by Nicole Adamz
Surely Aeolus looks down from Welkin with amusement. All of us trying so hard to station ourselves around the Aerie. Even me, although I have no say in that, I thought bitterly. Walking out of the grand dining hall, I passed the staircase in the foyer leading to the second floor.
It was guarded by Warders, and I smiled and added an extra twitch in my hips. An audible swallow made my lips quirk. So easy, I thought, wandering into the hallway ahead. The proximity of this dais to the Aerie spoke of the family’s blood connection to the High Lord. What would it be like to grow up knowing everything in Summit was at your fingertips? I thought. If I can make Heir Talon fall in love with me, I’ll know what it’s like to spend the rest of my life that way.
Ari was placing a cracker on her tongue in a room clearly not meant for us when I found her. “Ari! We aren’t supposed to be eating the guest’s food!” I hissed. I’d become acquainted with her voracious appetite over the past few moons.
She jumped guilty, keeping her mouth still. Pretending she hadn’t been caught eating a salmon crème cracker, she stared at me innocently. Then chewed once. I laughed but raised a sardonic brow and Ari’s shoulders drooped. Placing the crackers back on the platter, she shuffled toward me ungratefully.
“Even if I hadn’t seen you place the cracker in your mouth, I would smell the salmon on you,” I scolded with a sigh. “Have you found the refreshment room for Caelum?”
A mutinous expression crossed Ari’s face and she stomped two doors down before pointing indignantly. A glance into the room confirmed my suspicions. So rich and yet so stingy with those they deem unworthy of impressing, I thought irately. Ari’s thieving habits were a result of the dry bread and pickled pig’s feet left for performing Caelum.
My lips thinned briefly before I smoothed them into a smile. Always smile, Maewyn, I reminded myself, no one will know what you’re thinking if you always smile. I let a small sigh escape, shaking my head at Ari.
“Typical,” I murmured. “Follow me, I’ll show you where the Anomalies set the food before delivery. If something looks amiss, they’ll rearrange it—without questions.”
Ari’s countenance perked up and my spirits lifted at her exuberance. If only food solved all problems, I thought wistfully, leading her into the foyer. Like making the Heir fall in love with me. The Warders by the stairs remained immobile, not twitching a muscle.
I walked up to the oldest one. The younger one is cute, but the older one will have more authority—and feel superior for getting the attention.
Ari, walking behind me, silently took her cue and whizzed toward the small table sitting outside a swinging door at the back of the foyer. It was littered with trays of untouched food. My gaze remained focused on the Warder, but I kept Ari in my peripheral vision. Smiling sweetly, I sauntered forward, watching his eyes shift suspiciously towards Ari. He’s more experienced. I placed my hand on his arm, catching his attention.
“Do you know where Lord and Lady Durus are? I’d like to give them my thanks for their invitation requesting I play tonight,” I murmured silkily.
My fingers traced a subtle pattern on his sleeve, and I stepped closer. The Warder blinked, shifting uncomfortably. His eyes stared at the dark patterns on the back of my hand, and I tilted my head innocently, widening my eyes and slowly shifting against him.
The Warder swallowed, clearing his throat twice before muttering, “I wouldn’t know their whereabouts, Caelum Maewyn.”
My grin widened. “You’ve heard of me?”
The Warder schooled his features into neutrality, “Everyone in Summit has heard stories of the Second Born, Caelum.”
I chuckled sultrily. This is good news. I want my name on every tongue in Summit. It’ll reach the Heir in some fashion, if it hasn’t already. The Warders lips tightened, red tinting his skin when I fluttered my lashes. Yet, he continued trying to maneuver some distance between our bodies. Such control. There weren’t many men who could resist my charms when I wanted their attention. Perhaps a Warder would be an interesting challenge, I thought.
Ari entered my peripheral vision, standing in the hallway wiggling her fingers at me. Her eyebrows quirked in exasperation when she caught my gaze, and she patted a swollen napkin in her hands. A conspiratorial grin flashed across her face and I suppressed a chuckle.
“Excuse me,” I said to the Warder, “My Tyro needs assistance.”
