Chapter 658: “Since when did you grow so moist?” (1/2)
Who was to say how the meeting ended. Looking back, after the parle, Igna and Eira casually left. A distraught Courtney and irritated Elvira beckoned another conversation. ”Any thoughts?” wondered Elvira, her mouth intent on spouting viciousness.
”They're close for enemies. Eira's part of the family, I can't undermind her title and prestige.”
”She's attained divinity; killing her would be close to a miracle. Should we really buckle under what was said?”
”I know one thing for sure, Igna's town suffered the brunt of the last attack. He has the right to decide if she stays or not, and my gut says, the boy has decided. Shouldn't you be leaving for Arda, the council has matters to discuss, get on out of here.” With a click of the tongue and a low hum, the unimpressed nightwalker faded into bats who took to the skies. From below the office, granted not to human sight, bats flew across.
”Rare sight,” commented Eira.
”Lasted longer than I imagined.” Vibration caught his attention, '-forgot it was on silent,' fifty missed calls and twenty messages displayed alongside the prince's username. He visibly cringed, to which, an observant Eira asked, ”-all good?”
”No…” returned a monotonous answer, ”-Julius's moving like a crazy companion.”
”I don't know what to say,” the question would soon be answered. Yonder approached, or rather, pelted, the roar of a fast machine. Two seconds later, the red car screeched, the visitors were startled in fear of an accident.
”Get in,” said the driver, ”-RIGHT NOW!”
Scene moves to the outer edge of town, Julius's complexed face resolved to a single frown, ”-Igna, are you serious?”
”Don't ignore your big sister,” voiced Eira immediately behind Julius, ”-where're the prince's manners.”
”Sister,” he paused and glared the mirror, ”-not the time.”
”Come on, Julius. Don't make a deal out of it. Do you really think I'd jeopardize our safety for nothing?”
”Bringing the ice-princess isn't for nothing.”
”Whatever,” he side-glanced the window and glossed over Julius's worries. She took the queue and spoke, ”-Lucifer's gone. I've changed side again.”
”Why…”
”Are you up to date with the news?” inquired Igna in a pestering manner.
”No, I was too busy, I keep up with local news, why?”
”I'm engaged to be crowned Empress of Alphia. This means, the Haggard, yes, our family, will be in major political affairs. Granted, my first name may change, still, a member of the family is to be Empress of one of the biggest nations.”
”If I were you,” firmed Igna, ”-I'd be happy she returned. The pain of big sister on the battlefield was annoying, not only must we care for the schemes, there's the blessing of an Ancient Dragon and the godhood.”
”Seriously?” the mood swayed, ”-give me a moment.”
”Where are we headed?”
”To the capital,” said he, a portal of whitish hue materialized in the middle of nowhere, the empty roads didn't care whatsoever if the car or ten disappeared. Rosespire shone, within the walls were renovated buildings. A boom in business and tourist lifted the people's spending power, moreover, the overall rulership sufficed as told the smiles. Larger roads led into a cascade of smaller buildings; stairs of which halted at a road, next to laid a massive theater. Rustic in architecture, Julius pulled into the adjacent parking lot. A sparkle of recognition reawakened the tired guard.
”Tough day?” he hailed.
”Master Julius, I hear the lady's performance is admirable as always.”
”And I see you haven't lost the drowsiness,” the party passed the cabinet. Up weather-stained stairs came the receptionist, who, after a look, said nothing, the door seamlessly opened.
”Are you a walking free pass?”
”Stop joking,” he meaningfully walked at a faster pace. Therein, the melodic muffled sound of piano sprung life in their step. Heavy door left ajar widened, a singular spotlight shone on the pianist and her instrument. A scan aided by Éclair showed renowned names of wealthy traders and owners. Nobles gathered to a reserved area at the top.
”A private recital?” suggested Eira.
”Yeah,” they eased into cushioned seats, ”-let her soundscape guide us.”
Meanwhile, after the same hour, the council of noble rejoined under the same banner. Representatives were suddenly called for an audience; a dejected look justified their anger and mannerism. Thus, she spoke of Eira's return, a piece of information only Aurora and Julia swallowed. Alaric and Gabrielle were apprehensive, dutifully so. The demands were quoted exactly to avoid miscommunication. The council went on for hours, to which, the theater's minute guests scurried one after the other. A sweat-heavy Lizzie panted; Shanna's green hair gracefully watched on her daughter. ”-Good performance,” she said to be startled at an opened door. Blond, white, and a mix of white and red entered, the princess's expression changed to a smile, ”-BROTHER!” she leaped into Julius' arms.
”Lizzie,” he smiled, ”-long time, good performance!”
”I thought you'd never come,” said Shanna, ”-I see there are guests.”
”Good afternoon, auntie,” said Igna.
”Hello granny,” yawned Vanesa, ”-pops, I can't sleep…”
”A rare occurrence,” said he.
”Brother Igna, you're here too?” her hazel pupils warmly watched in curiosity.
”Good performance.”
”Who's the girl?” inquired the ex-queen.
”My daughter,” he replied. Eira and Shanna exhaled a baffled cough, ”-excuse you?” they asked.
”What… can't a man have a child these days?” Eye to eye, the imaginary scene of a linear pathed town appeared, a virtuoso against a koala. Dust from the street, wind from the west, and amber color from the setting sun. Pistol at dusk, a gesture would equal death, the children's stare-off begot less attention.
”Eira.”
”Mother.”
”Cut it out,” said Igna to Vanesa, ”-Aunt, Julius, and big sister. Please take your time and discuss the affairs, I wish not to intrude.” They solemnly agreed, ”-take care of Lizzie too.”