The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 87 : Auster Sliver

As the sun set and the sky became darker, the lights on the pool side were lit up, giving the entire place a different look. Lights were also switched on inside the pool, so no one forgets it is there and tumbles in.

Slowly, most of the guests changed back to normal party clothes. Dusk also went and changed. She had brought the only party dress she had – the one Susco had got for her for the Micro-Mega event. However, it was a beautiful dress. Only problem was that it was meant for a formal event, while the guests had mostly chosen more casual or flamboyant clothing. Therefore, she did stand out pretty much, though in a different way. It gave her an image of sophistication, enhancing the difference between her and the 16-17 year-olds, further adding more to what Paul and his team had created for her.

One of the ball rooms had been converted to a dance floor. There was live music from a local band that was playing the current favourites. Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic was served continuously and amazing finger-food was being carried by robo-servers.

Lord Cartier's own parties were well known for their lavishness. This time, the same level of service, food and variety was being offered for his son's party, since Princess Catherine was a guest. It would be a huge loss of face if she did not like what was served. Lord Cartier felt honoured that the first ever party attended by the Princess outside of Regis, was at his manor.

Both Dusk and Catherine had no lack of partners for the dances. In fact, Dusk was exhausted but found it difficult to refuse boys who approached her each time the music started again. She herself, for example, would have been mortified if someone refused her, so she understood their inherent anxiety.

Finally, she made an excuse and stepped out of the ball room, deciding to take walk in the well-lit garden. Almost immediately she saw she was being shadowed by Imperial Security. She realised that the so-called security cover was a curse. Still, she walked along the garden, she stopped near the largest fountain, which immediately lit up with multi-coloured lights and water sprouted out of it. She found the fountain seemed to 'Dance' with varying force of water and the changing, coloured lights.

As she watched the fountain, her eyes went to a slight movement on the right. She turned to see a familiar figure in the form of a Sillito, a darker figure against a dark of the night. As she turned in alarm, the figure removed his helmet.

Dusk sighed with relief when she recognised Luke Jones.

"What are you doing here!" she asked with a gasp. She found that the Imperial Security had quickly converged and formed a sort of protective barrier around her. She tried to wave them away, but they remained in place. Finally, Luke revealed his identity and they moved back to give him privacy.

"I was not invited to the party. It was meant for younger people, mostly friends of Lord Cartier's son. But I find a surprisingly number of older people here. It seems the elder brothers and sisters of his friends have come also. I think many of them are here for you." Luke replied.

"Ha! As if! They must be here to see the Princess. But what are YOU doing here?"

"Well, I was missing you, so I came over. I was bored anyway."

"Ha, ha, ha. Very funny? How did you get in without an invitation?"

"I could have walked through the main door. It is very unlikely that Lord Cartier would refuse me entry. But then I would have to have a very tedious discussion with him on finance and politics, and there would be a number of protocol issues..."

"So?" asked Dusk still waiting for an answer.

"So, I came through the forested woods and jumped the fence..." he replied with a grin.