Dahlia POV
Oh right. It's that time of year where you get to do nothing. At least, most of the country doesn't.
As uncommon as it is for the king to throw parties, it was Maven's idea to host a feast. He must feel a little pleased with himself for such an occasion to occur. And with an entire celebration happening, there is no way, security would decrease. And of course, we were needed.
Many were unwilling to attend, possibly because of the intense training from before. Others wanted to come, some to prove themselves, and others for a sense of belonging. I came with my friends, not for any of the previously stated reasons, but because I wanted to have my eyes and ears open for whatever happens. Information, however common it may be, is always useful.
"I don't want to wear this," Ally grumbles, trying to keep her uniform from crinkling. "It's so tight fitting, I think I might choke."
"Don't exaggerate," Kiera says with a smile. "You won't suffocate."
"Says who?"
"Says me."
"Well I didn't sign up for stifling uniform when I volunteered!"
I smile as I watch them bicker from across the small dorm. As annoying as the uniform might be, at least they're tailored to fit the wearer with comfortable material. It isn't something like silk, but it is soft enough not to irritate the skin.
The fabric on the other hand is stained scarlet. Even in a place like Whitefire, where unity in Norta is constantly mentioned and agreed on, the colour is only reserved for those who's blood matches. It's their way of differentiating us from them without us knowing immediately. Even the design of the uniform is plain, without any sort of embroidery. I suppose soldiers don't need them. After all, we just need to follow orders.
"Daly," my cousin says, her hand on my shoulder. I jolt, shocked by her sudden entrance. She knows I hate it, yet she never stops. "Are you ready?"
Am I ready. That's a question I rarely ask myself. I've always thought of myself as ready, as capable as my mother. The answer was always the same no matter the situation.
"Yes," I reply. "I'm just worried about the whispers that's all."
"You realize House Merandus won't push their heads into ours right?" Clara sits beside me casually. "There are too many voices at the feast, too many heads they would need to poke through. How many voices can they stand?"
"Not many," my voice sounds duller than usual. "I just hope that we can pull this off successfully that's all."
"We will," she replies with a wink. "But for now, get ready. Tie your hair into a bun and put a silver pin in it to keep it in place." Her eyes go up and down my head, watching the loose river brown locks of hair fly about. "Good idea if you ask me."
"Alright I will," I say, quickly fumbling around to sort out the mess. "See you in a bit."
Clara smiles again. "See you in a bit."
We're made to stand guard. We're never meant to sit.
My post is right across Maven's seat, keeping me in his sight line while also staying hidden from the nobles. Whether he deliberatly planted this seems unlikely, yet I still feel like he's played a role. I'd rather be behind him than in front, avoiding the sight of the monstrous king in exchange for a bloodthirsty Silver. At least Clara and Kiera are at the sides of the hall, not in front but beside and harder to see.
But I'm probably far from unlucky. Ally's post could be considered the worst as she was stationed outside. The weather isn't very inviting and her chances of gaining information seem small. But if she has a good eye, she might give us some insight on movements outside the palace. It isn't totally useless but I hope she doesn't freeze before she can relay the information onwards.
A downside about my post is that I'm always in view of the Silvers I see in training. Evgeny continously watches me with his own eyes, out of interest and curiousity. He's never stopped being like this from day one and I doubt he'll every stop. He also seems very unwilling to come and was most likely forced by his parents and relatives. After all, Silvers value their own reputation more than their own lives.
Accompanying Evgeny are his relatives. Their names come to mind as quickly as I see them. I'm no stranger to Silver society and their nobles. His father I recognized immediately. The silver hair and coal black eyes are the unmistakable features of Ptolemus, Uncle Shade's killer. I glance at Clara on the other side. She seems to be struggling to keep her emotions in control. As I would if I were in her place. But now is not the time and neither is the place to kill.
Evgeny's mother on the other hand, has bright red hair and dark eyes. She seems to glimmer and shine as though the light is attracted to her. Or rather not attracted, but carefully manipulated. I know her name. It's Elane Haven, a shadow of House Haven, wedded to Ptolemus Samos. And the other woman who is seated near Maven is someone I know well too. Her name is Evangeline Samos.
