Silver & Gold

Chapter 5

Lasswell throws open the door to my quarters.

We are greeted by a young man lounging on my bed, a heap of machinery on the floor, and a few gadgets sitting on the desk.

The young man is tall with the same build as Lasswell. His plum hair is pulled back into a neat ponytail. Dual knives hang from his belt.

I smirk to myself. "Fluss Lavigne, lovely for you to join us. Has everything been taken care of?"

Fluss smiles as he points to the machinery. "I arrived a few minutes ago and felt like I was being watched. I found and destroyed every camera in this room as well as the one outside your door. Elara's eyes cannot reach us here." He gets off my bed, dusting off his purple uniform. His teal eyes reflect a wildness most would never see.

I nod approvingly. "Thank you." I go into the bathroom after ordering Lasswell to bring me a nightgown. I change and return to my room. I smirk as I pull on a purple silk robe. "I'm honored by your visit, Crown Prince Tiberias Calore VII."

The prince turns around. He stands as stiffly as he had at the ball. "We are both royalty and of the same status. You may call me Tiberias," he pauses, "In a few days, Queenstrial shall be held. If you have not chosen a husband by then y-"

I raise a hand. "You're saying that my only options will then be Ptolemus and Samson. I know, but I will not rush love. Either Norta follows our terms or no alliance is to be formed. This is a game Norta cannot win." I dismiss Tiberias with a wave of my hand.

Elara thinks she has me pinned. She knows nothing of Amicitians.

We always have a way.

Fluss and Lasswell reenter the room. They share a glance before smirking at me.

"Whatever are we to do?"

Tiberias Calore VII
I close the door behind me and sink down onto the floor, my back against the door. I've never felt so weak before.

Elara's jealousy and anger know no bounds. She somehow knew of the buried feelings I have for Alexandria. Elara wants to keep is apart for the purpose of some other scheme.

I just know it. When I next get the chance, I'm escaping the palace for a bit. I won't stand for this.

Alexandria Amicitia:
I wake to someone going through my closet. I sit up and stretch. "Tomorrow is Queenstrial. Is everything arranged?"

"Of course. I believe Ptolemus Samos is to escort you to today's training session," Fluss responds as he throws my training uniform at me.

I begin changing after Fluss takes his leave. I take the nightgown off. I pull on the black leggings, followed by the teal tank-top and dark pullover. I zip the pullover all the way up. I slip on and lace up my black combat boots. Once satisfied, I leave my room.

Fluss stops me in order to braid my hair, mixing gold threads with my obsidian locks.

Soon after Lasswell joins us, Ptolemus arrives. His silver hair hangs down to his shoulders freely like a silky curtain. He wears what looks like a black and silver version of my outfit. Ptolemus seems a bit confused, "Prince-"

"Alexandria," I correct.

"Alexandria, are you ready?" he hesitantly offers his hand.

I take it with a smile. "Of course. Fluss and Lasswell will meet us later." I follow Ptolemus down the hall towards the elevator. I don't bother with conversation.

Ptolemus doesn't either until we're in the elevator. "I heard you will be attending Queenstrial tomorrow."

I roll my eyes inwardly. "It's the proper thing to do as a guest of King Tiberias VI. It will also give me an opportunity to see the powers held by each High House."