Shivers

Chapter 4

The car ride through the busy streets was filled with silence, apart from the now and then huff from Lukas. The hotel came into view and Arianna's chest tightened. Lukas sat forward in the passenger seat, he observed the large building and all of it's patrons who entered and exited the doors. Arianna watched as she passed the two lion statues on either side  of the street. There were statues like this lined all along the block surrounding the building, this was a sign to anyone of The High Table that they could stay here without being noticed. Arianna parked the car out front and stepped out to observe everyone coming in and out. 

"Holly cow!" Lukas gasped. "What is this place?" 

Arianna grinned at him then shut the door. "This is the Palace of Servants." Arianna turned away from the car and walked in through the elegant doors. 

The hotel was not exactly new, but it wasn't historically old. Inside the granite faced walls and gold chandeliers gave it a ballroom feel. Almost like stepping through a fairy tale book. Arianna approached closer to the front desk, which was a stark comparison  to the rest of the lobby. It was an obsidian faced desk with gold lamps sitting on the polished surface. Behind the desk was a man with a suit and tie with glasses. The man looked up and nodded at the two approaching. Arianna produced her ring from her hand and handed it to him. The man adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose to read the inside inscription.

"I am very sorry to have to take the time to do this, Arianna. But the rules are the rules." he apologized while writing in her name. "What is it you are here for?" 

"I am here to speak with someone. I need to give him my answer." she explained. 

"Remember, Arianna, there will be no acts of business on High Table sanctioned grounds." he warned her with a smile.

She knew the rules and she hate them for it. So many cowards who were under contract ran here to hide all the time. She nodded and grabbed Lukas by the arm. "You stay here until I get back." she ordered him. 

His eyes cast disappointment and hurt. "Why do you and Hammon treat me like such a child?" His voice was small and hurt. This caused Arianna to thaw a bit. "I want to help, but you just won't let me."

"Lukas," Arianna placed a delicate hand on the boy's shoulder. "I know you want t help, but I don't want you to have to step into something that isn't your place. This is my problem, not yours. "

The boy nodded and she patted his shoulder one last time and made her way to the bar. In one of the corner booths sitting  with a bottle of bourbon on the table and a glass in his hand. He was wearing a suit all black apart from his purple tie. Arianna placed the ring back on her finger and took a seat in front of him. His eyes were a dull blue shade which went well with his thinning gray and brown hair. She studied his grin and watched him drink down his bourbon. 

"I almost thought you would not be giving me an answer, Arianna." he said slyly while pouring another glass of bourbon. "I am hoping the answer is yes." 

Arianna reached forward and snatched the glass up and downed it in one swallow. "The answer is yes. I'll protect your nephew until the coronation." 

"Wonderful, let's cebra-"

"On one condition." Arianna snapped quickly. 

Iolev sobered quickly and returned to his stoicism. "Yes?"

Arianna leaned forward and glared into his eyes. I want you to swear on your mark that you will not ghost me," she hissed. 

Iolev's face became taught. He needed her, he needed his nephew to take his place. He mulled it over a bit and- "I swear on my mark that I will not ghost you. Even though, out of the two of us who ghosted their own family?"