It fits together so perfectly. I can see the family resemblance better now. Evgeny takes after his father in ability and his mother in appearance. He may have the silver blonde hair that mark the descendants of House Samos but his eyes are like his mother's, softer and lighter, very much unlike the coal black eyes of his father. And he seems smaller against his parents, though not lacking in height.
His eyes meet mine and I look down. I shouldn't stare even if it's the only sliver enjoyment I have while I'm here.
Although the position I was assigned is torturous, I'm also in clear view of Mom. Seeing me was enough to let her know I'm alright. She's still as thin as ever, the Silent Stone wearing down her body into such a state. But of course, Maven doesn't seem to care. He's even taken great pleasure to seat her near him. Yet I still see determination in my mother's eyes. Even in chains, she'll so her part. We're both here for the same mission: soak up as much information possible.
"How wonderful to see Lady Evangeline again," a red and oranged dressed Lerolan says. It breaks the peaceful silence. "It's been more than two months since we last spoke, I was worried you were off indulging in pleasures you shouldn't have."
Mocking smiles appear from every guest, some openly showing their ridicule without shame. There's no need to feel ashamed really. Everyone knows the infamous rumours surrouding House Samos, specifically considering Evangline, Ptolemus, and Elane. It was verified not long ago on that specific day at the arena. It's surprising that Evgeny hasn't been pulled in. But of course, there's no fault you can find in him. He's hidden himself well.
The click of metal on wood brings the attention towards. Silver haired woman. Evangeline turns towards the oblivion without a sliver of emotion. Her demeanor, like her ability, is like metal, unbending and cold to the touch. "I don't quite understand your words Lady Ciera. Please explain your point."
Though the dining hall has no shortage of smiles, some fall due to the rising tension caused by Lady Ciera. Some look towards her, waiting for her speak. Others bring a hand to their mouths, hiding whatever mocking remark they might have about the situation.
"It's one thing to live well, but it is another to uphold duty," Lady Ciera explains calmly without a hint of fear. "It is also important not to forget that."
"Lady Ciera, you have much to comment on someone's duty," Evangeline sneers, not bothering to hide it. "This is not the first time I've been told such advice. Though I'd advise you to focus on yourself so you don't forget what your duty is. How embarassing would that be?"
As rude as the Lady Evangeline might sound, no one dares say a thing. She is higher than them in rank. And if I'm not mistaken, she might still be engaged to the king. As a result, Lady Ciera bows her head in what could be considered defeat. And no one dares speak again.
"Now Evangeline," Maven says, stepping in between the fight. "We wouldn't want to spoil the mood would we?"
The magnetron turns the king with a sickly sweet smile. "Of course not darling. I wouldn't want that either."
Darling. It disgusts me how truly artificial some humans can be.
"And how are you Evgeny?" The king instead turns to the youngest magnetron at the table. "How's training?"
Evgeny merely speaks a few words, avoiding conversation as much as possible. "It's alright."
Everyone can sense the unease. Still, no one says a word against them. Judging from their faces, they might even be recoiling in fear. At least on the inside. Emotion is a form of weakness in Silver society.
Maven nods and turns back to crowd. "Let's eat shall we?"
Minutes pass by as we watch them dine and exchange small talk. I do my best to remember the exact words they say, repeating their sentences over and over again in my head. Standing in one position doesn't help either. I can feel body grow tense at the lack of movement. If my concentration breaks for a moment, I might miss out on what may be a piece of jackpot info.
"Lady Welle is at least fortunate enough to have decent servants," a lady with a black and green dress comments. "How the rest of us must deal with incompetent and incapable Reds serving us."
The quiet girl beside the lady quickly withdraws, keeping her head low as she leaves. Her work has been conducted well enough and there's no need for her presence anymore.
"I'm sure your servants will learn in due time Lady Viper," the greenwarden replies politely. "They just need some more practice."
