Ashes by Lauralana Dunne

Author:Lauralana Dunne [Dunne, Lauralana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989473580
Publisher: Engen Books
Published: 2020-06-29T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

“What’s the matter with you?” Sophie snapped. “You’ve been acting weird all day!”

It wasn’t often that the four girls were able to sit together for meals anymore, so Sophie’s irritability was visibly dampening their mood. The Masterclothier had her run ragged altering clothing for the guests of the King’s birthing celebrations, and it was not hard to see that the girl was tired.

Tensions in the castle had been running high over the past few weeks. With all of the new arrivals it was hard to find space to move around - let alone somewhere to enjoy some peace and quiet. Many had begun dining in their rooms instead of coming to the hall for meals.

“Yeah, Phoenix,” Rae said, biting into a crusty loaf. “What gives?”

Phoenix had been craning her neck to look around the room, trying to see if she could find someone who looked suspicious. Most of the new arrivals were chatting excitedly amongst themselves, but she took particular notice of Duke Ellington, a distant cousin to the King from his mother’s side, who was sullenly seated by himself. However, she reasoned with herself, he was probably just travel-worn from his long journey.

“Just seeing who’s around, is all,” she said innocently.

“Anyone in particular who you were looking for?” Elise asked, her brow raising sardonically.

Phoenix shook her head hurriedly. She had been looking for King Benedict, in truth, but she knew that the King still rarely frequented the hall for meals anymore. He was still recovering from his illness, and he usually spent his time going between his chambers and his meeting room. She often met with him there, usually at his request - he always wanted to know how her studies were progressing - but she found that the mood of the hall was always more jovial when the King was in attendance.

“Did you finish your dorm work?” Elise asked her, interrupting Phoenix’s train of thought. Phoenix groaned inwardly, but she must have made a face because Elise scowled. “I assigned that almost a week ago!”

“You’re almost caught up!” Rae said encouragingly. “You’re pretty much on Sophie’s level!” She then ducked with a grin as the tan-skinned girl launched a seed pastry at her head.

“Hey!” a voice protested from somewhere behind her, and the four girls had to cover their mouths with their hands to keep their giggling from giving them away.

“I’ll be glad once these celebrations are over,” Sophie said, once they had all caught their breath.

“Are you kidding?” Rae asked incredulously. “I can’t wait to celebrate! Music, games, fancy clothes, dancing... Not to mention all the food.”

“Speaking of fancy clothes,” Elise said excitedly, “what are you guys wearing?”

“I’ve been saving up, so you know it’s going to be perfect,” Rae said, nudging Sophie with her elbow. “I just know my seamster is gonna make my dress extra special!”

Sophie rolled her eyes in exasperation. “And I got my material forever ago. So that just leaves you, Elise, since we all know that Phoenix doesn’t need to worry about her clothes,” she said somewhat snidely.

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