Bridging the Ancient ✓

Chapter 57

In the middle of an empty dining room with dark marble floors stretching from one end to the other and ceilings that reach high with lit chandeliers—chaises, sofas, and comfortable chairs of all shapes and sizes nestle within the center of the room for the guests of Dalis's birthday celebration.

It's not a large celebration, mainly people I recognize while the few are standing in the corners, drinking from chalices as they look on into the summer night beyond and the bright stars freckling the sky. The windows are open to let in that comfortable breeze and it mixes so well with the soft tunes of a violin—played by a man with an excellent mustache and a very tight-fitting doublet that cuts into his neck. Yet, that doesn't halt the beauty in the tune.

Hallie finally releases my arm after her grip had been digging into my skin the entire way here—melting through the fabric of my tunic and all the way to the bone, seemingly. She stomps away, towards the table against the wall decorated in Dalis's favorite color, gold. Along the table are rows and rows of desserts and chalices with different drinks. If Silas was part of constructing this party, then I know most of it is alcohol—he promised a good time, even if we wouldn't be drinking, we'd be laughing at someone.

I wave at Celestine across the room, who sits in one of the cushioned chairs with a chalice in her hand. She wears a fine, white partlet over her ruby gown—of course, my sister couldn't dress comfortably for a small celebration like this. Just as the thought runs through my head, Hallie whispers something in her ear and my sister smiles, mouthing the words 'thank you' towards the princess.

Celestine's eyes dart across the room, not to me or any of the other guests that are nameless company, but to Silas, already going through the chalices and sniffing the contents. He hardly notices us as we place Dalis's gift onto the gold liner, next to the table of food and drinks, and watch as he picks up each one to examine what might be on the inside. It's a guessing game, one he could have avoided if he asked for specific wines or ales.

He takes a double take towards us, grinning wide once he realizes we're standing there. "There you two are! I was wondering what was taking you so long," he begins. Before we can say anything in return, he shoves two chalices into our hands and directs his attention towards the many versions of seating in the room. "Sit wherever you like."

The large dining area in this tower has been transformed into the perfect celebration room. The floor is clear for dancing; they have removed the table, and the wallpaper of roses and tulips glistens underneath the glow of torches. I take a deep breath, reminding myself that I am free and have the opportunity to do that, and smile when Renit interlocks his arm with mine.

"I spot a very nice chaise that will fit two," he whispers in my ear.

"No touching, Hallie might kick you out," I mutter as we pass her moving a tray of cupcakes from one end of the table to another. She glances at us over her shoulder but I quickly avert my gaze back towards the large sitting area.

This is a celebration fit for a prince or a princess, not for someone of the kitchen staff. Dalis works tirelessly every day to provide meals for those inside this castle, three meals a day, and alone in the kitchen with Mills in the mornings. She's exhausted every night but when I asked her why she would keep a horrible job, she said watching people's faces light up when they taste their food is enough for her to keep going.

And, if the princes don't have meals, then they can't eat. She didn't fail to mention that the king could scrounge up his own scraps if he wanted to. If he never walked into the kitchen again, Dalis would be more than happy.

Renit slides onto the chaise, angling for me to sit down next to him. Once I'm settled, I take a sip from the chalice and cringe; I ended up with one of the most bitter wines on the table—considering Renit's is much sweeter.