"If only that was the case." The animos smiles, her expression lacking warmth or invitation. "But of course, I always overestimate the abilities of Reds. Underestimating them seems less of a crime if you ask me."
"Oh, you should never underestimate a Red," Maven says suddenly. He speaks so casually, some Silvers raise their eyebrows in question. "They seem meek and silent at first, but they aren't stupid."
Too many things happen at once.
The room goes quiet.
Mom's gaze shifts to Maven questioningly.
Maven stares at me.
I stare back, confused.
"The way you say this Your Majesty makes me a little uneasy," a Viper lady takes a bite of her meal as though unaffected by his comment. "What do you mean by that?"
"Just the other day, I met a Red of many talents Donelle," he replies, unaffected. "She has a strong personality and is capable of thinking for herself. Her intelligence, however shocking this may seem to you, is on par with mine. And she possesses an ability that holds tremendous power itself."
Murmurs arise throughout the table as the Silvers look at one another in confusion. Only a select few remain calm and alert, including the magnetron. He's been silent, but he's been very attentive to the events happening. And unlike the other Silvers, he seems to know exactly what Maven means. Evgeny's eyes shift to mine for a brief period before shifting back.
"To say that she has intelligence on par with yourself is a shocking statement itself," a Rhambos lord says gruffly. "Are you sure Your Majesty?"
Maven smiles, breaking eye contact. "I'm perfectly sane while saying that. I am not ashamed either for having an equal makes such boring days pass by a little quicker."
"She must be a comfort," Lady Welle remarks kindly. "It's good to know that Your Majesty has some comfort through these troubled times."
"A comfort she may be," Donelle Viper says. "Though it is rare if such person exists. Your Majesty isn't dreaming?"
"Good lord," an Iral leans forward gracefully, to face the lady. "You aren't accusing His Majesty of lying are you?"
"Of course not," she replies quickly, nervous and flustured. "I - I would never doubt his Majesty's words. It's fortunate that such a person exists in the world. Could she be introduced?"
"That," Maven begins, finishing his plate, "is dependant on whether she wants to be found. One must respect another's right to stay hidden correct?" His eyes flicker back to me.
"But you are the king. If Your Majesty wishes it, you could keep her by your side."
The suggestion seems like a death sentence in itself. Surviving by the king is could spell disaster for me. I flinch, for once grateful for my post on the other side. Few eyes see it and fewer eyes would speak of it out loud. My eyes meet Maven's but quickly shift. I would rather die than serve by his side.
"It seems she doesn't want to be found," the king says, shifting eye contact. "But in any case, if you ever find yourself thinking that Reds are incapable, think again. You might just find a smart one in your estate of hundreds."
I let out a quiet but heavy breath as another newblood approaches me. It marks the end of my shift and start of the resting period I'll have in between. I bow politely, my face devoid of emotion. Even as I leave, I can feel someone watching me. But who isn't my prority.
I just need some peace.
I rush out of the atrium, down a couple stairs and one long hallway. My destination is unknown but I sitll venture around, stopping at what seems like an abandoned balcony. It is considerably far from the dining hall but it's close enough that if something should arise, I would be there. Not that I would need to be. My shift is a half shift, meaning I stay there for half the time.
My shift might be over but Clara's isn't. Although I suggested staying there full time with her, my cousin thought it would look too suspicious. Too many people would be there and she only felt that it would be natural if I left instead. Of course I protested, she didn't give in. At least I'm not alone. Kiera was also a half shift. She's probably in the dorm room right now. I won't tell her about the balcony because she'll get jealous that I enjoyed such a nice view without her.
In reality, I should have returned directly to my dorm room after my half shift. But there are too many eyes and ears around to make me think calmly. Human presence doesn't help either. In fact, it might make it a little worse. Coming alone was the best decision for my own well being albeit a little bit of a selfish one.
