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CHAPTER 15
Like a flash of lightning, one moment we were in the palace corridor and the next, we weren’t. I blinked, closing my eyes for a split second, and when I opened them, we were standing in a busy square, surrounded by people amid a roar of sound.
I looked around me, then up, up, up—awestruck and thrilled beyond measure to be under the true sky once more.
Noctasia was a bright jewel of a city. The capital of the Siabra Empire was a blend of architectural marvels and bustling waterways, teeming with energy, excitement, and diversity.
Within moments, I found myself falling in love with it.
Towering structures rose gracefully along the shores of a magnificent blue lake from which tendril-like canals split off into the city. Carved white stone bridges spanned the waterways, connecting the bustling market districts with quieter residential ones. Elaborate buildings with arched windows and carved wooden balconies lined streets full of bright market stalls and brick patios where people sat at small iron-wrought tables eating, drinking, and laughing.
There was color everywhere. A kaleidoscope of vibrant hues and eclectic costumes. It was clear that this city was where people from all corners of the empire came together, their cosmopolitan attire reflecting a wide array of cultures and traditions.
At the heart of the city, footsteps from where we stood, lay a wide town square where a musical festival was in full swing. The air was filled with the sound of instruments and the tantalizing aromas of delectable cuisines. A large wooden stage was set up with a band playing lively tunes as a group of dancers in red costumes swirled and twirled at the front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Further along the square, I spotted jugglers and mimes, acrobats and face painters, as well as artisans displaying their wares.
Beautifully-painted gondolas glided across the lake's surface nearby, dropping passengers off at the festival dock or drifting near enough for their occupants to hear the music as it carried out and over the water as the sun set. The soft lapping of the waves against the sides of the boats added a soothing undertone to the atmosphere.
I turned to watch the gondolas on the water, only half paying attention as Draven encouraged Crescent and Gawain to go and enjoy the music. The family was chattering happily as they walked away. Gradually, their footsteps faded.
“Would you like to go for a gondola ride?”
I faced Draven. I wasn’t going to admit that for a very brief moment I had been imagining us in a gondola together, him sprawled out with his long legs stretched in front, me leaning back against him as I skimmed a hand over the surface of the cool water.
“No. I want to know why you brought me here. As quickly as possible.” I flashed the blade, letting it glint in the dying sunlight.
Draven sighed. “There’s really no need for that. Besides, are you really going to murder these peoples’ prince in broad daylight?”
“Is that why you chose such a public spot for this meeting? It’s almost night. Everyone around us would be too distracted to care. I could slash you open, push you into the water and then–” I mimicked a small splashing sound followed by a gurgling as I clutched my throat.
Draven looked amused. Too amused. I dropped my hand. “Clearly you’ve really thought this through.”
I pursed my lips. Let him laugh. “Look, this was your idea. Just get to the fucking point.”
He nodded. “Fine. You’re right. Look, walk with me a little way. Just over here.” He indicated a stone terrace closer to the water.
Without waiting, he walked over to lean on the low stone rail, gazing out over the lake. Reluctantly, I followed him. The music was not quite as loud over here.
