Marmalade's Love Potion

Chapter 24 - Paths of Power - Part 2

Small clumps of cream fell from Penelope's borrowed gown as she emerged into the space behind the ballroom stairs.

She peered around the edge of the staircase, hoping to find a glimpse of Steph, or the Sisters, yet the dance floor was packed with twirling figures she did not recognise. Beyond them, small groups clustered around the banquet tables, chatting and laughing. In the far corner, attendants were clearing away what seemed to be a collapsed table and piles of upended food.

Penelope's stomach grumbled at the sight of tray after mountainous tray of delicacies. Skittering around the edge of the hall, Penelope approached the nearest table and began heaping a plate with delicate, flaking pastries, balls of cheesy rice encrusted with seeds, small glazed pies, and a variety of unfamiliar palm sized foods that Penelope was eager to try.

Suddenly parched, Penelope reached for the stem of the nearest flute of fizzing, golden liquid. She drank it down, grateful for the fresh tang of mint and citrus that lingered on her tongue.

Clutching her plate in one hand, and a new flute in the other, Penelope again peered around the room, eyes darting from face to face. She ignored the bewildered, almost admonishing, glances of those nearby as they took in her spoiled skirt and teetering pile of treats.

Penelope still could not see the Sisters. With an inward sigh, she made her way to a nearby arch leading to a softly lit terrace overlooking the south gardens. Penelope breathed a sigh of relief to find herself alone, the few guests who had ventured outside wandering further down the terrace.

Beyond the tidy lines of cultured shrubs and flowering trees, several structures of bone marble staggered up the steep cliffside, bridging the gauzy crest of the Great Fall. The air was cool with river mist, and she welcomed the steady crash of water that eased the ache in her mind.

Setting her plate down on the balustrade, she gulped down her second flute, this one tasting of strawberry and jasmine, and began eating with euphoric relish. She hadn't realised how hungry she was, having been too anxious throughout the day to eat a full meal.

Had she not spent so many tears in the past few hours, Penelope could have wept at the flavours of each new appetiser. The pies were rich and succulent, the flaking pastries sweet with layers of honey-baked nuts. She had just finished a crispy crescent of pumpkin and spiced lentils when a polite cough had her spinning to face the ballroom archway.

Penelope froze at the sight of Prince Ethan stalking slowly towards her, unmasked and dressed in the sharp lines of a regal suit similar in design to Steph's. Glancing around, Penelope realised she was still alone but for a few distant strollers much further down the arcade.

Cringing against the balustrade, her back pressed against the hard stone, she opened her mouth to speak, or perhaps to shout out, when Ethan stopped and held up placating hands.

"Apologies, Your Highness, I did not intend to startle."

Penelope blew out a breath before inclining a slow nod, her heart still racing.

Ethan tilted his head, regarding her for long moments in silence. Penelope said nothing, regarding him in return. She felt like prey fixed under the gaze of a cat that had yet to decide the strength of its appetite.

And yet... the prickling itch beneath her skin reminded her that she, too, could cast a predator's shadow...

The phantom sensation of sharpened teeth steeled her spine under his scrutiny, and she met his gaze steadily.

Eventually, he curled his lip in a smirk.

"It would seem our thanks are owed to you, for your interventions this evening. Our Ranger would not have survived without your actions."