I left without a backward glance, following Ari. Other white-clad Caelum and their Tyro had arrived and were wandering the hallway; the room was too small to hold so many people at one time. Ari and I found an unoccupied corner of the room, and I pursed my lips when she opened the napkin. Her salmon scented breath washed over me. Hmmm, better choose something without an overpowering scent, I thought, thankful for her unwitting assistance. I chose a rosemary crusted roll instead of the tempting shrimp biscuit.
Gauging the Talents of the other Totality Caelum, I judged I was easily the top performer. I’d checked the performance roster and I was scheduled as the grand finale. Tension pooled in my stomach, but I shook it off.
This is what my training was for. As the Second Born Story Weaver, I’m a commodity. An ornamental piece among the Totality. I’ve picked out a tale sure to capture the audience, and my presence alone should spark some interest in the Heir.
A grey garbed Anomaly slipped through the doorway and rang a small gong. The festivities were beginning. Caelum at the top of the performance roster filed out with their Tyro shuffling after them. I glanced at Ari, and she nodded. Caelum weren’t paid solely for Talent, but also to charm guests with wit and knowledge. Time to earn some dosh and collect some useful gossip. I’ll need more than one opportunity to gain information about Lord and Lady Durus’s son, Heir Talon.
I glided into the grand dining room to mingle, relishing the soft breeze keeping it delightfully cool despite the crush of bodies. One glance confirmed the presence of Fractional Tropos Caelum spread among the pillars. I winced imperceptibly. What an embarrassing use of Talent. At least the other Fractional Caelum leave after they finish their tasks.
The crowd murmured, a shiver of anticipation racing through it when a group of Caelum and Tyro strode through the grand dining hall in formation with their instruments. They poised themselves in front of the huge window with their Tyro in a semi-circle around them. My eyes narrowed. I’m not the only one who knows where the best position for a performance is in this room.
All Totality Caelum competed for prized positions at a Revue; a reputation for being the best came with a lucrative amount of dosh. I had an undisputed edge in Ascension for being the Second Born Story Weaver, but I didn’t assume my Talent alone would secure me the success I wanted—and that the Ambire family expected.
A trio of flutes played, soft notes bouncing gently against the ceiling. The Totality Caelum moved, one at a time, in a fluid and graceful dance. Large, translucent orbs, crafted from their fingertips, formed patterns and broke apart, expertly following the dance like small mirrors. Illuminary Talent, I thought, studying them. The flute played for a few moments before the music subtly changed and a piccolo and violin joined the increasing tempo.
The Tyro continued playing, edging toward the dancing Illuminary Caelum. Flashes of sparking light exploded from their instruments, echoing a heartbeat. The Tyro cast smaller orbs of light and the dance transformed into an airy and provocative form.
The music and dancers burst into a frenzy of movement, the collection of colored orbs mirroring them. The globes zipped around the room, spinning faster and faster before colliding in the middle with a huge splash of colors, culminating in sparks of color streaming through the air like minute rivers.
It was a brilliant light show, and I smiled at the heady sensation it left in its wake. Which made me uneasy. The show was unlike anything I’d seen before and was coordinated with the Durus family’s status in mind. Lady Durus is, after all, the High Lord’s sister and mother to the current Heir.
It seemed the Totality I
lluminary Caelum had worked hard to come up with new ways to entertain. The new and flashy piece could severely impact my performance. Which could damage my chances of rising to the peak of the social ladder in Summit, and rain down the wrath of the entire Ambire family upon me.
I applauded mechanically, a professional courtesy, while searching the crowd for the Heir’s golden head. Pushing my worry aside, I focused on the task I had been assigned by my family. I needed to find Heir Talon. The family’s informant said he was noticeable. Surely, he wouldn’t miss his parent’s party?
The Fractional Tropos Caelum lingering around the columns kept their faces carefully blank, continuously creating drafts of fresh air for guests. The slit in my dress opened a fraction wider beneath a breeze, and I arched a brow at the Fractional Caelum I passed. He smirked but stopped when I was out of range.
