Deckard patted his shoulder and grinned back. “Great to see you as well. Did your daughter come with you?”
Vayden nodded. “Yes, she’s in the apartments with Ilain and Ethenn. As I’m not my sister, I don’t require five hours of scrubbing to look my best, so I decided to figure out this maze of a building with Cris here.”
When Vayden gestured to the young man, Evylin noticed that after they greeted their friend, Brea had moved past them tospeak with him. Playfully, she tapped the youth on the chin and laughed as he shook his head at her, the pair talking quietly while the others were greeting each other.
Brea brought him over. “Everyone,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. “This is my nephew, Cristopher Lohen.”
“You can call me Cris,” the young Lohen said with a subtle Schonese accent. The family resemblance was clear through his round face, full brows, and well-defined cheekbones. However, he bore bronze-brown skin rather than Brea’s richer, creamy brown complexion.
“Nephew?” Calyn gasped. “But you look . . .”
“The same age?” Brea asked, smirking. “Yes, that tends to happen when your aunt is a Warrior.”
Cris’s sly grin was a replica of his aunt’s. “It’s an unfortunate truth in our family,” he said, then gave Calyn a more genuine smile, his long lashes framing his rich gaze handsomely. “You get used to it.”
A pink flush came to the young woman’s temples, her brown eyes wide as a slow, shy smile came to her lips.
Evylin rolled her eyes at her sister before turning to face Vayden. “When did you get here?” she asked.
“This morning,” he said. “We could have pushed hard the night before and made it but figured there was no real rush. It was a short trip over from Blaucklake, so we managed it in a couple of hours.”
“I take it you haven’t found any good taverns yet, then?” Thom asked, nudging his friend’s arm.
Vayden laughed but pointed to Cris. “Not yet, but we’ve got a local here who I’m sure would be more than pleased to show us the sights.”
“Perhaps another time,” Gisele said, then motioned to the hall awaiting them. “For now, we still have a ways to go.”
Vayden and Cris promised to see them at dinner, calling goodbyes as they followed Gisele.
The clerk escorted them deeper into the palace. They traversed an arched hallway that seemed to extend forever, ascended four flights of stairs, and continued around the palace. As they climbed, the exquisite design remained consistent. Warm light streamed through the windows in radiant beams, gently illuminating the cream-colored stone interior. Allundan banners appeared throughout without seeming gaudy or out of place.
Gisele reduced her pace as the hall concluded with double doors guarded by two Allundan soldiers. Observing the group, the guards swung open the doors, allowing the clerk to guide them into the spacious chamber beyond. Mirroring the city’s grandeur, the room featured towering columns, painted ceilings, and multiple windows along the far right wall. Three couches flanked a sizable fireplace, and a large golden chandelier hung overhead, its candles flickering softly. To the immediate left, there were two doors leading off the room, while a narrower hallway extended from across the way.
Above the fireplace hung a large painting depicting an obsidian sky adorned with silver and golden starlight, cerulean and crimson nebulae, and amber shadows. The room featured a thick rug, plush pillows, onyx curtains, black marble vases, and various décor, which echoed the theme of Space.
Evylin felt Deckard tense beside her.
“Welcome to your chambers,” Gisele said, folding her hands in front of her as she paused just inside the door. “This apartment is designed to accommodate esteemed guests from the Loclight province of East Allund. To your left is a study and a storage room, while the bedrooms and bathing chambers are down the hall. Your belongings will arrive shortly, but if you find anything missing or need assistance, please let one of theservants or your guards know, and we will ensure you are taken care of.”
As she spoke, a middle-aged woman emerged from the hall. Her dark brown hair was styled in a bun, and her round face radiated friendliness. She wore an outfit like that of the clerk, but she also sported an ivory apron embroidered with a patch of the same colorful pattern instead of a brooch.
“Hello,” the woman said warmly, her accent unmistakably Ephrian. “I’m Lora Wilumson, the head of staff for the Loclight apartments. If you need anything at all, please feel free to ask me.”
Evylin smiled, though her excitement waned as Deckard’s whirlwind of emotions tugged at her heart. Aulton was magnificent and awe-inspiring, the palace stunningly surreal, their apartment extravagantly lavish, and the people inside delightful. Yet, she couldn’t enjoy it, knowing of his growing discomfort.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Deckard said politely.
“Dinner will start at seven,” Gisele informed them. “As Mr. Calder mentioned, the palace is a bit of a maze when you aren’t used to it, so I’ll be back to escort you to the dining hall. Until then, take your time, get comfortable, and I’ll see you in a few hours.”
With that, the clerk walked out the doors, and the guards shut them behind her.
“Now then,” the head of staff said, stepping closer. “There are eight rooms in the apartment, all ready for occupancy. Those men should have your things up in no time, so we’ll need to know where you want us to put them. I’ve also got the two baths drawn up and ready with hot water. Those Fire and Terrae Mages managed some kind of heating system, so it won’t take long to get the rest of you cleaned up as well. Who would like to go first?”
The five of them exchanged amused and amazed glances.
Evylin stepped forward. “Mrs. Wilumson?”
“Yes, dear?”
