Page 35 of Eternal Obsession

I strolled into the main ballroom and immediately recognized the music played by the orchestra, recalling that Ludwig Van Beethoven had been one of Sunaria’s favorite composers. I avoided the regally-dressed servants who offered guests a rich assortment of fruits, meats, and sweet delicacies, and instead admired the rich burgundy and purple velvet drapes strewn upon the walls of the ballroom, providing an elaborate backdrop to the baroque décor. The grand chandeliers hung low from the ornate ceiling, reflecting the candlelight exquisitely off their finely cut crystal.

Over three hundred guests had been invited, and I wondered how many were staying within the castle walls following the festivities. The dancing couples were dressed in their finest apparel. Light from the chandeliers shone upon them. I sauntered about the room lingering close to the walls, aware of the glances and even some stares from admiring mortals. I reminded myself I was not here for entertainment.

Alex soon joined me and together we stood in the corner of the sumptuous ballroom, talking discreetly to one another, occasionally looking toward the center of the room where some of the guests mingled loudly and others danced. The playful mortals waltzed around and around, their perfectly timed gliding steps all in unison moving flawlessly to the orchestra.

“My, you have caught the sun,” Alex said.

“I was outside quite a bit, selecting horses to send back to Spain,” I lied.

“But I thought Spain had the best horses?”

“Ah, I did say that, didn’t I?”

“Well, I know first hand of your excellent choice in livery.”

“How is the mare?”

“She’s settled in well. I ride her every day.”

“I am glad to hear it,” I said.

Jadeon appeared, and we welcomed him into the conversation.

“Your party is a success,” I said.

“Yes, it appears to be going well,” Jadeon said. “Alex tells me you live in Spain. How long will we have the pleasure of your company?”

“I return to Spain in a few weeks,” I replied, but I was secretly planning to visit Italy. Anything to cleanse myself of all this death. The kind I was about to unleash.

To judge by Alex’s expression, he had not considered that I might leave Cornwall. “But you are both invited to visit me in Spain,” I added.

Jadeon smiled. “Perhaps next summer?”

Alex looked vexed.

Jadeon reflected concern. “Alex has a lot on his mind right now.”

“I have been condemned to a slow death,” Alex said.

“How so?”

“Father has arranged⁠—”

“For him to marry,” Jadeon said.

I feigned ignorance, though I had extracted the facts before they were spoken.

“Perhaps you could request to be hung, drawn, and quartered instead?” I said.

Jadeon’s expression was priceless.

Alex laughed. “At least the suffering would not last quite as long.”

“Well, I for one adore weddings.” I winked at Alex.

Alex sighed. “Daumia, you’re not helping.”

His informality surprised me. “Perhaps I could meet her?”