The Death of a Dream [hiatus]

Chapter 4

Ignorance

"I'm sorry, but what is a sealy-lavender cake?" I asked the maid who had brought in a tray of breakfast into my room.

The guest room they had offered me was large and luxurious. I don't think I could've ever imagined a room quite as nice. Silky and soft sheets on the rather large bed, an open balcony complete with a small seating area, and not to mention the heavy guard and service detail that stood vigil right outside my door. The room itself seemed old and kind of abandoned. The gold linings around the walls were faded and there was even a layer of dust on the tables beside the bed.

"A breakfast cake made from sealy cow liver and accented by lavender water," she said, her voice perking with each syllable.

She left after laying down a thick pile of clothes at the edge of the bed by my feet.

"Here goes nothing," I mumbled to myself as I lifted a small spoonful of the gray colored cake. To my surprise it was delicious, soft, and smelled nothing like lavender.

I turned my attention to the clothes after a few more bites of the cake. I stood up and pulled a red set out of the pile. It was a deep red, kind of like blood. Parts near my breast, stomach, and some parts of the skirt were sheer though they were adorned by a few bits of jewels, offering just a little bit of privacy. It was in Caledonian colors so I knew it was the right choice.

I slipped out of the white nightgown they'd given me and into the skin-baring outfit. I didn't necessarily dislike the amount of skin that would be showing, but I wasn't against it either. I knew I looked good, judging by what Gira said to me last night, but part of me felt like I was dressed like an expensive whore. What was even stranger was the fact that they never gave me any shoes. Since arriving in Luster palace, I'd only been given fragile, pretty clothes, but no shoes.

"Oh, well," I sighed as I walked towards the balcony, a silky, dark red train flowing behind me.

The city was beautiful to look at on eye level. Everything seemed so small from where I was standing. The city with its brightly colored, uniform roofs and ant-sized citizens almost seemed like a child's toy set. It's like I could pluck a piece out and move it wherever I pleased.

I walked to the door and peeked out at the guards standing by. "Am I allowed to explore the city?" I asked.

The three men shared nods with each other before the one closest to me took the door knob and opened it wide.

"Yes, General Bacchus ordered us to accompany you should you wish to leave the palace."

A wide grin spread uncontrollably across my face. I stepped out of the room and followed the guards as they escorted me down the endless spiral of stairs. Servants who were on their way up took one look at me before scrambling back down the stairs.

When the crowd of maids cleared out of the bottom of the stairs, we proceeded to the palace's entrance. To my surprise, a small group of soldiers were gathered at the entrance, listening attentively to a certain blonde captain.

He must've noticed the ruckus the maids and guards were causing as they climbed down the stairs because he took a quick glance over his shoulder and a shine glimmered in his eyes when he caught my stare.

"The Council meets today. Let your opinions be heard." Innes nodded to his men, dismissing them before completely turning to me. "You're out and about."

I smiled as he approached me, the sunlight shining against his back from the open entrance way. "I wanted to see the city before I have to go to House Daymoss for a calling."