Raven's Sphere by Melissa Koberlein

Author:Melissa Koberlein [Koberlein, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Parker West Books
Published: 2019-12-06T22:00:00+00:00

17

Fortress

After a restless night’s sleep, I wake, feeling the same as I felt before I drifted in and out of consciousness—miserable. I have only three days with Emery. After that, I won’t see him—or anyone, for that matter—again. I grumble and rise from the bed. My feet touch floor, and I head directly to the massive floor-to-ceiling window of my room, no doubt fortified and alarmed. The royal fortress is made up of many small buildings, most of which are homes for the workers and suites for guests, perched on stilts in the shallow waters, just off the beach. The buildings form an intricate web connected by sturdy walkways made from Zetian composites and shells extending across the water. At the center is a large building that houses a dining hall, theater, and various sparring and meeting rooms.

It’s a beautiful day as usual. The sun shines with nary a cloud in the sky, glimmering off the blue-green water as far as the eye can see. Cadmarians, both adult and their children, wade in the shallows around the buildings of the fortress, the heat from the sun warming their cheery, tan faces. They are workers for the Geldians. Of course, today is Saturday, a day of leisure. They will, however, be expected to prepare an evening meal.

A knock on the door draws me away from the mirth outside.

I press a comm panel next to the door. “Yes?”

A smooth feminine voice answers, “You have been granted permission to be outdoors. Young Emery has requested your presence. There are clothes and swimming garments, should you choose to wear one, in the dress closet. You’re to meet Emery at the royal pier in thirty minutes. It’s the one with the flag of the Geldian family crest. That is all.”

I turn back around and lean against the door. Dress closet, huh? I smile. Time to take full advantage of my host. Let’s see what Garren’s got this place equipped with. I slip out of my under armor and check out the state-of-the-art bathroom facility, complete with styling system. I’ve read about them but never thought I’d be able to use one. Honestly, I alternate between Uncle Teagan and myself to cut my hair. Teagan does a far better job than me.

I shower first and enter the styling chamber. On the wall is a touch screen console. The first page is for hair removal. Hmm, okay, let’s give that a try. I select all the parts I want to take care of from an image of myself.

“Place protective eyewear on,” a computer voice says as a pair of goggles appears on a shelf in front of me.

Okay, no problem. I put the goggles on and tap a green start button. Lasers appear from the sides of the chamber and go to work. Two minutes later, the same voice says, “Hair removal complete. You may remove your goggles.”

I skim my hand across my calf. Smooth as a baby’s rear and no pain.

Okay, what’s next?

The next page on the console is options for massages and facials.

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