The Royal Curse

Thirty Four - A Familiar Speech

Senna Aldorban

Adrie and I accidentally drank from the same glass for the fifth time in the past hour.

Men and women lined the rim of the hall, enclosing the dancing floor that never saw me or any of my siblings. Fortunately, nobody questioned it too much; Mother and Father loved to put on a show for everyone, and their dancing always kept everyone entertained.

"Do you think Alice and Father are going to like whatever Kace's excuse is?" he muttered, the drums beating out his words.

Kace.

I took a swig from the cup. "I suppose it doesn't matter, right? You already told Zian to announce the Warrior Program tonight, so what good is it if Lius is dead?"

"Such positivity from you, sister." Adrie returned his attention to Mother, who was dancing with her brother. "Maybe in another life that would be us."

The promise I made earlier today echoed in my mind. "Do you think I could get another glass?"

"I'm not used to this alcoholic side of you, Senna." Adrie, like Alice, crossed his tattooed arm over his chest. Unlike Alice, he kept his hair open, grazing his shoulder. "You want to talk?"

"That's the last thing I want," I huffed, laying a hand on my lap as I reluctantly shoved the glass toward him. "Maybe I'm drinking too much."

"I knew Entorreans liked to drink, but I didn't think that would carry over to you." When I shot him a glare, he chuckled. "Oh, come on. I've already asked if you want to sneak out of here. Don't look at me like I forced you here."

"Adrie, has anyone told you that you talk a lot?"

"Never."

"Well, consider this the first." With that, I got up from my chair, bolting to the other side of the hall to avoid a certain dark-haired advisor that seemed to be walking in our direction.

If it weren't for everything I knew, I would've happily slipped out this hectic room and joined Adrie on whatever excursion he had.

But Zian was speaking tonight, and Thresan was "locked up," giving people the impression that he was actually jailed. I bet if I went to his cell, he'd be sitting in the midst of the finest foods, hand-made blankets, and perhaps someone keeping him company.

Armor-clad guards entered the hall, the music coming to an abrupt stop. Their face were covered by black, checkered fabric as they searched the hall for possible threats before opening the limestone and metal double doors.

In the center of the guards, a tall, blond man stuck out, his face neutral and sights set straight ahead to the stage. His beige coat layered atop a white chemise and matching white slacks, bright yellow eyes almost accenting the gold medal that swung on his chest while he surveyed the room in cold disinterest. It was the first time I'd seen the infamous Austruc—and the last thing I expected was him to look like a prince.

And to reek of immorality and sin. Mallor's words repeated in my head as I neared the stage, careful to not bring attention to myself.

He stood behind the stage's podium, leaning onto it as if it was a toy, and smiled. "Good evening, everyone. I hope today's festivities are enjoyable. Truth be told, I'd rather be dancing with you all than giving this speech, but it's apparently my job to give updates on developments, so I guess I'll do it."

A string of chuckles came from the crowd.

Zian crossed his arm and leaned into the podium more, his neck turning to meet everyone's gaze. "Today, Princess Senna has returned from her long voyage overseas, gathering vital information for Kandose in her journey." As if he had immediately seen me, his eyes shot right at me, and he gestured in my direction. "Please give her a warm 'thank you' before leaving tonight. After all: we couldn't have done this without her."