A Game of Crowns
Chapter 23- One burned while the other scorched

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”

-Lydia Sweatt

The anticipation ignited every cell in my body. I would see my family today. I would see Thomas today or at least I hoped I would. I never received a reply from my letter. The last time we’d seen each other things were said and they’d have to be confronted this time around. There was no more hiding. I didn’t want to lose Thomas. I couldn’t lose him. I wouldn’t.

“Maybe if you did something to distract yourself, you won’t wear out the carpet,” sniggered Georgiana.

She’d slowly started to let down her guard around me and it was a pleasant change. I preferred Georgiana the friend. “I can’t help it, Georgiana. I’ve missed them so much.”

I continued to pace over the maroon and gold rug. We’d been waiting in one of the many private rooms. It resembled the one I’d spent time with Lucas in. The room was luxurious, to say the least. The gold color scheme was lavishly laid throughout the room; from the sofas to the curtains. Specific pieces held small touches of maroon to offset the gold color palette. It was a gorgeous room. Thinking of Lucas tinged my vision in a red hue. I let out several measured breaths trying to think of something else.

I looked down at my casual, gray, V-neck dress and laughed. I picked out the dress for my mother. She’d love seeing me in the article of clothing. Georgiana grinned as I yielded and finally sat down. I played with the edges of the long sleeves of my dress trying to keep my fingers busy. To be honest I’d also chosen the dress for myself. I had become accustomed to wearing them. I enjoyed the hemline of this particular dress. Its short front landed mid-thigh while the back ended just above the back of the knee.

“You look beautiful, my lady,” Georgiana said kindly.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

She had arranged my hair the way she had on our trip to the orphanage. It had become a favorite but I’d only wore it a handful of times. I wanted to look nice for my family and Georgiana helped me in any way she could.

A knock at the door had me at my feet in an instant. Georgiana was quicker. She already stood at the door ready to open it. She looked back at me and grinned.

She opened the door but her smile fell. What was it? Whoever it was had handed her a folded piece of paper. She quickly scanned the message and muttered under her breath.

“It seems there has been a change of plans. The Trinity and the council have asked that all families meet in the main hall. Almost all families of the participants have arrived. They are sending messages out to all the participants to make their way there now.”

“Okay... Let’s go,” I said hurriedly.

I grabbed her hand and practically flew out of the room. Georgiana’s frown quickly turned into a smile.

The way to the main hall was short. I had become familiarized with the many twists and turns of the palace. It was easy once you took the time to learn your way around. The Guardians all nodded hello as we passed. As much as I wanted to ignore them, I couldn’t. My mother had instilled in me a deep need to be polite. I waved hello to every single one of the black-clad bodies. Opal had stood watch over my hall for the last day and refused to change shifts with anyone other than her sister. Diamond finally took over the watch this morning so Opal could get some rest. It didn’t ease my mind knowing Opal didn’t trust her fellow Guardians.

The staff had begun to ornament the halls for the ball. Ivory carpets embellished with black trimming decorated the halls leading to the throne room where the ball would be held tomorrow. The lighting had been enhanced. I bet the palace would look gorgeous tomorrow. I wouldn’t admit it aloud but I was excited about the event.

Arriving at the ornate doors to the throne room, Georgiana quickly opened the door. She didn’t want to abandon all sense of propriety so she refused to let me open it myself.

Once again, the room was teeming with people, reminding me of the time Thomas had visited. There were decidedly fewer people than last time, though. Our group had dramatically decreased since then.

I searched the room for my parents but didn’t see them. Siobhan was encircled in the arms of her father and it made me smile to know the girl was capable of love. George, the guy who kept stepping on my toes during our brief dance lessons, was on his knees hugging a little girl. His sister? Daughter? I never gave it much thought but the rules never said to be eligible you couldn’t have children. It was an interesting idea.

George turned at that moment and noticed my lingering gaze. He raised an inquiring eyebrow. I smiled kindly towards him and the little girl. Surprise flickered over his face for a mere second before it disappeared. I didn’t blame him. I’ve hardly said hello to him. This made me falter in my search for my parents. How had I been so self-centered? I hardly knew my remaining competitors. Did I want to know them? Be friends with them but still compete against them?

