"Gabriel Alistair, Second General to the Alistair territories, and among the most distinguished and exalted of the Annimoutous, who are the guardians of the silver portals, the protectors of our kingdom, and the keepers of the peace. Centuries ago you accepted the bond and obligation of the silver call, and since then it has been known across the territories how you have thrown your body before the enemies to the people's safety; given your mind, your learning and your just principles to the development of negotiations for the betterment of relations between our territories; offered your ear to ..."
I tuned out the voice of the master of ceremonies before it made me puke.
I dragged my gaze away from the platform, where Gabriel stood with Michael at his side.
Hundreds of people were in attendance for the celebration, including many dozens of high-ranking soldiers and nearly all the generals.
The Birel generals, whose territory we were in, stood together: Paulina, who managed to look sardonic even with her features entirely relaxed; Tatiana, calm and beautiful with emotional eyes; Zacharias, Cassandra, and Silas – who, I noticed with amusement, carried a small book with him even now. It was sticking out of his pocket. He would likely disappear as soon as the festivities started.
All five of the Montadras generals were here too, which was rare to see. Imogen, pale and bored and distracted; Theodore, Ian, and Sophie, whispering together; and Oscar, who examined my eldest brothers on the platform with an intent stare. Oscar and Gabriel had beef, I remembered – or Oscar did at least, while Gabriel ignored it, since more than once Tatiana had tried to use Oscar to make Gabriel jealous.
On the other hand, the only Vasseli generals who had come were Marcus, Jasmine and Santiago, straight-backed and attentive. Marcus looked depressed about something.
Simon and the other Estavail generals ... were nowhere to be seen.
I frowned. Where were they?
Lukas stifled a yawn, staring at the floor.
He stood beside me. Somehow he'd ended up with the flower crown. The fragile thing was looped over his wrist, which he held stiffly under the fall of his cape.
Rose would like the flower crown. Her reaction on receiving it would probably be over-the-top, and whoever presented it to her would likely be hugged and kissed ...
My thoughts were interrupted by Simon's arrival. "Alexander, Lukas," he muttered.
He had quietly appeared at my other side, Maria and Amos nodding at me behind him.
"What kept you?"
"Uprising in one of our rural towns," he said. "Alessandra and Eve are still putting it down."
That didn't interest me. I turned back to the platform.
"... to govern your territories at the side of the First General of the Alistairs, and to govern our kingdom from your new position within the Inner Circle."
There was a long high ringing sound, as every general raised their swords from their scabbards and held it high. The lights from the chandeliers above us skittered and blazed off the bared silver swords, making it seem as if the whole space brightened in flashes.
In the silence, Michael placed the silver circlet on Gabriel's bowed head.
Michael and Gabriel embraced.
We lowered our swords. The crowd broke out in roars and cheers, stamping their feet.
People mobbed Michael and Gabriel as soon as they stepped down from the raised stage.
YOU ARE READING
Ghost Silk (Ghost Perfume, Book 2) | ✔
Paranormal**COMPLETE** Rose grows into her ability to help ghosts and cross portals. The Alistairs pursue a bloody diplomacy in the soul realm. Between Rose and the Alistairs, love grows strong despite their secrets, the demons and nightmares that haunt them...
