cascade | kotlc

33. The Peace Summit

 Their envoys arrived at Sandor's house at five o'clark sharp. Sophie seemed to recognize one of them, who was, coincidentally, assigned as Sophie's personal guard. Edaline and Biana got their own, and Sandor gave both goblins a long list of procedures and instructions, along with a few threats of violence and dismemberment if anything went wrong. June joined in with her own requirements, most of which involved pampering Sophie and Biana in literally every way.

"We've been well trained," Edaline's guard assured them.

We should give them names, Sophie's voice said. I'm calling mine Righty, since he was on the right when we first visited Lumenaria. Edaline's can be Bunhead, and yours... hmm. Let's do Absol.

Why? Biana wanted to know, looking up and down her bodyguard. He doesn't look like a Pokémon.

Wow, you actually got that reference. My sister's been active, huh? But he's kinda furry almost, and he has abs. It's a good pun.

"The simple garb is just until you clear security," Absol explained when Biana frowned as they handed them simple black tunics, pants, shoes and gloves to change into. "Once you're settled into your rooms you'll find more proper attire for the summit."

Are gloves usually worn for Peace Summits? Sophie wondered. Or is it just a recent addition for me?
Biana laughed. Knowing you, anything is possible.

Is that supposed to be a compliment or a weirdly phrased insult? She sounded a little hurt as she rubbed her stomach, and Biana felt a pang of guilt.

Sorry, I didn't mean that to-

I know, it's fine. But Sophie still winced slightly.

"Will our rooms be near each other?" Edaline asked.

"You'll have your own triple suite," Bunhead told her.

"Be safe," Grady whispered as he strangle-hugged his wife and daughter. June was waving around her gun menacingly, looking almost like a terrorist as she stomped around the room, as if she wanted to destroy something.

The goblins lectured them on castle rules. The basic gist was, If you aren't in an assigned meeting or gala, you'll be locked in your room for your own safety. It sounded scary. What if there was an attack? Everyone would be locked in their rooms, and they wouldn't be able to escape as-

She shook her head, bringing Calla's ring closer as she bit her lip.

"Your rooms will not have a view," Bunhead warned. "The Council wanted you in the underground quarters, where the security is easier for us to control."

"So basically, they're locking us in the dungeon," Sophie grumbled. Biana nudged her, shooting her a be respectful it's gonna be really really cool look.

Righty smiled. "I'm sure you'll find the accommodations much more pleasant."

Their rooms were beautiful, marble floors and walls broken up with intricate tapestries and paintings. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm pink light, and Biana slapped herself as she imagined Fitz and Tam tangled up in the crystals hanging above. Fitz and Tam soon turned to Tam, and he floated down, almost like a angel, stretching out his arms and pulling her closer-

Ugh. Just because Sophie kissed doesn't mean she has to.

Get it together, Biana!

The door had two locks, one to keep anyone from getting in, the other to prevent them from leaving.