My hands grip the stone railing in hopes the snow on it would help bring me back to my senses. It's a form of pain, the easiest way to awaken my senses. The instant chill doesn't fail me and I feel a little calmer. I take in the precious moment of peace, engraving each bit in a memory of my making. That is, before I'm interrupted.
"So you're here."
I turn around to see Evgeny standing at the doorway. The cold weather doesn't seem to bother him much even if he's dressed in a thin layer of black velvet. It's formal wear but the Silver kind so it's a little more restrictive than mine. But se's still able to incorporate some metal bits to his clothing as a form of defense. If it helps against the cold, I wouldn't know.
"How did you find me?" I sound apprehensive, even fearful. People will ask questions if they find me in places I shouldn't be. "Did you follow me?"
Evgeny smirks, walking forward. The snow underneath acts as a pillow, muffling his steps as he approaches me. "No, I didn't leave when you did."
"So how?"
He seems on the verge of laughing. "I thought you might have learned by now that I'm a magnetron."
"I know that."
"You also realize you're wearing a metal pin in your hair," Evgeny gestures to the bun as he stands beside me, by the balcony. "It's almost like you wanted me to find you."
Though the distance between us is quite large, I'm sure could see my face flush red with embarrassment. My mind should have fit two and two together, but it seems as though standing in one position has made my thoughts all jumbled up. "I did nothing of the sort."
"Either way," he just shrugs. It doesn't change the outcome. "I could just sense the metal so I knew where you went."
"Of course you could," I scoff. "But I don't believe your powers can extend to such a large area."
"Well it seems you've learned something." Evgeny smiles casually and looks away. "You just need to concentrate on the world around you."
I still stare at him, apprehensive and unbelieving. It's not exactly something ordinary you can find with every bender, Silver or not. And to have such a large radius of effect must still require a lot of focus and time.
"I could teach you someday if you want," he offers. "To . . . clear my name because you obviously don't believe me. I think it could work with you too."
"I'd like that." The answer slips out so quickly, I surprised I've even taken the offer from a Silver, especially one whom I have a strong rivalry with. "It's . . . it's better than being on guard at the feast."
He finally laughs. It's a heartwarming sound and an even more heartwarming vision to see. Even if we don't have the greatest relationship, it's still sweet to see someone so cold become human. "You did your job well. I was watching you, you know. You can certainly stand for a long period of time."
"I was doing my job guarding well according to you," my voice also seems lighter than usual. "That includes standing and being mentally aware. But why are you at the feast?"
His expression darkens a little at the question. "For unity and reputation. The usual Silver stuff." The extra emphasis he's put on the word was deliberate. But as much as one may hate the world, we are all trapped in someway by the rules it imposes on us.
"So, you came, not out of your own volition but for family," I say. "Isn't that right Samos?"
"You avoid using my first name to cement your point?"
"Yes," I reply, facing him. He doesn't return it, content to stare out in the open. "Not to mention that your name is quite similar to your aunt Evangeline. Are you sure your parents didn't name you after her?"
"I'd like it of you didn't mention more of it," he mutters. "You have my entire family spelt out already haven't you?"
"Oh no," I shake my head, my tone slightly sarcastic." I've only met three other people in your family in a room full of nobles. Ptolemus, Elane, and Evangeline correct?"
His posture tightens, full of anger and hate towards the mentioned peoples. I don't know which one he feels more. "I don't consider them my family."
"I highly doubt that."
"You shouldn't," he says with a smile. "Lady Viper was right back in the arena. Would you love your parents if they didn't love you?"
"And that's based on the assumption that they don't love you," I reply, looking out at the view again. Some of the lights below begin to flicker and dim as the world begins to fall asleep. "It's a flaw in your thinking. Do you really think your parents don't hold some sort of affection towards you?"
He doesn't answer. Instead his jaw tightens, withholding the response he has for me. And when he speaks, it's a change of topic. "The only person you can rely on in Silver society is yourself . . . but of course you wouldn't understand because you aren't Silver."
"If you think that, you wouldn't understand me because I'm Red." Albeit with an ability but of same colour. "I don't think it has anything to do with being Red. Blood doesn't inhibit our thinking. It's just the experience we lack that shapes our thoughts."
