the history between Evienne and Dominique, and they were the type of loyal friend that could hold a grudge on your behalf forever if needed. Evienne really liked them.

A flash of anger surged through Evienne at Lou’s words. “What gives her the right? She’s not in charge of assignments.”

“Oh I know it—I planned to come talk to you tomorrow when I’m back on duty. I thought you handled all Sangviere assignments.”

“I do! I do handle them,” Evienne said, her indignation flaring. “I’ll figure it out, Lou; thank you for telling me.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it. I just can’t imagine what Dominique is slinking around doing that she needs more mages,” Lou said with a sigh.

“No idea, but I certainly intend to find out.”

Chapter Nineteen

Evienne’s anger hadsettled into a simmer by the time she returned to the palace to prepare for the evening’s events. Dominique’s meddling was a problem for tomorrow, so she tried to put it from her mind. Her thoughts drifted instead to that night in the library—when she had felt Orion’s fingers pressing into her thighs. He had found his release at the taste of her on his fingers. She felt her core begin to throb at the memory of it; she had never felt more desired than in that moment, and she wanted more.

Evienne tried to get a handle on her thoughts as she stepped through the front doors of the Royal Concert Hall that was situated just outside the palace complex. Tonight’s event was a performance of a symphonic work that had been composed in honor of the millennium celebration.

Evienne’s black silk gown trailed slightly behind her. The skirt and bodice hugged all of her curves, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. The neckline was daringly low, and an emerald necklace dangled just above her cleavage. Her hair was pinned at the sides but fell in soft waves down her back. She knew she looked devastating; she had dressed for seduction.She intended to have a repeat of their night in the library.

As she strode through the lobby, a familiar lanky figure entered her field of vision.

“Sylvain!” She called out to the prince, who was currently talking animatedly with a tall brunette woman. He turned and saw her, waving her over with a grin.

“Evienne, hello! May I introduce Lady Cora Galanis, one of ouresteemed visitors from Aphana.” Sylvain gestured to the striking woman and Evienne bowed her head in greeting.

“Lady Galanis, lovely to meet you,” Evienne greeted her with a smile.

“You as well, High Sangviere. I am looking forward to the mage tournament; will you be participating? Your skills are a bit of a legend in Aphana,” Lady Galanis said. Her voice was open and rich, and her striking pale blue eyes were like nothing Evienne had ever seen.

---