Flame of Frost (The Caelestian Chronicles: Book #1)

Chapter 29 - A Broken Star Heals (+ a huge Author's note)

The soft tunes of the Ballroom are audible in the corridors of the A Block as well. It seems the entire palace is echoing the melody from every speaker chip.

I hear them even while I walk through the open corridor of the twenty-second floor of the block. The sickeningly sweet music and the tiny, glimmering bit of hope make me want to let go of every thought and dance. Makes me want to spread my arms, and arch and spin and twirl. Makes me want to flow like water and lunge in the air.

But not yet. Mom and Dad are not back yet. There's still no way to tell if they are safe. Though soon, they will be. And soon, I will be out of here and I wouldn't need to be anyone's puppet to ensure my parents' safety.

I barely avoid walking straight into a pillar, although, my shoulder hits it. I scan around to see how many green guardsmen witnessed this, however, to my surprise I find none.

How can Austin be alone on a floor without any guards? I thought Alacritas made them trail everywhere after him.

"I'd suggest walking with your eyes open," he drawls, walking along the corridor to me.

"Why didn't you go the Ballroom?" I ask with furrowed brows.

He crosses his arms and leans against a pillar, looking to the direction of Block B as if he can see all the way to the Ballroom. "I don't think I could have handled seeing you dance with someone else."

What does he mean by that?
"But you're missing on delicious chocolates and baked items," I croon instead.

Austin cuts me a sideways glance. "Don't make me regret my decision."

I chuckle, joining beside him on the railing. "Where's the box of chocolates?"

"For someone who was with delicious food," he replies, "you seem way too hungry."

I keep my face neutral. "I didn't eat much today."

He starts. "Come on," he turns to the direction of the lift, "you need to go and eat."

I frown deeply. "I don't want to go there, Austin."

"Fine." He reverts to walk to the other direction. "Let's eat the chocolates."

I follow him to the open terrace while the music keeps on flowing around us. He picks up a metallic periwinkle box and unknots the silver ribbon binding it.

"That's got a hell lot of packing," I wonder aloud.

"Theora gave it to me," he informs me.

I almost choke. "Theora?"

"Her Majesty sent it in her hands," he clarifies.

"Oh." I nod. That somewhat makes sense. "Why though?"

Austin rolls his eyes. "Apparently the entire palace knows that 'the lamia likes to eat chocolates'," he quotes. "They find it quite ironic."

Unsure of what to say, I keep silent and pick up a silver foil-wrapped ball of chocolate. I unwrap it and put it in my mouth.
The soft exterior shell melts and apple syrup drips out of the centre. Before Austin can even help himself to his second serving, I've already gobbled down five.

"You're not eating," I point out.

"You're obviously more hungry than me," he counters with a raised brow.

"I can't eat more than this right now." I wince. "It's too sweet." I wince.

"Too much at once can make anyone nauseous." He nods, unwrapping another one for himself. "Eat a few more after a while."