Page 38 of A Court So Dark
“Move along,” one of them barked down the hook of his nose.
I stopped instead, Dark Dani pushing to the forefront.
“King Cardian,” I almost choked at having to call him that, “will not mind my presence. Please inform him that Lady Fenmenor is here.”
“He is not expecting you, so like I said, move along.”
I tried to think of what to say that might convince them to let me in, but I had no authority here, and the only power I possessed would turn him into a husk—not exactly the best first step. Except Dark Dani didn’t share that thought. In fact, she had me taking a step forward, one hand slowly reaching for the guard’s bare arm.
A frown started to cross his features as I approached, but the sound of steps made me pause and glance back.
Varamede Elis, wearing a blue jacket embroidered with orange thread, had just turned the corner and was walking in our direction. He slowed his pace when he noticed me. His dark eyes narrowed, and his entire demeanor became guarded, as if he was ready to spring an electrical attack at any moment.
It seemed I had left quite the impression on him. Good. Smiling, allowing my eyes to crinkle, I stepped away from the guard.
“Lord Elis,” the guards said in unison, bowing.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I said, my voice chipper as if he were a long-lost friend. “They won’t let me in, and as you well know, they should.”
I had no idea if this was true. For all I knew, Cardian had no intention of letting me into his inner circle, but if he believed me as powerful as Varamede, I had to trust he would rather keep an eye on me. Thefriends close and enemies closerphilosophy still applied in Elf-hame, didn’t it?
“Open the doors and let us in,” Varamede ordered after a moment’s thought, as if he were the king himself.
The guards didn’t hesitate, which made me realize the level of influence his friendship with Cardian afforded him. It was more than I’d suspected.
As they threw the doors open and I walked in, Itsked,tskedat the guards, gave them a once over, and said in a haughty tone, “Let that be the last time you disrespect me.”
Damn.Dark Dani was a bitch, and I wasn’t sure I’d want her as my friend. Though that meant she was the perfect type of person for the likes of Cardian and Varamede.
What stretched before us was nothing like I’d imagined. This wasn’t a simple gathering, but more like a grand opera after-party for a bunch of prima donnas. People milled about in expensive suits, gowns, and jewelry, their hair styled in elaborate and gaudy ways—too much gold and pixie dust creating ridiculously tall beehives, even on some of the males. They all had a certain air of superiority about them and looked down their noses at everyone else.
The walls were lined with tapestries depicting scenes of royal life, and the floor was covered in a thick, red carpet. Tables strewn all around the large space held plenty of food and drink.
“Just my kind of gathering,” I found myself saying, as I sashayed, hips gyrating like some sort of out-of-control top-toy.
What the hell?!
Dark Dani seemed to find it very easy to act like a prima donna herself.Witchlights, I was possessed by Liberace or worse… Madonna.
Varamede gave me a sidelong glance as he made his way toward Cardian. I followed him since that was exactly whereIneeded to be, and if Varamede didn’t look happy about it, I didn’t give a shit.
As I moved further in, I took in the large area, which was abuzz with activity. Court members gathered deep in gossip or watched one of the many entertainment acts that would give a human state fair a run for its money. In one corner, a bard told stories. In another, a female with green skin juggled three torches. And in a third, a jester made a fool of himself while a group of people laughed with disdain. In the center of the room was a raised stage with a band of musicians playing a lively tune.
Some guests laughed, others danced, but their demeanor was barely festive. There was too much animosity here for true camaraderie.
As my gaze swept over those who accompanied Cardian at the center of a lavish narrow table from where he surveyed the crowd, I nearly choked.
Naesala Roka was there, talking to a young female with small fawn horns and a strange face. The Sorceress noticed me out of the corner of her pale eyes but pretended not to recognize me. Larina had gotten the word out to her, and Naesala had lost no time making a reappearance amongst Cardian’s acquaintances.
When we reached the table, Varamede walked around it and took a chair right next to Cardian. The thunderlord acted as if I wasn’t even there, neither offering me a chair nor announcing my presence.
“You have the manners of an oaf,” I told him, then bit my tongue, silently scolding Dark Dani.
Varamede had collapsed into a slouch, but as soon as the words were out of my mouth, he sat up straighter, shooting a menacing glare in my direction.
I felt my insides turn to water. If he decided to strike me with one of his electrical attacks, I’d have nothing to fight him with, and I would end up as a small piece of charcoal on the floor, all my hopes and long brown hair up in stinky smoke.
“Lady Fenmenor is right, my dear friend.” Cardian slapped Varamede’s shoulder. “You do have the manners of an oaf. Get up. Give her your seat.”
