Screams and explosions rippled the air. With each burst came a shower of color, and each shout was accompanied by all manners of awe. Black light filled the space, cocooned by the tent's colorful curtains. Despite that vivid darkness, Celeste made out cheering faces in the crowd. They clawed at the stage's edge, applauding her juggling skills and howling at her beauty. Her exposed belly, peeking from under her striped outfit, charmed every Sharcanid who watched. From behind the blizzard of confetti, they fought for a better view.
The jester knew they'd happily watch until they were dead but, sadly for them, the show came to a close. Soon, she was joined by her fellow performers in a bow beneath the final supernova of confetti.
"One of the greatest crowds, you lovely lot!" Lance boomed with a smile. "Thank you for coming to my show tonight, which I couldn't have done without my marvelous performers!" The narrow-eyed, blue-haired man gestured with his cane to every clown and acrobat behind him.
Further ovation erupted as Lance extended his hand to Celeste. He pulled her to her feet and placed his fedora on one of her huge horns. He said, "And please, an extra applause for our best jester, the juggling juggernaut herself, Celeste Superbia!"
As commanded, the group of sharklike and doglike individuals roared like a volcano amidst the whimsical atmosphere. They shouted for Celeste, as they should. She smiled. Only when the troupe disappeared behind the curtain did the show peter out. Sharcanids gradually funneled out of the tent, and the quiet of former glory took their place.
"You guys say you want to be paid what you're worth?" Lance grumbled as the performers began packing up and getting out of their costumes. "Then I oughta pay you nothing! I know you can do better than that shit show."
Celeste went to the tall mirror and brushed her hair, paying more attention to her silky mane and enchanting eyes than to her boss's abuse. She and the others were far too used to Lance's tantrums; she didn't know if that was good or bad.
A growl nearly shattered her reflection. Lance snarled, "Did you hear me, Celeste!? You're lucky you're our most popular attraction or I'd have kicked you to the curb ages ago!"
"Funny," Celeste hummed, "your father thought that he was the lucky one, having me to spruce up your acts."
"Well he's gone. And you will be too if you don't put a lid on it."
Blue eyes rolled at that reminder.
"Is that understood?" Lance continued. In the mirror, Celeste saw his accusatory stare.
"Perfectly," replied the Mystearlian woman.
Lance turned to leave, probably to drink more than he had any right to, but a question wriggled out of Celeste's throat. She called, "Oh, Lance? How long are we staying in Sharcandia?"
YOU ARE READING
The Ruler's Rift
Fantasy[Book 4 of "Our Spellbinding Lies"] Left in the wreckage of a ruined universe, Celeste must pick up the pieces of her mother's tyranny. Proud and powerful, Celeste will find her greatest obstacle is herself - every single side. Where foes are friend...
