Fractured Crown (Book 1: Terra)

Chapter 30

Raena was indeed, as Iris had previously claimed, having a ball, for two reasons. The first being, she really had only ever dreamed of attending one of these events. The second being that today was the big day. Braedon had a plan in the works, and during all this hubbub and delight, he had promised her that he had a plan set in motion to get back Grandpa Sage. She wished she could tell Iris, wished that Braedon would give her more details, but he would only shush her and tell her to have faith. So, for now, she would enjoy the deluxe view until he further noticed her.

Raena turned her attention back to the decorated town hall she stood in. She'd never really waltzed before, unless she counted the times when she would hum a little tune to herself and dance in the snowy woods. Nevertheless, she found it easy to fall into step with each male suitor, flowing with the music like a natural current might flow in a fast-moving river.

It also hadn't gone past her that each male suitor seemed more charming than the last, some sneakily adding in an extra twirl here or an extra dip there for her. Frankly, she found the attention they all gave her quite pleasing. Not that she wasn't used to having male company – that she most certainly was. But these males exchanged different looks with her, either shyly flirtatious ones, or outright, overconfident ones. Raena took it all in her stride, giving each of them a small smile in return, letting the string quartet sweep her away in a soothingly sweet symphony.

She wasn't sure how long she spent on the dancefloor. If it had been mere minutes, or hours. Still, as dancers began to file off the floor and towards the food and drinks, chatting amongst themselves, Raena suddenly remembered the small throbbing in her ankle she had been ignoring throughout all her dances. Her swollen ankle had improved much, considering that she had spent the last four days in a continuous cycle of sleep. She'd never be able to express her immense gratitude towards Iris and that girl that had helped them – Jade, she thought her name was.

Raena knew the sleeping pills were only a temporary solution. Eventually, she had to find a way to kill that demonic draugr. In her brief moments awake, she had mulled over the idea of learning to take charge of her powers. She didn't mention it to Braedon – knew that he would be paranoid over the idea – but she considered it nonetheless. There was no point in hiding anymore. She had already exposed herself. Even if the Lymphans were able to track her magic to the Terra District, what good would that do them? They wouldn't be able to get past the barriers without the Terrans knowing they had been breached, and would they really risk it? The Terrans, as far as she was aware, still maintained the upper hand in the war, especially over the Lymphans. She was certain that the Lymphans wouldn't have the resources to outmatch the Terrans. So perhaps this was the safest place to start manifesting her powers in secret. Maybe she could ask that Jade girl... if Iris trusted her, then certainly Jade would keep her secret as well?

Raena nodded to the last male suitor as the waltz ended, and another song started, but she excused herself and walked towards one of the far tables instead, her stomach giving out a low grumble.

She'd been sleeping so much these past days, that she had barely eaten. She knew she had lost weight as well, when the maids had measured her height and weight for the dress adjustments. Raena scowled at the thought, eyeing the food before her that was set out prettily on the circular table covered with a white table-cloth, a tall, mint-coloured candle flickering in the middle. Raena would have to regain the muscle she had lost if she wanted to keep her strength and speed in archery. She had worked all her life in getting to that level of professionalism that was as close to Grandpa Sage's as could be. She wasn't about to lose it now.

With great gusto, she grabbed one of the fine, delicate plates to one side and began to move from table to table, piling an assortment of foods such as risotto, cake, little puff pastries, chocolate bites, steamed vegetables – the entire works. Her plate was heavy and overflowing with food, so much so that she decided to stand to one side of the room and lean against the wall to eat, far away from all the tables filled with women gossiping and whispering, some casting brief, scrutinising glances towards her. Raena looked down at her plate, only to realise she hadn't grabbed cutlery for her rice.