Shift

Bellatrix

Alcander and I leave the chamber, closing the door behind us. I nearly catch my dress in the door, but I manage to pull it out just in time. I walk behind Alcander as he leads me through the twists and turns of the mansion.

"This way," he says quietly. I trust him. I don't have a choice.

I recognize some of the tapestries as we go by, displays of hunt and honor. Slowly, the tunnels begin change, becoming less decorated and a tighter fit. I couldn't walk beside Alcander even if I want to. I begin to hear the noise of conversation echoing in the hall. I can hear Erin's voice, distinct and smooth, hovering over the others.

The tunnel abruptly gives way to a wider chamber, a much smaller version of the entry. The walls are damp, but it doesn't smell too much like the salty earth surrounding the ocean. In fact, the large amounts of greenery in the small space make it smell even better than the hall above. A small door stands in the middle of the wall, flanked by two drivers from earlier. They nod to Alcander and I, then proceed to open the door for us.

"Remember your training," Alcander whispers in my ear.

My training. My information, the training that taught me how to infiltrate a palace or royal court. I never thought I would use it. No one in my classes did. Yet here I am, betting my life on it.

We walk through the door into another world. The room is bigger than the meeting room, possibly ten times its' size. A small band plays in the corner of the room, gentle music drifting just below the sounds of conversation. Light fixtures dimly illuminate the room, revealing twenty or so couples. Each is dressed as elegantly as I am, some more so. Several different kingdoms and countries are represented. Most of them are clustered around Rowan amd Erin, but all of them turn to look at Alcander and I.

"The Storm and the Dreamer," Alcander announces. Rowan gives Alcander a slight nod, then returns to the group. A few of the couples approach Alcander and I, leaving Rowan and Erin behind.

"Storm," one of the men says, "it's good to see you again. After the last incident, I was worried you would be absent tonight."

"Worry not," Alcander replies. He gestures to me. "Dreamer, this is King Reiner of Deca. Your Highness, this is our newest recruit to the Circle, the Dreamer."

"A pleasure to meet you, your Highness," I say, pulling my arm away from Alcander and deeply bowing.

"I assure you, the pleasure is all mine, Dreamer," King Reiner replies. "It's good to see new blood entering the Circle. Do Infernal well, Dreamer."

With that, the king leaves. A woman, his wife and Queen of Deca, joins him as he leaves. Another couple takes his place. Alcander introduces them as High Lord Vin and High Lady Skir. Then the King and Queen of Maran, an island country thousands of miles away. Ten other royal families, and more Lords and Ladies. Each of them addresses my induction, then reminds me to stay true to Rowan.

Finally, the line ends. I'm allowed to properly breathe once again. I'm still trapped in an unfamiliar room with people I have little reason to trust, all of which can kill me with a single command. Still, not staring royalty in the face provides a small peace. A small, minor peace, but a peace all the same.

"You've done well," Alcander whispers, sliding his arm back into mine. "Can you dance?"

"As well as anyone in my class." I don't tell him that I was one of the best of my class, or that I've never danced in heels before.

"I should have expected that," he replies. I can hear him sigh slightly, then grasp my arm tighter.

We stay toward the sides of the room, making our way to the band. There, a small space is left for dancing. A few couples are already there. Erin has left Rowan, dancing with King Reiner and leaving his wife to talk to the red and black haired authority.