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There were seven other cars waiting to be escorted inside. Ours joined the line at the very end, and the muscles in my abdomen bunched up while the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
One Guardia spoke with the driver while the other circled our car. I jumped a little when the searching Guardia walked around, tapping on my window. I watched him, with his stern frown, point downwards for me to roll down the window a little.
I had been in a car several times since becoming an Élite, but I did not know how to lower the glass. Frantically squirming around, I looked at Isolda for help. She studied me with that haughty expression she was so good at wearing.
Just as I was about to open the door and let in the gusts of icy chill, the window rolled down.
I continued to hold my breath.
The Guardia lowered his head down to look inside. He looked at the floor between Isolda and me, at our seats, and then studied both of our faces. He pulled out a docufone and held it up next to my face.
My heart raced in my chest and my lungs screamed. He didn’t speak as his eyes flicked back and forth from the screen, and my feet and hands tingled from nerves and lack of oxygen.
It felt like a small eternity had passed before he finally took a step back and nodded to his partner. The window rolled up, replacing that tinted black barrier. I craned my neck to watch them breathe soft cotton clouds in the wintry air.
Isolda almost smirked as we pulled further up in the line, but my body lurched forward like a rag doll being dragged across the rocky ground by a child.
I was used to her quips and her judgment. But that didn’t make it hurt less.
At last, it was our turn to be let out. Instead of guards dressed in dark gray and red uniforms, there was a butler with a kind expression and a pressed white shirt and wool coat. No sooner than my door was opened for me, than a white gloved hand was stuck inside. I reached out and slid my hand into his so that he could lead me inside.
I glanced over my shoulder once out of the car, feeling the tug of my possessions.
The butler smiled. “Right this way, Señorita Valarde Bordón. I am delighted to see you, as you are one of the highest guests of honor.” He immediately started walking me forward, that same smile painted across his features, but a frown had turned down my lips and my eyebrows were drawn together. Guest of honor? I had no idea what he was talking about.
The Old Palace looked even more beautiful and intimidating up close. There had been a thick carmine rug laid out for guests to walk across. It prevented anyone from slipping on the icy cement.
“We should get you inside as soon as possible. It’s dreadfully cold,” he said. The words were familiar, but I recognized the thick layer of formality coating every interaction I now had with a Trabajador.
I couldn’t resist responding. “I agree. Maybe you should also stay inside.”
He laughed at that, and I saw him glance at me out of the corner of his eye. “I’ve heard you are funny. It’s no wonder you’re the golden favorite.”
I laughed awkwardly. Guest of honor? Favorite?
Was this some subtle way of mentioning the royalty rumors?
I said nothing else as we continued to walk up the carpet and into the actual house. The second I stepped inside, I was bathed in a rich warmth scented by cinnamon cider and butter. It was simply addicting. The palace was assaulting on every front, from the high, vaulted ceilings to the wallpapered walls, positively saturated with master works.
A maid stepped forward out of a line of servants.
“Señorita Valarde Bordón, please come with me,” she said politely. I could hear the urgency in her voice.
One quick glance at the clock told me I had about two hours to get ready for the Welcome Ball. But they had brought an entire crew to help dress me, hadn’t they? There should be no problem.
I quickly obliged the pleasant middle-aged woman, and she led me through the hall. I nodded at the other candidates and their families as we passed by. If this palace could hold nearly two hundred Élite families plus servants, I wondered how many regular people could live here without a problem.
This place wasn’t even inhabited the whole year, only during the Blood Tournament.
I took a breath, trying to focus on the night ahead of me. I thought over the strategy session I’d had earlier. Then I considered I might actually meet Antonio’s mother in the next few minutes. Would she watch me get preened and polished like a piece of jewelry?
Would she prepare me to find another match?
My stomach tightened at the thought. But I kept my posture strong and followed the woman up to my room.
Chapter44
Diamonds Shine Brighter Than They Should
