The land of the Gods (Complete)

Chapter 15 - Edan

Edan wondered if Thaleara and Declyn had figured out the ring wasn't in the King's room yet.

He certainly had. About a half hour ago, actually.

After storming through the palace in a rush to get to the chapel and distract the guards Cara and Edan had been walking back to the festival amusements and watched closely ever since. The guards need not have worried, because until Thaleara and Delcyn arrived, Edan was being forced to stay where he was by Cara. When they had arrived the festival had barely started, but now it was in full swing.

The palace courtyard was huge, possibly the same size of the castle itself, and tonight. Had been covered in glittering candles and lights that were hung up by string causing it to look as though there were many stars in the sky. There were numerous tables and buffets, each meal and grazing platter supplied by the palace, and across them were bunches of flowers in pots. Each of the flowers had been dusted in a white powder to make it look as though it had been snowing. Even all of the drinks had ice in the shape of snowflakes in them.

The entertainment was the next best part.

There were jugglers and lion tamers and the occasional magician, Edan knew every trick they performed. Some performers were hung upside down on giant metal hoops high above the ground, whereas others spun in silk sheets and ropes. The space was a truly spectacular scene and it was clear the king and queen had not held back on any expenses.

While Cara and Edan flitted about the room, occasionally bumping into a lord or noble that they were forced to make quiet and pleasant conversation with, they scanned the large palace walls and windows for Declyn and Thaleara's sign. It was just after they'd stormed into the chapel and been led out by a chorus of guards that Edan had really paid attention to the king, and spotted the ring on his finger.

More accurately, his ring on the king's finger.

Edan hadn't pointed it out to Cara yet. Actually, he was a little afraid to. Cara seemed to have an aversion to Edan, and he wasn't sure if it was his constant comparison of her to her twin, or if she just didn't like strangers. Either way, Edan wasn't sure if telling her was the best move.

But he needed that ring.

They both currently stood in a shadowy corner of the courtyard, under one of the many trees, and away from prying eyes. Practically shoulder to shoulder they both surveyed the guests and amusements. Edan broke their silence by clearing his throat and turned to her, lowering his head as though speaking to someone he was comfortable and friendly with, and told her, "I'm going to go find a refreshment, want anything?"

He was suffocating here, standing to the side while his ring was right there.

She smiled back politely, and responded, "Actually, I would love a drink. Non-alcoholic, however, I need to keep my head tonight." She laughed softly at her comment, however, her eyes held a warning.

Edan only grinned and left her standing in their corner. He slipped through the crowd quietly, adjusting his suit and flashing smiles at people as he passed. When he reached the refreshments table he grabbed two separate drinks, one alcoholic and the other not. However, instead of immediately returning to Cara with the two drinks in tow, Edan continued in the opposite direction, heading towards the King and Queen.

Somehow, they'd moved the grand thrones into the palace courtyard, just in front of the doors to the palace. The largest throne belonging to the King was directly in the centre, and towered higher than the doors themselves. It was made from a deep mahogany wood, and grew upwards in a giant flourish of woodwork in the shape of waves. There was a gold detailing around each of the waves that made the chair look as though it was shrimmering in a wave of metallic yellow.