"Have you ever been in a room full of snakes ready to take you down?"
"Have you ever thought of when your next meal will be, or if you will survive the night?"
None of us can really answer the other. We've never experienced what life was like in the other's shoes. My experiences, though different from most Reds, can still be relatable. Being hunted and terrorized by those above are things we can relate to.
"Sometimes Reds disregard their own honour for survival," I say quietly. "Silvers don't worry about basic needs and turn to preserving their reputation instead."
"You realize how much I didn't want to be at the feast did you?" The magnetorn faces me again, his skin paler in the moonlight. "I hated being in there- "
"And you purposely found a reason to run away from the suffocating room of nobles?"
"Suffocating," he laughs to himself. "It's way worse than that. You can't do anything, you're constantly on guard. One word could cost you your life."
It could be less than that. Someone could frame you and there wouldn't be a moment given to explain yourself. "I suppose riches come with a larger price than expected."
"They do," Evgeny murmurs softly. "What it is to be free . . . "
Freedom. It's something that the Scarlet Guard wanted to acheive through the means of equality. Living under a silver boot is a form of restraint, tethering us to the ground we live upon. But eliminating that restraint . . . it's what we strive to attain with freedom coming along as we go.
"Dahlia," his voice brings me back to reality, "I'm still surprised you haven't asked me why I'm here."
I tense up a little bit. "And why should I ask you that? I thought you left to get a breath of fresh air."
"Partly," Evgeny replies, still watching the life below. "But I didn't come out here to explain what my life is like. I came out to warn you."
My expression drops. "You . . . you came to warn me?"
"I did." He finally pulls away from the view to face me. "You need to be a little more careful."
"You think anyone would need to be less careful in a time like this?" I roll my eyes, more dramatically than I had expected. "Everyone needs to be careful. You don't want to be accused for treason any time soon right?"
"I don't doubt that," he replies. "But you especially."
"I never said I wasn't going to not be careful."
"Yous should still watch yourself," Evgeny says calmly. His voice is quieter than usual, possibly for good reason. "Nothing in the Silver world is coincidental."
"You're meaning being?"
All of a sudden, he's beside me, the boundaries between us shattered in an instant. Even in the moonlight, I can see every detail of his face. He may be slightly taller, but I have good enough sight.
"Listen carefully to what I'm about to say," he begins. His voice is quiet. "I'm not the only one who knows the meaning behind Maven's words. And no doubt there are others."
"And you're the only one I've heard so far address His Majesty so improperly."
"Manners can be excused in certain situations," he replies. "Do you really respect him as king?"
I keep my mouth shut tightly, letting my eyes do the speaking. He can speculate, he can read, but I'm in no position to say anything against Maven out loud.
"Maven was never supposed to be king," Evgeny states quietly. "Hopefully you know that."
"I do," I reply. "It isn't useless information, but is that really all?"
"No," Evgeny lowers his gaze and stares at the charming view instead. "But the fight at the border is tense. The military is in need of more reinforcements. If Maven chooses to send abilites without Silver blood, he fulfills both requirements with the best outcome possible."
I freeze, letting his words sink in. "You're saying he might send us?"
"I'm not a stranger to war," he says. "He might. So you should be prepared. The front isn't anything like you've seen."
"You think I haven't seen war."
"The Choke isn't like the fights you see in Norta itself."
I don't reply. Being at the front instead of Whitefire is terrifying. I could die and lose the mission entirely. All efforts will go to waste as well as countless lives. My sacrifices will amount to nothing and the gains will be less favourable to the Guard.
"So what am I supposed to do?" There has to be a way out of whatever approaching death sentence there is. "If there's no way I can avoid it- "
"You can, you probably did," he replies calmly. "You're close to the king. Stay close. I know it was you whom he mentioned. I'm not blind to your skills either you know- "
"You talk as though you know me."
"No, I don't," Evgeny admits. "But you shouldn't underestimate yourself."
