Sharp Flowers

Part 8

Henry strides across the floor with a glass in hand. A trail of eager councilmen and land executives follow not far behind. Their tongues wagging, bright eyes, and happy smiles portray one thing. However, from here, it's easy to watch them pushing and shoving for Henry's ear. It can't be all that easy being Sebastian's right hand. That right there is precisely why I'm better off on the sidelines. Look at Ellie; she doesn't see me any different than she views anyone else.

"Have you seen Kisomen?" Peter inquires.

"Aren't you supposed to be his guard?" I scoff at him, my relaxed tone catching Elfie's eye.

"He went to go speak with Felicity's sisters that are here," Ellie answers.

"That's wonderful. It will be good to reconnect with a family from the King's council," Peter cheers.

"Sir Wrenwood, will you have your kitsune spirits guarding tonight?" Elfie wonders with her soft whispering voice, her blue eyes wide. Wow, anyone can see that Elfie's short, but next to Peter, she's but a doll, and he's not all that tall.

"Not unless they're needed. The kitsune spirits can be hard to tame sometimes," Peter admits, scratching the back of his head. Elfie sticks out her lip like she's disappointed. "Lady Senmeka should be here soon," he adds, his eyes busy watching the nobles all flocking to Sebastian.

"And who's that?" I inquire.

"A wealthy blacksmith North of town. She crafts and designs newer swords, arrows, and other weapons of war we could really use," Peter informs me.

"So, this is a little party is about convincing her to help us?" I guess.

"More or less. It's also a nice morale boost," Peter supposes. People are chatting, drinking, and laughing. Almost like no one's home was burned down barely a week ago. I sigh.

"Shouldn't you be out there?" I inquire, and Peter's eyebrow twitches. He doesn't want to.

"Technically, I am supposed to be one of the five representatives since someone from the Wrenwood family has to be," Peter reminds me. I almost forgot about that. Father always went to things like this. Oh, if he could see Peter now. Sebastian straightens up, moving forward now with a purpose. There's Lady Senmeka, standing off to the side in a long yellow gown like that of spring tulips. That has to be her, the blacksmith. I eye the room, scanning along the walls. I spot Volker, off to the side, watching the party likewise. He sure posted a lot of guards around. But he never asked me. The two chat, too far for me to hear. Curiosity burns in my stomach. What I would give to know what they were talking about! Sebastian says something making her laugh. Her cheeks blush. Persuading her for her help shouldn't be hard for him. He's suited up smooth and suave tonight. My hand lightly grazes my chest. That smile on her face falls flat. She says something, her lip curling up, and she laughs. Sebastian looks taken aback, his hands up defensively. He smiles, saying something, but she cuts him off.

"Doesn't look like she's a fan, does it?" Elfie murmurs.

"No, she looks annoyed," I agree with her. I bite my bottom lip. Come on, Sebastian, say something charming. He cracks a grin that looks something between apologetic and uncomfortably awkward. She crosses her arms and shakes her head. People have already started to move away. Sebastian averts his gaze as she's repeating something. His blue eyes glance my way, finding me. I stop biting my lip.

"Raven, where are you going?" Elfie calls softly after me, reaching out for me, but she retreats before going out too far. I stride across the room. One deep breath after the other. What am I doing? I look so plain out here. Jessie notices me, her eyes flickering in the fastest look over. She drops her arms. Oh dear, help. What do I say?