An Envoy for the Lost

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Watching from afar, I tapped my fingers on the marble column beside me, as the young ambassador expertly wove himself through the crowd, stopping to take photos and give autographs. His eloquent speech of congratulations would no doubt show up in the papers tomorrow.

The clock had struck just past eleven, and I was exhausted from giving monotonous greetings to sponsors and influencers, one identical to the other. Alden had apparently stationed himself by me at all times, and was just a little bit too eager to make conversation. Though it was marketed as a benefit dinner, the only people who seemed to be eating were everyone but the candidates.

Looking longingly at the table of refreshments and appetizers, I let out a sigh, which turned to a surprised quack when a light-hearted, slightly amused voice rang from behind me.

"I wouldn't recommend it," Hugo Kardell stepped to my side, the edge of his mouth slightly tilted upward, "The moment you think the coast is clear, an unflattering picture of mouth stuffing vigor will materialize in the tabloids," he warned.

Raising my eyebrows, I looked up at him, "Nice to know," then let and awkward beat pass, "Not an assisting official I presume?"

He was looking into the room, "Not of that sort, no," he turned to several reporters, then put a hand on my shoulder, "smile for the cameras." Forcing out an awkward smile, I was blinded momentarily by the flashing gaggle of photographers.

After the photographers had wandered off to a different group of candidates, I sagged against a display case holding what looked to be the portrait of an androgynous individual. Hugo glanced at me discreetly and chuckled, "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

"You must think I'm such an idiot," I laughed to myself, shaking my head.

He laughed as well, "I won't deny it candidate, you took me by surprise. Ms. Laminoff, for example, erupted into a torrent of screams and unintelligible dialogue, but I couldn't figure out if you didn't know of me, or just didn't care about me."

"I didn't recognize you," I admitted, "I read the paper, but don't watch the news."

"Well then, Ms. Corsey, I do believe this job isn't very well suited for you. Of course every good politician watches the news," he groused, matter of factly.

"Do you? Watch the news, I mean."

He laughed again, "Oh god no, why would I?"

I smiled to myself, the first genuine smile that night, I realized. I looked up to see Hugo observing me curiously, and I didn't even notice the flash of the cameras, or the buzz of the crowd.

"Run along, candidate. Best to make your rounds before the billionaires get too drunk and have to be escorted out," he was absolutely serious, "I'll give you a hint, it's the old, fat ones."

I shook my head, "I suppose I've lots to learn from you, Ambassador Kardell."

He looked at me again, the same curious look, "I suppose you do, lowly Candidate Corsey."

Walking in circles, my feet growing heavy, and the concession stand basically singing to me, I felt like ripping my shoes off and hurling them at the nearest pillar. I had repeated the same cheerful monologue to everyone I had met, but had ceased to speak with Norem.

Every time I got close to her, I was either scared off by the crowd around her, or by a figment of my own imagination. It was only close to midnight, when I spotted her quietly sipping a glass of champagne near the podium.

"Ambassador Norem?" I squeeked, but froze when she turned to look at me, her steel grey eyes like thunderclouds. ". . . Hi, my name's Adriane," my voice trembled. I cursed myself internally, of course she knows my name! She stayed silent, her expression unreadable, but I had definitely gotten her attention.