Vicious Circle by Elle E. Ire

Author:Elle E. Ire
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Torquere Press
Published: 2015-10-30T05:36:37+00:00

Chapter 14

Upon my return to the T’rals’, I tossed the climbing gear in its sack over a secluded area of fence, behind the mansion and amongst some trees. Then I strolled through the front gate with the woven art I’d picked up as my diversion for the guards. I’d had some concerns about retrieving the gear, but my worries proved pointless. The house bustled with activity, caterers, florists, and well-dressed individuals coming and going in a constant stream. I could have sneaked around with a blast cannon, and no one would have noticed.

After removing a comforter and sheets from the chest at the foot of Kila’s bed, I stored the gear within it, then placed the coverings on top and closed the lid. My formal attire lay spread across the mattress, a floor-length gown of shimmering silver and shoes to match. I showered and slipped into the dress, which fit me like a blade’s sheath. The sparkling material contrasted with my dark hair, setting it off nicely.

The costume provided no place to hide a weapon. I couldn’t fit anything between myself and the fabric. A slit up the side went halfway up my right thigh, leaving little to the imagination, and the back and front dipped low enough to make even me a bit self-conscious of the amount of exposed skin. At least the full-length sleeves hid my Guild brand, though I’d cover it with the beige goop to be safe. I wondered what Kila had been thinking when she selected this for me. My mind wandered to thoughts of what she might be wearing this evening, and I wrestled it back to more pressing concerns.

I spent time applying make-up and fastening my shoes, and still Kila had not returned. I practiced walking in the high heels, back and forth across the floor, until I could do so with grace. Natural agility helped, though I wondered if wearing them for any length of time would aggravate my former leg injury. During my pacing I spotted a small, handwritten note on the armrest of the couch:

Expected at dinner. Will meet you there. Can’t wait to see you in the dress. And a smiley face. Instead of rolling my eyes, I smiled down at it.

Armed with nothing more than my good looks, I ventured forth. I noted the hallway guards’ absence as I made my way down the stairs.

Sounds of clinking tableware drew me to a large banquet hall complete with a parquet dance floor at one end. Elegant couples in various combinations swirled over the glossy surface to the lilting music of a live string quartet. About a dozen circular tables were laden with expensive crystal and hand-painted dishes. Servants in white jackets bore tureens of soup, bowls of exotic fruits, and trays of roasted vegetables that caused a rumbling in my empty stomach. Rays of the setting sun flowed through long, rectangular windows overlooking the bay, the village, and the gated grounds.

A huge stack of wrapped and unwrapped presents made a pyramid against one wall, and for a moment, I regretted leaving the woven art in Kila’s suite.

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