Breaking the Heavens Vol 1

A Chance Meeting

2 A Chance Meeting

The Castle in the Sky overlooked the city high up on a mountain top. A party had been going on for hours and would continue late into the night. Dancing was inside the grand hall and flowed outside, where twinkle lights hung high around the courtyard.

Arryn stood outside in a corner, smoking, and avoiding people. His gaze scanned those dancing in the courtyard and those gathered around the bar waiting for their drinks. Blowing a stream of smoke from his lips, Arryn shook his head knowingly at his friend and Cousin, Gerald. Gerald smiled brightly and approached Arryn, attempting to hide away from others.

It had been snowing on and off, making the staff hurry and set up more outdoor heaters around the courtyard. While there was also drinking and dancing inside the venue, the courtyard had been decorated for the holidays. There were exquisite ancient statues and a few relics on display that would be auctioned off the following week.

Dignitaries and other notable persons were present and admiring the display outside. Arryn disliked dealing with pretentious clients. He knew they didn't value the history of these items. They only wanted the prestige of owning them, trying to impress their friends and colleagues.

"Always the wallflower, Arryn." Gerald laughed sardonically, patting Arryn firmly on the shoulder, "when will you stop moping in the corners and live a little again?"

Arryn smirked, putting his cigarette out with his foot, "who says I am not living life? I am here, aren't I?"

"Begrudgingly, might I add." Gerald smiled, "and I can't help wonder what changed your mind to appear."

Arryn smirked, "Business, of course."

Gerald rolled his eyes, waving over the waiter nearby with glasses of champagne, "have a drink with me."

The waiter nodded and headed over, carrying the tray of glasses filled with champagne. He was slim and young with dark wavey hair that reached his shoulders. His heart nearly stopped when he noticed the club owner signaling him over.

Castor was helping his friend, whom he had known most of his life. He was talked into taking Ryan's place for the night. Ryan's Aunt and Uncle owned the catering service providing food and beverages for tonight's festivities. Ryan claimed that something urgent came up that he needed to take care of. Castor had no experience in the catering business, but the money Ryan offered was too hard to resist.

Castor straightened his shoulders and walked over to Gerald and Arryn to offer the champagne. Gerald grabbed two glasses and handed one over to Arryn, who nodded and thanked the waiter. Gerald dismissed Castor and returned to his conversation with Arryn.

Noticing the shy waiter, Arryn winked and smiled at him as he took a drink, "Thank you."

Gerald noticed Arryn watching the waiter walk away and saw the wink, "Were you just flirting?"

"What? No, of course not; I was being polite." Arryn tried to convince Gerald.

"Sure, just being polite. He is handsome; I can see why you.."

Arryn jabbed Gerald in the side with his elbow, "Enough, Gerry."

Gerald chuckled to himself, "If you say so." Raising his glass, "Sláinte!"

"Sláinte!" Arryn smirked.

"Oh, I am needed," Gerald noticed someone waving him over, "Please enjoy the party." He said as he walked away.

Arryn nodded and looked around the room. So many people that he really wanted to avoid small talk and avoid socializing with a few who were eyeing him, hoping to catch his attention.