Crescent (Old Version)

+ Part 57 +

I felt the cold so deep it made my bones ache. It wasn't just the snow storm. Deep down, I knew that the gala was looming like a storm cloud. I had one more night. Just one more night and then everyone would arrive. Then the gala. And I'd finally have them back. This week, let alone this night, couldn't go by fast enough.

I had spent the entire day barking out orders, guiding people through the itinerary Moira and I had broken our backs to plan to perfection. The actual dinner had gone according to plan. While we dined, I had the servants go over the decorations one last time. The kitchens were already teeming with new staff to prepare for the week-long feasting and partying, but the majority of my planning had already been put into place. All that was left was to direct the ambassadors. Everything had to be perfect. Everyone, everything, had a place, and after guiding everyone through the agenda, we met in the library for any last minute clarifications.

There was quiet music, talking, drinking- just a small taste of what was to come of the next few days. Mostly, Moira and I made sure that the all of the deliveries were on time. After the festivities each night, everything needed to be taken down and rearranged in a timely manner in order to be ready for the next night. I needed to make sure we had the ability to do so.

"What about the guards?" Moira set her cup of tea back in its saucer, but I didn't miss the way the liquid sloshed over the sides as she returned the set back to the table. Her hands weren't the only ones that were shaking. My own wouldn't stop quivering. It was the anxiety, the cold maybe, but I hid them beneath the table as I glanced up at her.

"What about them?"

"Well, we knew we have the majority of them at each of the entry ways, but the ones that escort you through the crowd. Where will they go during the rite?"

I cursed, rubbing my temple as I mulled over the detail. I had hardly even considered where the guards would be standing. It hadn't mattered- still didn't- until now, but I knew the detail would linger in the back of my brain if we didn't decide now.

"As this is the first gala either of you have attended," Ceth narrowed Moira a look- the first lick of attention he'd given her since we'd all retired to the library- as he spoke. "I think it would be wise for the guards to walk you the entire way." He shrugged, the movement casual, carefree. "They'll watch from behind us."

"And Dominic will be beside us?" I asked him.

He rubbed his chin as he thought before finally flashing his standard grin. "No. He won't be apart of the ceremony, but he'll be close by. By the stairs maybe." If the cold bothered Ceth, he didn't let it show, but I shivered as he leaned down, breath fanning my face. "I've been watching you today."

Any warmth I had leeched away from me but I hid any emotion behind a carefully gauged sip of my own tea. The hot liquid was still steaming as I drank, the only comfort I could afford in front of others. But, I met his gaze head on as I finished a sip. "Aren't you always watching?"

Ceth laughed softly, the sound making Moira squirm uneasily as she did her best not to watch the exchange. "Yes, love. But, today..." Another smile made his lips curl. "Bossy looks good on you."

Irritation came to me like a hot wave. I spent the past few months working my ass off to prepare for this and I'd been reduced to being bossy? If he wanted a rise out of me, he wouldn't get it. I knew better by now. Stooping to Ceth's level only ended in pain.

I let my eyes wander over the room instead, dancing from the table where a few of the ambassadors lounged over an intense game of Crosses over to the bay windows where a few overlooked the storm brewing across the north mountain ridge. I'd spotted Audelia, who was obviously giving Medina a run for his money at the card table, dressed in glittering jewels like always. Thayer watched from over her shoulder and while Audelia was grinning like a Cheshire cat, he had a hell of a poker face. The slightest crinkle of his eye was the only indication of his amusement.