The Gold in the Dark

Chapter Nineteen

Tia stepped into the cavernous foyer of the academy just as the twelfth hour bell tolled. Her skirts rustled around her ankles, the raised heels of her leather boots clicking on the marble floor. She walked slowly; she wasn't sure of her footing in this high of a heel.

Roge was leaning against a pillar, looking sharp in an embroidered vest and starched black trousers. He turned at the sound of her approach, his eyes lighting up before giving her a short bow. She inclined her head in answer. Clad in her borrowed dress and with the grandeur of the foyer as a backdrop, she felt positively regal.

"You look lovely," he said.

"And you as well," she said. "Handsome, I mean." Try as she might, she was always stumbling over her words with this boy.

Roge's eyes crinkled as he smiled, and she felt a wave of relief. He didn't care she was awkward—seemed to like it, even.

"Shall we?" he asked, extending an arm to her. She took it, grateful for the extra support. And then they were off, sweeping out the double doors of the academy into the vast, waiting city beyond.

It was a gorgeous day for the time of year. Though the chill of winter was in the air, the sun was brilliant overhead, only a few distant clouds daring to mar the wide expanse of blue. Roge guided her expertly down this avenue and up that boulevard, calling her attention to any sites of note along the way.

Soon they came upon a large square. She gasped. There in the very center was the fountain of Queen Osanne that Wynna had spoken of months ago now. The square was packed; roadside vendors sold piping hot roast potatoes, and a small crowd was gathered on the opposite end of the square, listening to an unhinged-looking man rant—something about a fire. Well, every city had its crazies.

A horde of children ran at full tilt through the square, engaged in a giant game of chase. Tia screeched when one boy with red cheeks and a naughty twinkle in his eyes splashed freezing water from the fountain towards her. There was a sharp yank on Tia's arm; Roge had tugged her toward him, and the water missed her by an inch.

"What the—?" A man to the right of her swore as the water soaked the hem of his brown cloak. He made a grab for the boy, but it was too late; the boy was already halfway across the square, casting a jeering look over his shoulder.

Tia detached herself from Roge with reluctance, then curtsied to him like a lady in a fairy story. "My hero. I'm forever in your debt."

He puffed out his chest. "All in a day's work, milady. But let's not tarry, lest we're besieged by heathens." Nonetheless, they took a moment to appreciate the statue, stately amongst the chaos of the square.

Queen Osanne was looking over her shoulder, her two arms outstretched in the classic stance the Queen's Fair performers assumed in the dance's final, furious turns. Was Osanne peering over her shoulder to steady her balance so she didn't topple over? Was she taking a last moment to enjoy her mortal existence before she sacrificed herself to the gods? Tia squinted at the statue's face. She looked fearful, contrary to her graceful pose.

"That sculptor clearly didn't know much," Roge said, his tone flippant. "Look at the placement of her right foot! Mistress Primbuck would have a fit."

She played along. "And Mistress Laserie would cover for her and say that was just the style back in ancient Hygot."

That garnered a chuckle. "And Master Sonnen would shout at her not to look so glum—she was only sacrificing herself for her kingdom."

They shared a laugh and kept walking. A few minutes later Roge motioned for her to stop. He pointed. "See between those two buildings?" She craned her neck, trying to find the right vantage point. Her heart leaped when Roge pulled her closer, pointing to a tiny window of space, where, yes, she could see a spire of white and gold gleaming as it stretched toward the sky.