The Realms Beyond (The Reinhold Chronicles Book 2) by Bo Burnette

Author:Bo Burnette [Burnette, Bo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tabbystone Press
Published: 2017-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-five: Diverging Paths

THE MUSIC SOARED TO A DRAMATIC HALT. ILAYDA curtsied to Brallaghan, who bowed to her, both of them honoring their partner. Brallaghan offered his hand and led her off the floor, which seemed to practically glow in the candlelight. He walked stiffly and winced whenever he turned, but he was managing despite the pain.

Ilayda caught her breath deep in her lungs, her heart tensing beneath the snug purple bodice. She’d never enjoyed a dance so much in her life. What’s more, they seemed to have evaded Anmórian suspicion thus far. She’d even seen Arliss chatting away with the queen.

Brallaghan led them behind one of the pillars. The columns were of immense girth. They could easily lean against one and not be seen by someone on the other side of the room. What she had confused for curling stripes on the columns were actually fresh grapevines full of fruit. The vines had been wrapped around the pillars to double as both decorations and refreshments.

Ilayda collapsed against the pillar, laughing. “This has been fun, hasn’t it?”

He smiled, too, then his face melted into a frown.

“What is it?” Her smile vanished as well.

“I cannot enjoy myself. Not now. I don’t know where my father is. I don’t even know if he’s alive.”

“He must be alive. Thane would have no reason to kill him.”

“Then where is he?”

She glanced around. No one stood within ten paces, though several guests in audacious outfits chattered not far away. “Do you think he’s here in the palace?”

“I’ve thought of it,” he said. “What if we went looking for him?”

She peered around the pillar, scanning what she could see of the vast room. “Arliss wouldn’t be happy if we split up.”

“I don’t care what she thinks. This is about my father, not about her. I can’t stand by any longer and do nothing.”

“She wants him safe, just like you do.”

“Yes, but has she done anything? No.” Brallaghan fisted his hands.

Ilayda straightened out her hair about her shoulders. “She’s just confused—like you and I are. We don’t know what this place is or what they stand for. And we don’t really know where your father is. He could be back on the isle.”

“If he is, then that’s where I’ll go—with or without Arliss. Come.”

He took her hand and led her to the door they had entered by. The guards opened it without hesitation. Ilayda wondered whether this was an oddity or not; perhaps other guests had already left. She cast one more longing glance at the beauty of the party.

In the middle of the room, Arliss was dancing with Philip.

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