Glancing toward the front, I marked the number of acts until it was my turn to entertain. An Azoic Caelum was setting up for his solo act. It was unusual for an Azoic Caelum to be Totality Claimed, but the large slab of stone sitting on a decorated cart gave away his Talent. I tucked my wings in closely, nodding and smiling vaguely at guests. I’d lost Ari after the first performance, but she would find me when it was my turn to perform. Continuing my search for the Heir, I smiled and waved at comments directed toward me as I passed by.
“I can’t wait for your performance, Caelum Maewyn.”
“I saw the last show you did—stunning!”
“When will you make an appearance at the Aerie?”
I forced a smile, shrugging daintily. I’d like to know the answer myself, I thought irritably. I’ve been a Caelum for three years and haven’t received an invitation to the Aerie.
I idly listened to passing gossip as I swam through the crowd. It would have been helpful if I’d received a sketch, so I would recognize Heir Talon. I stopped short when a laughing group of women cut in front of me. Agitation simmered inside, but I kept smiling. One woman tripped on her hem, and her plate of food tilted precariously.
I backed away quickly, bumping into someone with an audible ‘oomph’. The woman recovered, giggling like she hadn’t almost ruined my uniform. I huffed, smoothing my ruffled feathers and turned to apologize to the person behind me.
Forest green eyes stared down at me, causing my heart to stall. I’d seen those eyes before. They belonged to a rogue with a string of pretty birds at his beck and call, and a small part of me had wanted to be one of them. His mouth curled in a smile, pleasure dancing in the jungle of his eyes. I bit my lip, fighting for composure.
Chapter 4
Maewyn
“WE MEET AGAIN,” he purred.
My heart tripped while gazing at the ebony haired scoundrel. Mischief danced in my veins at the open invitation in his expression. He’d previously had a red-head on his arm. Tonight, there was a brunette. The curvaceous woman pouted, glaring at me with icy blue eyes before asking petulantly, “Who is she?”
The crimson feather braided into Davin’s hair fluttered as he haughtily patted her hand. The woman preened, failing to hide how desperately she wanted to be the only woman he wanted. Amateur, I thought mockingly.
“Don’t worry, pet,” he murmured, “She’s already turned me down.”
The woman’s eyes slid down my frame, a cruel smile twisting her lips, “She isn’t your type, Davin.”
Annoyed, I purred, “Of course not. I’ve got more than two brain cells to rub together.”
Davin chuckled, and the woman curled against his side territorially. “I’ve heard stories about you,” she said maliciously, “It’s not every day a Story Weaver gets saddled with an un-Talented Tyro. Poor thing,” the brunette said viciously. “Tell me, how is your little cast-off?”
I lifted my chin, “Ascension expects great things from her. Obviously, they couldn’t assign her to other Totality Caelum.” Ari isn’t a player in this game, I thought angrily.
“I heard she looks odd, and they had nowhere else to place her. Some sort of weird defect like an Anomaly,” She shuddered dramatically.
My smile froze. At least Ari has more potential than a cockroach in a trash heap! You’ll never be more than a pretty bird on some man’s arm, and beauty doesn’t last forever.
“Is that true?” Davin asked me, his eyes gleaming speculatively. He slipped his fingers through the woman’s long hair, “Tannen, be a pet and fetch me some wine.”
Tannen scowled, recovering with a giggle when Davin frowned. Peeling herself from his arm, she gave him a sultry kiss before sashaying through the crowd. It quickly devoured her bountiful form. I glanced caustically at Davin, startled to find his gaze piercing through me.
“Beautiful women are often malleable to those with considerable dosh,” Davin said drolly.
“Beautiful women or beautiful pretty birds?” I snapped fiercely.
Davin grinned wickedly. “There’s a difference?”
I sniffed haughtily, hating that I was charmed by his rogue air, “Beautiful women have an array of talents not limited to private chambers. Especially when they have their own dosh.”
Davin grinned naughtily, and my heart tripped again. My skin buzzed expectantly when he closed some of the distance between us. Scrambling for composure, I marshalled my thoughts. He’s not your target, Maewyn! Say good-bye and move on!
“Was Tannen’s gossiping tongue accurate? Your Tyro has a defect, and no Talent?” Davin murmured.
My eyes narrowed. “My Tyro is no one’s business. Excuse me, I’ll be performing soon.”
Davin leaned in, letting his lips softly touch my ear. “All work and no play, Maewyn?”
