Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
“Oh…um…okay.” I step next to her, surveying each piece of clothing, then decide to go with twill khaki trousers and an ivory cotton blouse. Normally, I wouldn’t wear twill, but it seems to be what all the pants are made of here. I pick another outfit that’s simpler, black pants and a sheer pink blouse, and Alora gives me a satisfied smile as I collect it all.
“Wait a minute.” Juniper walks past me, opening one of the glass drawers and pulling out brown suspenders. “This will complete the look of the first outfit you picked.”
“Good eye,” Alora praises.
Juniper places the suspenders on top of the clothes, giving me a triumphant smile. “I’d fit right into this place if I had the chance.”
Alora walks out of the room, calling for someone to tailor the clothes I selected, and I don’t know why I’m surprised that they get my measurements and clothes fitted all within thirty minutes. She even sent someone to fetch a new pair of shoes from the city. They were brought back within twenty minutes.
Now, I stand in one of Alora’s bedchambers looking into a wide mirror, surprised by the new look. I’ve never dressed like this, but dare I say, it suits me. And Juniper was right about the suspenders. They add a nice touch.
“We should eat!” Alora declares when everyone has gathered in the regal room again. A woman walks up to Alora, whispering something in her ear. Alora doesn’t move her head as she listens, and when the woman scurries away, Alora releases a sigh.
I step around Alora and can’t help it when my eyes snap to Caz. It seems no matter what room we’re in together, I have to look for him. It’s like a stupid, compelling force—one I can’t stop from happening no matter how hard I try, and as if it’s the same for him, he looks at me too. Some of the irritation washes off his face as he looks me up and down in my new clothes. His eyes soften, and for a split second I think he’ll compliment me, but instead he swings his gaze to Alora and says, “Let’s get on with this already.”
“Oh, unleash your patience, Caspian.” Alora gestures to two women in a corner, giving a dainty wave of her hand. They nod and hurry around a wall, disappearing. “I already know why you’re here, and we would be going to see Beatrix, but she hasn’t gotten back to my transmitter requests, unfortunately. But, rest assured, we will figure out your Tether.” When she says that, Caz cuts his eyes to me. “The Tether you’re denying, might I add.”
“I’m not denying anything,” he counters.
“Oh, Caspian. Always so serious.” She walks around him, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “She’s a beautiful woman. You’d be a fool to reject her.”
Red splotches appear on Caz’s neck, a tight grimace on his face now. “Please realize that just because I’m in your graces, doesn’t mean you get to embarrass me in front of my clan.”
“Am I embarrassing you?” She presses her lips, then glances at me. “Willow, here, doesn’t seem to be the least bit bothered.”
“I’m not as uptight as he is,” I tell her, and that sets Caz ablaze. His whole face is red now, his fist clenching, and I’m fighting a laugh.
“Fine. Dinner,” he says through gritted teeth. “Then you’ll give Beatrix another try, correct?”
Alora smiles. “Absolutely.”
Nineteen
CAZ
I can’t bring myself to eat. There’s no point, especially with Alora. She likes to play games, and right now, I don’t have time for them. Hell, I never do, but I try to be lenient with her because she’s queen, and I’m in her territory with my own requests.
Dinner is more like a feast, with all sorts of vegetables, fruits, and greens. No meat, because Vanorians don’t eat it. There’s a plate in front of me, topped with a fresh green salad and a bowl of Vanorian fruit next to it. A sparkling pitcher of youth water is on the center of the table, our glasses filled to the brim.
This water tastes weird. I hear Willow’s voice echo in my head. I look up at her, seated across the table from me, and she’s studying her glass of water with a slight frown.
I avoid rolling my eyes and instead, let her hear me. It’s youth water, not regular water from the springs. It’s used to keep people young and healthy in Vakeeli.
She picks her head up, locking eyes with me. What’s Vakeeli?
This world you’re in. That’s the name of it.
Should I be drinking this?
I don’t see the point. It’s not like you’ll be staying here much longer.
She scowls, narrows her eyes, then lifts the cup to her lips, guzzling it all down.
Alora laughs from her end of the table, and I cut my eyes to her. She’s seated in her gold, throne-like dinner chair, looking between me and Willow, clearly amused by the interaction.