Now was not the time to contemplate that train of thought. Hesitantly, he returned the smile; his brown eyes crinkled with the action. He ran a hand through his wavy brown hair before turning away. The little girl looked at me and smiled brilliantly. Her two braids swung behind her as George pulled her away. His stocky build was vast compared the small frame of the girl he held by the hand.

I continued my search for my family. My eyes landed on Killian and Tobias. They were surrounded by a family of four. They were obviously Killian’s family. They all shared his dark beauty. Georgiana stiffened beside me. I looked over at her questioningly. I wondered how she must feel not being able to meet his family while they were here. Killian came from a wealthy family of merchants. They had money and it was obvious in the way they held themselves. Were they snobbish? Would they accept Georgiana as Killian’s choice for a wife? I hoped Killian would leave the game soon. Georgiana shouldn’t have to endure this anymore. She deserved better.

I stiffened next to Georgiana. Tobias was being embraced by the female version of Killian. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her jet-black hair landed in soft waves at the small of her back. Her high cheekbones and dark eyes were enchanting. I was tempted to go over and introduce myself but that was a silly thought. I couldn’t just amble on over and present myself that way. I’d wait. I was sure we’d cross paths with each other before the weekend was over.

I ripped my eyes away from the group and took a hold of Georgiana’s hand. She lightly dragged her feet wanting to keep Killian in view but she finally relented and followed me.

“Penny,” a small voice cried out. I looked to my left and my eyes fell on my parents. I let Georgiana’s hand slip from my own.

A strangled cry erupted from my mouth as I half ran half walked towards them. “Mamma. Papa,” I cried as I fell into their awaiting embrace.

The world fell away and nothing but my family and I remained. I had missed them more than I realized.

“We’re here, sweet girl,” my father breathed.

My face was buried in the crook of his neck. My mother pulled herself away from the hug. “Penny, are you wearing a dress?” she asked astounded.

I chuckled as I let go of my father. “Do you like it, mama?” I asked as I twirled around for her.

Her gray eyes scanned me from head to toe. Her small button nose crinkled in delight. “You look beautiful, Penny.”

“Thank you, mama.”

“She’s the spitting image of you, Sylvia. She looks just the way you did at eighteen.” The love in my father’s sea green eyes tugged at my heartstrings. I missed the pair of them so much it hurt.

A small cough burst our small bubble.

“My lady, lunch will be served in your room today. There will be a fitting for your guests for the ball as well,” she smiled shyly.

“Thank you, Georgiana. There’s no need to be shy,” I said grabbing her hand. I turned to face my parents’ surprised faces. “This is Georgiana. She’s my best friend here. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Georgiana flushed. “I’m her lady’s maid.”

“But she’s my friend first.”

Georgiana chuckled.

“It is very nice to meet you, dear,” my mother fussed.

“Lovely to meet you too, Mrs. Tate.”

“Call me, Sylvia. You can call this one John,” she said gesturing towards my father.

My eyes wandered the room while Georgiana and my parents became acquainted. My eyes searched for Tobias but found someone else instead.

Rowan watched me from his seat as Willow and Ivy spoke with Madame Lorrelle. His celestial eyes froze me with their intensity. I tried to look away but couldn’t. It wasn’t until he looked away from me that I felt able to move. His eyes were trained on something behind me. I turned to look and a grin erupted on my face.

I left my parents and hurried to the main door where a fashionable young man stood grinning from ear to ear. He waited for me with his hands pocketed in the lining of his dark blue fitted suit. His brown hair was shaped stylishly and his coffee brown eyes twinkled mischievously.

“Thomas!” I squealed delightedly.

He picked me up and twirled me around unabashedly. “Pen,” he chuckled deeply. His grip on my waist held firm as he set me down.

Echoing his words from his last visit, I said, “Let me look at you.” I held him at arm’s length, taking him in.

He cleaned up well but where did he get the money for a suit like this one?

“You look handsome. I could get used to seeing you in suits, Thomas.”

He chuckled.

“How?” I asked. He understood the question.

“It’s a long story, Pen. I’d like to tell you about it when we get a moment alone.”

“How about we sit by the pond and soak in the sun?”

“That sounds perfect,” he grinned.

He took my hand in his and led me over to my parents and a curious Georgiana. Meanwhile, I felt two pairs of eyes following my every move; one burned while the other scorched me with its icy heat.

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