A Walk to Greater Worlds: Aeriel Trilogy #3

Chapter 89

In striking contrast to his usual disregard for his own appearance, Prime Minister Saikat Ranjan was impeccably dressed.

A tailored charcoal suit hugged his lanky frame; the rich, high-quality fabric devoid of a single wrinkle. A beautiful emerald green tie was knotted at his throat. Perfectly complementing the subtly striped silk shirt that peeked out from underneath his suit jacket.

His mousy hair, usually left to its own devices, was now slicked back and styled to movie-star perfection.

His usual indifference to his physical appearance had vanished without a trace.

Safaa, for her part, effortlessly outshone everyone around her, as she stood beside the prime minister on a nearby podium identical to his. She looked resplendent in her flowing feather cloak. Her black-streaked silver hair cascaded around her like a moonlit waterfall. In the ambient glow of the grand reception hall, her dark, silver-flecked eyes gleamed.

Her wings were folded out of sight. But even without the feather cloak, the ethereal, otherworldly aura she carried would've been hard to miss. Six centuries removed from the mortal realm seemed to have dulled her ability to blend in.

The formal ceremony for the signing of an alliance treaty between Vaan and Vandram was attended by high-ranking officials, diplomats, politicians and dignitaries from every corner of the planet. And beyond. Almost as many Kanbarians and Zainians filled the grand hall as Vandrans. The rear was almost entirely occupied by the most prominent journalists and reporters from all three countries.

The hall was adorned with the flags and emblems of both Vaan and Vandram. The flags of Kanbar and Zaini were also present, although they occupied less prominent positions. Uniformed waitstaff discreetly circulated, serving a variety of food items from all three cuisines.

The prime minister cleared his throat, leaning closer to the microphones at his podium. The room fell silent. The soft strains of Vandran classical music that had been playing unobtrusively in the background ceased abruptly, as the performers paused mid-note.

"It's taken months of struggle and strife, but that's what makes this evening so significant," Saikat Ranjan began, his pleasant baritone oddly comforting. "Today, we celebrate the beginning of a new alliance. The dawn of a new era. And none of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication and courage of the bravest men and women Vandram has to offer." He glanced at the Aeriel queen, standing motionless behind the only other podium in the hall. "And Vaan too, of course."

Ashwin chuckled. He stood beside Ruban, propped against a towering pillar emblazoned with a flaming Aeriel feather.

Ruban pursed his lips, a half-hearted attempt at disapproval.

Though somewhat overshadowed by his sister, the Aeriel prince exuded grandeur. Unbound hair spilled about him like liquid silver, his feather cloak shimmering with every step he took. In contrast to Safaa's variegated, gem-like gaze, Ashwin's eyes emitted a gentler luminescence.

"What're you giggling about?" Ruban whispered sharply. "This is an important day. Perhaps the most important day of our lives. And even Hiya's showing more restraint and decorum than you."

Ashwin shook his head, clearly biting back laughter.

Ruban rolled his eyes.

After Dhriti's arrest for attempting to escape custody during the Aeriel attack en route to the IAW headquarters last month, Atbin Siyal confessed. He admitted to trying to kill Simani under Dhriti's orders. As well as his role in smuggling reinforced sifblades to HAVA. Also done under the directions of Dhriti and her stepfather, Kushal Mayiti.