One Eternal Ember

Chapter 10

I navigate through Lords and Ladies, all huddled together, laughing and enjoying whatever is in their glasses. I recognize none of the men, or the ladies but I have the gut feeling they're important. I guess I should've paid attention during Politics class after all. I snort to myself, and keep my head down, navigating past more people I don't recognize. I finally reach the outer wall, and spin to look at the scene before me. Walls and windows surround me, high arched ceilings, with glass chandeliers, the ceiling in the shape of a dome. The people dancing all twist and twirl in the middle of the floor. The long silver table is behind them, to the left of me is a balcony leading to what I can assume is the Courtyard. The thrones of the Royals are to my right, in the center of the room. More people huddle around by pillars, the table, any wall out of the way of the dancers. It isn't a horrible sight to see, it just makes me wish I had a dress, so I had a better chance of blending in.

Movement catches my eye from the right. I snap my head to the right, where the doors from another corridor behind the Thrones is connected. My stare is met with someone else's. His eyes are the palest blue I've ever seen, I could nearly feel them pierce my soul. His hair is of the whitest snow, that reaches no further than his pointed, graceful ears. He adorns dark eyebrows, high cheekbones, a sharp jaw, and full lips. He was by far the most beautiful being I've ever seen. He looks a little bit taller than Delano with wide shoulders but a lean yet muscular frame. His black cape hangs behind his back. He saunters towards the throne, breaking eye contact with me. His black boots scuffing on the floor, black trousers, and perfectly fitted black long sleeve tunic fitting him as if it was tailored with the finest eye.

King Alastir glances to him and lifts his hand, barely acknowledging this mans presence. I glance to Queen Calanthe and see her with a small smile. My jaw nearly falls to the floor at the sight. The Queen is actually smiling. The beautiful man strides over to the Queen, and takes her hand gently. He places a kiss to the back of her hand, releasing her gently, then strides to the throne next to her. He then lifts his cloak, spinning on his heel, and takes a seat in the only throne made of Obsidian.

Realization hits me like a storm of one hundred horses. The only empty throne belongs to the Prince. I had no idea there was even a Prince in the royal family. He then looks back to me, and I suppress a shiver at his intense gaze. How could I not know? I break eye contact and look around the large room. Everyone continues their festivities, and don't even acknowledge the Prince who has just arrived. I glance around to look for Lilith, and find no sight of her. Delano and Zenna are no where to be seen either. Unbelievable.

A tingle slides down my spine that lets me know the Prince hasn't averted his gaze. I glance back to him one more time, and flash him a grin. It might've looked more like a baring of my teeth, because he leans forward on his throne, resting his elbows on his knees. His lashes lower as he focuses entirely on me. It takes everything in me not to run under that terrifying gaze. I break his eye contact, and turn away from him. Even turning away doesn't ease the feeling between my shoulder blades that he will not look away.