Ruby Red

Chapter Two

The queen's chambers were easily the most extravagant rooms in the castle, save for maybe the ballroom. The dark wood floors made the heels of their boots click each time they stepped, and deep blue curtains picked up even the slightest of breezes. There was a parlor antechamber before entering where the queen herself slept, which was where they were going to meet.

As Karis entered the parlor, he scanned his surroundings like every well-trained guard was supposed to do. Two sets of glass doors opened out onto balconies overlooking the courtyards and the cities beyond. Some of his friends from the guard were leaning against walls and chairs, still alert, but more focused on the royalty gathered throughout the room.

The first person Karis noticed was Prince Victor. The second-eldest heir sat with his legs crossed in a plush armchair, a book open on his lap. Dark curls from his forehead flopped into his face, and every few minutes, his eyes broke their steady rhythm and he focused on the conversation. After realizing nothing important was happening yet, he went back to his book. One of the guards kept staring at him, and when their eyes met, soft, brief smiles appeared on both of their faces.

With his dark hair and olive complexion, Victor and Lévian weren't similar in the slightest, but anyone well-read in the kingdom's recent history knew that they were equally regarded as heirs in the eyes of the public. The woman standing behind Victor's chair had her hand on his shoulder, and her thumb was rubbing lines back and forth on his collarbone.

Lady Leela Nayar was Queen Marjorie's closest friend and lady-in-waiting. The queen's pregnancy with Lévian was difficult and almost took her life, and the king wanted no chance of losing his beloved, so Lady Leela had offered herself as a surrogate. Ever since having King Calum's last two children, she has been recognized as a noblewoman and works by the queen's side. Now, she stood in a deep green and gold blouse and saree, waiting for her queen to address the group.

One of the other women in the room rose from her seat, and everyone went still. Not even the whistle of the wind dared interrupt. The only sound was the rustling of gold fabric as Queen Marjorie Divillier surveyed the room. Karis noticed Alana's head tilt up ever so slightly, and Lévian approached her mother's side.

"Thank you all for making it," she said, confidence in every syllable. "With the Vault announcement tonight, I want to make sure that everything runs smoothly. My most trusted guards are in attendance, and I believe that they're capable of keeping me and my family safe, as they have in the past."

Lady Leela smiled as another stood. Her short black hair brushed the tips of her ears, where gold hoop earrings dangled by her neck. They wore a simple white overdress buttoned up to their chin with gold embroidery and blue pants with gold cuffs. White flats covered their feet, sliding silently over the rug. The queen gestured to her daughter. "Princess Harsha, you have the room."

"Thank you, Mother." They scanned the room, nodding at the people they knew. "The queen has put me in charge of station assignments for tonight. You are to report to your positions ten minutes before the queen arrives and stay until the crowd leaves, understood?" The guards nodded. She smiled. "Good."

"General Rin, you'll be in the third quadrant of the courtyard. General Judas..." Princess Harsha continued, pointing to each of the leaders and telling them where they and their divisions would be stationed for the night.

Soon, she reached Alana, Karis, and Fallon. "General Griffin and General Campbell," they said, pausing in front of them and hugging their clipboard to their chest. "You two will be on the queen's balcony in front of the doors. This is a great honor, but I know the two of you will be able to do it."

"We will, Your Highness," Karis replied. "Alana?"

Alana was busy staring at the queen, who whispered with Lady Leela. When Karis addressed her, she snapped out of her stupor and shook her head. "What?" Harsha's eyes locked on hers. "Oh, yes, Your Highness."