I shuddered, suppressing a flush. This is a dangerous game—and the wrong one. Managing a flustered smile, I stepped away from his intoxicating scent.
“Some women contribute more to Summit than a warm body,” I said with effort.
“Oh, I wouldn’t cast aspersions on warm bodies, Maewyn.” Davin said, his gaze dropping to my mouth, “They’re a lot of fun.”
I licked my lips. Something about him made me want to agree to what his gaze was suggesting. I swallowed, “I’m more than a warm body.”
Davin chuckled arrogantly, “Never let anyone say you don’t have ambition.”
He pulled a card from his vest pocket, pressing it in my hand. “I have some very…entertaining connections to the Durus family. Let me know when you’d like to have a little fun,” he purred.
Spotting Tannen, Davin stepped back and slipped an arm around her waist as she handed him a glass. She curled against him, clinging like a vine. Noticing my flushed face, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Let her seethe, I thought vindictively.
“To fun,” Davin said, tilting his cup and winking at me before departing.
My gaze followed him. He prowled through the crowd, joining a group of richly dressed people. The golden-haired man beside him slowly registered in my vision, and Davin’s words penetrated the fog wrapping my mind.
Davin knows the Heir? I swallowed nervously, looking at the card he’d given me. He could be my way in. Davin turned, meeting my eyes across the room. He said something to Heir Talon, and the Heir turned, pursing his lips before continuing his conversation with the woman on his arm. I sucked in a breath.
Davin tipped his glass at me with a smirk, and I made sure he watched me stash his card in my dress. A roguish grin flashed across his face. Oh, my. I caught my breath. How…tempting.
Shaking myself, I searched for Ari, the tension I’d felt about finding the Heir disappearing. It would be easy to get an introduction through Davin. Recalling his wicked smile, a glow filled me. I can peak the Heir’s interest before meeting him.
Finding Ari at a buffet table—where she shouldn’t be—I gave her an authoritative look, “My set is after this one.”
Ari nodded guiltily, scanning the room for an Anomaly. Their grey dresses blended into the shadows, leaving guests oblivious to their presence while they quietly cleaned up messes, replaced food, and serv
ed drinks. Ari tapped on the closest Anomaly’s shoulder and disappeared from the dining hall with her.
I hovered at the edge of the crowd, waiting for the previous Caelum to disperse before placing myself in front of the large window. Ari returned with my harp, carefully rolling the heavy instrument through the crowd. My lips curved into a satisfied smile at the traveling whisper ‘Story Weaver’.
I let my fingers relax against the chords, plucking them to life while reaching for the bright, silver vapor inside. Warmth tingled along my limbs as I let the Talent race across my skin, seeping into the floor. A chilled breeze licked my feet, and fog spread from the sterile marble while I unspooled my Talent.
I pushed and pulled it, shifting it into vague shapes. I can’t let them know what the story will be too soon. The warmth inside expanded and I focused, letting the silver cloud inside stretch and thin while I manipulated the fog. From my peripheral vision I saw Ari discreetly bring a handkerchief to her face. Having a Tyro handle everything except family matters had left me a copious amount of time to practice. My Talent had grown in leaps and bounds, becoming easier to handle.
Ethereal tinkling filled the air while I crafted a centuries old love story about someone from the Heir’s family lineage. My gaze unfocused and I settled into the weave of the story, unfolding it like a flower. I tugged harder at the silver warmth and colors condensed on the miniature buildings and figures. The play began: Deidra and the High Lord, lovers destined to be parted by tragedy.
When the grief-stricken High Lord’s face dissipated into a wisp of fog, I blinked. It’s such a poignant story about love. The errant thought made me straighten, and one of my mother’s lessons whipped into my mind. The luxury of love is for fools with no ambition. Disgruntled, I glanced around the hushed room until cheering rumbled through the crowd.
I stood, bracing against the harp when the room spun in soft colors, waiting for Ari’s supporting arm. My Talent retracted, curling deeper within me to slumber like a sleepy kitten. Every Revue left me drained, and I was grateful for the color I’d added to my cheeks. Ari’s strength supported me while I swayed beneath the praise of revelers with a strained smile.
