The Four Realms

Chapter 6: Cassiopeia

It had been two days since the first meeting and there will be one more until the next. Tonight was an extravagant dinner party my sister, mother and I had been awaiting in anticipation. After the first ball my sister was eager to get dolled up in fancy attire once more and my mother couldn't help but agree. We had been to parties back in the Autumn Realm but none as lavish as the ones in this palace. My mother had asked me what had happened in the first meeting, but I told her I had to keep it confidential. I knew she would worry if I told her we were using an elimination, every meeting would leave her anxious and unsure and if it came down to it, I don't think I'd be able to tell her I'm the one to go. Although I think it is not going to be too much of a problem deciding who dies, Augustine and Nicholas are already at each other's throats, it's only a matter of time before they hurt each other. I slipped a golden vine ear cuff into both ears and hooked a golden wreath around my neck. I pulled my hair into a thick braid down my back. I had already dressed in an evening gown in my Realms traditional colors. The color of trees when they begin to change, burnt oranges, mustard yellows and olive greens, however I was yet to see trees looking like that. My mother burst into my room in a similarly colored robes and began to usher me out the door. "Come Cassie the festivities have begun, and the dinner will initiate soon." she said out of breath. "Alright I am coming Mother." I sighed, picking up my dress to exit the room. I made my way through the twists and turns of the castle following my mother and sister. Hushed whispers caught my attention and I stopped to peer down a tiny hallway. Augustine was whispering aggressively at Nicholas. His arms were crossed, and he was sneering down at her. She pointed at his chest and hissed, "You think you are so much better than all of us don't you. News flash... no one cares that your father is a Lord or that you are from the Kings favorite Realm." He scoffed at that, "You are not much better, always trying to be the hero trying to make us not vote for you, I see right through your savoir act." He taunted leaning closer to Augustine. I considered breaking them up but their hostility towards each other would only benefit me. "I least I have good morals." Hissed Augustine. "Good morals?" Nicholas said mockingly and shaking his head. At the mention of morals, I decided to step into the hallway interrupting them. "Are you on your way to dinner?" I asked. The both spun around abruptly and took a step back from each other. Augustine tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and rubbed the back of her neck. "Yes, I was just on my way." Nicholas said brushing passed me. I turned to follow him with Augustine behind me. We made our way down the main steps to the dining room. As Nicholas pushed open the towering oak door, a rush of cool, air greeted me, carrying the faint scent of centuries past. The dining room unfolded before my eyes in grandeur that echoed its noble history. Tall, arched windows draped in velvet curtains allowed streams of soft daylight to filter through, casting a gentle glow upon the polished stone floor. Massive tapestries adorned the stone walls, depicting scenes of kings and queens in intricate detail, their colors still vibrant despite the passage of time. Above, a ceiling soared high, supported by sturdy beams that seemed to stretch into eternity. The centerpiece of the room was a colossal wooden table, its surface gleaming with the careful polish of diligent servants. Heavy wooden chairs surrounded it, each one carved with the intricate emblems. Candles in ornate holders dotted the table, their flames flickering softly and casting dancing shadows upon the stone walls. The atmosphere was one of ancient elegance, a testament to the generations of feasts and gatherings that had taken place within these walls. As I stood there admiring the beautiful room, I was reminded of my hometown. It was one of much cultural significance. Feasts had been hosted there for centuries by many families. I can picture the narrow, winding streets lined with thatched cottages, their roofs weathered by centuries of rain and wind. The village square, bustling with farmers trading goods and children playing. I recall the towering round tower, beneath it was the Hidden Library, where the Keepers gathered. The ancient stone walls, moss-covered and ivy-clad, still whisper tales of the Cogadh war and alliances forged in times long past. It had only been four moons since we had arrived at the palace, but I missed home, I missed the honored traditions, the banquets and the tales that were as old as time. At the head of the dining hall, upon a raised dais, sat King Cyafael, in a robe of deep crimson and a crown that glimmered with jewels. His presence commanded respect, and the assembled guests, nobles and knights alike, conversed in hushed tones as they awaited the commencement of the feast. I found my place near the beginning of the long oak table. To my left my mother and sister sat admiring servants dressed in livery of the castle bustling about, placing steaming dishes of vinaigrette salads and savory smelling soups before us. Goblets filled with rich red wine were set beside each plate, and the soft music of a flute and harp drifted through the hall, adding to the ambiance of the feast. To my right sat Nicholas looking gloomy as always, he sat directly across from Augustine. A recipe for disaster if you asked me. Hunter was across from me, and we exchanged polite smiles before I delved into the delicacies. The flavors burst upon my palate, succulent meats seasoned with herbs from distant lands, and vegetables cooked to perfection in butter and spices. The bread, warm and crusty, melted in my mouth, a testament to the skill of the castle's bakers. Throughout the feast, jesters and musicians entertained us with their performances. From the knights I could hear old tales of dragons vanquished and towns saved from peril. The atmosphere was one of respect and chivalry, that was until I heard Nicholas raise his voice from beside me. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked Augustine. "What makes you think I'm looking at you?" she said passive aggression dripping from her voice. He rolled his eyes. "Don't be so paranoid" she retorted. "I don't think it me who should be paranoid." Nicholas remarked. Augustine froze. "What's that supposed to mean." she asked calmly. I had understood what it meant at once. He was telling her to watch her back because he was coming for her. "Oh, I think you know what I meant." he replied dangerously, "Sleep with one eye open." he whispered, turning his attention back to his food as if nothing had ever happened. Augustine's eyes narrowed before she stood suddenly and stormed out of the room. I eyed the King to find him oblivious to the whole ordeal, that was a relief. My mother and sister had also missed the confrontation, but Hunter had not. He looked at me and shook his head. None of us chosen ones spoke for the rest of the evening after Nicholas and Augustine left a bitter taste in the air. I was not eager for the next meeting and the quarrels it may hold.

Later that night I found myself restless and unable to sleep. I ventured out of my room and into the palace with only my night gown and a candle-stick in hand. I thrust open the doors leading to the garden. As I stepped into the palace garden under the cloak of night, a serene atmosphere enveloped me like a soft, velvet embrace. The moon hung high in the indigo sky, casting its gentle glow upon the hedges below. The air was cool and fragrant, carrying the delicate perfume of night-blooming flowers in the garden. Each step I took seemed to echo softly against the stone pathway. As I followed the path I came across a small inlet to the Vasa Sea. I settled myself on the sand and placed the candle beside me. The beach was illuminated by the stars and moon, my mother had taught me the celestial constellations when I little and now I could point each of them out. I was startled when a bush rattled beside me, and a shadow appeared. I clutched my hand to my chest a sighed. "You sacred me." I whispered as Hunter Atwell took a seat beside me. "Sorry I didn't mean to frighten you. I hope you don't mind me joining you I know it's quite late." He said. "It's no worries, were you unable to sleep as well?" I asked. He nodded. "I was just... I wanted to know why I was your vote so quickly in the meeting?" he asked, his warm brown eyes locked with mine. "I met your sisters." I said reminded or the two girls who had bonded with Anilyn during the first ball. A smile crossed Hunters face. "I have a sister as well, younger than me too. I realize how important there are to us, and I just knew you were my first vote." I explained. "Thank you." was Hunters reply. We spent the next few minutes quietly on the beach enjoying each other's company. A silent bond between us had been forged that night and I was grateful to know I had a friend in the meetings. Hopefully Hunter chooses his vote wisely in two days, until then I plan to spend my days in the palace library and read everything about the curse.