Soot & Cinders (Evenloch Tales Book 1) by Gael Garnette

Author:Gael Garnette [Garnette, Gael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2026-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

ALARIC

The night of the ball, I stood with my family high above the crowd as people filed in, wearing the most fantastical costumes. Each family was announced, but I paid no attention to that: Cyprien’s stepfamily had already arrived and he was not with them.

Music played softly as everyone mingled with each other. So many bodies in one place had made the ballroom unseasonably warm and I was almost grateful that my costume lacked any excess fabric. My poor sister sat next to my mother, struggling to breathe in her heavily corseted dress while feigning interest in the people below. My heart went out to her, but I had my own problems. Besides, a corset was better than glued on clamshells.

My father had chosen several young ladies to have paraded before me in the hopes one or more of them would pique my interest. Each had an eager Mama or Papa at their arm, extolling their virtues and smiling eagerly at me. I agreed to have a dance with a few of them in the hopes that it would keep my father off of my back, at least temporarily.

When the last of the group of young ladies left, I began scanning the crowd again. I noticed movement in the entryway and saw a male figure sneak in, unnoticed and unannounced. He wore the clothing of a gladiator, sneaking around the perimeter of the room. Honestly, I can’t say why he caught my attention, aside from the uniqueness of his costume. I was certain I didn’t know him, yet he walked as though he belonged there. As I watched, several Mamas and Aunties pulled their female charges along behind them and managed to trap him in a corner. His expression was hidden behind his finely carved mask so I couldn’t be sure, but I imagined that he was quite overwhelmed.

“What has you so distracted?” My father’s harsh whisper shocked me back into the moment.

“Nothing, Father. I’m simply watching the crowd in the hopes that I find the perfect bride.”

My father let out a cruel burst of air that sounded like a pathetic attempt at a laugh and turned away from me. I was relieved to have his attention elsewhere. My eyes scanned the crowded ballroom, but I was unable to find the gladiator again. A frustrated sigh escaped my lips just as my father stood to address the party below. Silence fell across the ballroom without so much as a sound or word uttered to command it and all eyes were on us.

“Welcome one and all on this very auspicious occasion. Before we begin celebrating in earnest, I wanted to make sure everyone understands the purpose of this ball.” The king gestured for my sister and I to stand and we complied, plastering on our best smiles that didn’t quite reach our eyes. “Tonight, each of my children shall pick their future spouses from those of you who have gathered here. If you’re here by invitation, you have the potential to be chosen to rule beside one of my children.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.