"I'm not underestimating myself," I state, the cold air breezing past us. "What makes you think that?"
His lips curve slightly upwards, almost as though he really is mocking me for not knowing. "Think about that yourself. Do you really think people are on par with you?"
"Only Silvers."
"Right," he replies. "Only Silvers. Those who are more privileged than you and have had more resources available than any Red."
It still isn't right. I can't tell him that I wasn't raised like a normal Red. My worries weren't about being fed that day or surviving the night. They were about living, fighting, and surviving so one day the right thing could be done. I trained, possibly just as hard as any Silver, and I fought with my life on the line. My parents pushed me to the limit, for a reason only we understood. Being the daughter of the lightning girl isn't exactly safe and neither is sheltering me forever.
One question is still lingering on my mind. I'm unsure if I should even ask him but maybe if I did, I might get a piece of his mind. Evgeny is like any other Silver in this world. Nothing he does is coincidental. His moves are deliberate and so is this meeting today, no mattter how much he wants to hide it. Well, if he even tries to deny it.
"Why are you telling me this?" I ask quietly, cutting through the silence. "Why are you helping me?"
Evgeny smiles again, though this time he seems happier. But he makes it seem as though the answer is obvious. Obvious to him maybe, but not to me. He knows himself better than I do. Giving me information won't benefit him the slightest and he has no motive. At least, not one that I can see now.
"Why you ask?" His expression is happy, almost playful. "It's because you are the only Red who has won over my admiration with nothing more than your head."
The confusion on my face is evident. I don't try masking it. In this situation, there's no point in denying the truth.
"Are you denying your intelligence?" he asks, almost laughingly. "You and I know you're smarter than that."
"And you consider that sufficient evidence for your trust in me?"
"I don't trust you," he says. "Not yet at least. But you only need your head to play the game. I'll need to see if you can keep it on your neck before giving you an ounce of faith."
"Oh I assure I can keep my head on my neck if I wanted," I reply. "I'm not going to forfeit my life."
"Such confidence," Evgeny smiles. "But you should be off now. It's getting late and you don't have much time before they find you missing."
I roll my eyes at him and the truth I can't deny. "I can handle myself well enough. How old do you think I am?"
"Not a child, but you need reminders nonetheless." The metal hair pin shakes a little bit, his own doing of course. "Go on."
The footsteps downward are soft, cushioned by the snow. They come one after the other in quick succession, almost in time. My hand finds the doorknob, the cold metal a burn on skin. But there's one last thing I have to say.
I turn to face the magnetron again and speak words I never thought I would say. "Thank you. I'll heed to your words. They were useful."
He turns and smiles again. It's the last thing I see before exiting the porch.
After what seems like forever, I'm finally back in the dorm wing. My body feels a lot better, much better than it was when I just stood in one place. My mood has strangely shifted for the better too, becoming a little happier than usual. At this point, I think I can take on anything.
I quickly run to the entrance to my room excited, maybe a little too excited-
"I know. Agent Swan, I'm gathering as much information as I could."
Something barely audible on the other side. I hear someone talking quietly to another person. But using our room? Who could it be?
"Have faith," I hear Kiera say to someone. My ability tells me it's through a phone. The workings are just too similar. "The other members don't suspect a thing."
My heart drops. She isn't a spy is she?
"I know. For Montfort and to free the people of Norta."
The phone else crackles before it fades to nothing.
I fling the door open only to see Kiera with the envisioned phone in her hand.
She's a spy.
A/N: Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Yeah I had Dahlia finding out that Kiera's a spy and all before, I just didn't know how to tie it in . . . then Christmas came and I was like "THROW A FEAST" and for some reason, my mind tied them together. Yeah, I mean, AT LEAST IT WORKS :D
The chapter is a little rushed, I'll probably edit it some more, but the major plot stuff is there. I just wanted a draft out for Christmas and all . . . hopefully it helps T_T
Hope y'all have a wonderful holiday, I'm doing well at least and I hope you are too :3