I woke up the next morning feeling horrible. I didn’t sleep well and the thought of being watched made it worse. I constantly woke up at different times throughout the night paranoid. I didn’t even feel like getting up and doing anything, but I have to find out who is following me.

“Asmara, are they still here?” I asked.

“Yeah, they were here the entire night as well,” she answered.

I sighed, they are serious about this. I got up and got ready to go. Asmara jumped into my arms and we left the inn. Despite being followed, Asmara was happy to go out and about. I decided to bury my worries and enjoy my time for now, after all, Asmara would alert me to any danger.

I went throughout the day as before. Exploring the streets of the city and trying to find more information. I was more conscious of what I was doing with people tailing me. Ali didn’t show up today at the library, but one of the librarians handed me a letter Ali had left. He was busy with school and couldn’t make it for the next few days.

I didn’t really mind that, it gave me more time to search the city. I went back to my room. Upon opening the door, I saw the crystal orb that Myla gave me was pulsating. I quickly grabbed it and it activated.

“Crow, I’m glad you answered. How are you?” Myla asked.

I sat down, “I’m fine, I made it to Orilon a couple of days ago. I’m sorry I didn’t inform you of that.”

She didn’t say anything and after a bit I spoke once more, “Uh Myla? Is everything alright?”

“Well, you made it to Orilon pretty quickly, didn’t you?” she responded.

I cursed myself, “The horse happened to be quite fast.”

“I see… well so long as you are fine. I’ll let the others know you are fine, till then.” she said before cutting the connection.

I mentally kicked myself, how could I forget that it takes at least two weeks to make it to Orilon via horseback. Asmara cut that time in half. I sighed as I set the orb down.

***

A week has passed since I’ve been in Orilon. As I figured, I wasn’t as successful as I had hoped, but it had only been a week. I just have to keep searching. Those people were still tailing me and have yet to make a move. What did they want? What was it they were after? And what did it have to do with me?

I was passing by the library when a familiar voice called out to me, “Crow!”

I turned to see Ali rushing over to me.

“Hello Ali, nice to see you,” I said.

“Same to you Crow. I’m terribly sorry for my absence, I was busy taking the final tests for the Academy, but I’ve come to you with a suggestion,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow, “A suggestion?”

“Yes, you see, His Majesty will be holding a party in celebration of the upcoming Winter Solstice in a few days. It’s more of a pre-party as the real celebration will be held in the square for all on the Winter Solstice. This party is like a get together for nobles. Would you like to come with me, I’d like to take that time to introduce you to my parents,” He explained.

I nodded, “I see, but is that really fine? You said it was for nobles; I’m not a noble.”

“We are allowed to bring a guest with us as a plus one. My parents aren’t bringing anyone and I already talked to them about me bringing a guest. They agreed so would you like to go?” he laughed.

“That’ll be fine then, but I don’t have any formal clothes,” I responded.

He patted my shoulder, “No worries, I’ll take you to my family’s tailor.”

I smiled as we fell into silence before I realized, “Wait… you mean now?”

“Yes, is that fine?” He answered.

“Yes, it is,” I said.

He smiled as he led me to his carriage. We soon arrived at his family’s tailor and I had my measurements taken. Ali and the tailor discussed what color would best suit me.

“Sir, what do you think?” the tailor asked me

“Uh, I’m not sure. How about you surprise me?” I suggested

His eyes widened, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I leave it to you,” I confirmed.

“Very well sir, I’ll have it ready before the party in a few days,” He said with a smile.

I thanked him and left with Ali.

“Thank you as well Ali, for the suit and inviting me to the party,” I said.

He laughed, “You’re my friend, of course I’d do this for you. Don’t even worry about it.”

I smiled at him before looking down. A friend, huh? I don’t think I really ever considered Ali my friend. I’ve kept him at a distance and thought of him as an acquaintance, but he considers me a friend. My brows furrowed, why does this have to be complicated?

“Crow, what’s the matter?” Ali asked.

I shook my head before smiling at him, “It’s nothing, I was just thinking of something. No need to worry.”

“Alright, if you say so,” he replied, not fully believing me.

***

A few days later, on the day of the party, Ali and I returned to the tailor.

“Ah hello Sir Ali and Sir Crow, as promised, I finished the suit in time for the party. Please allow me to show you,” He greeted us.

I nodded and followed him into the backroom where I saw the most beautiful outfit.

“This is your suit sir, I do hope you like the colors I picked. I was thinking of it being red and black, but I feel like red and white suit you better,” he explained.

I nodded, “This is amazing, I love it.”

“We will be outside, if you have any questions about how something goes just ask,” he said before exiting the room with Ali.

After I put the suit on, I looked in the mirror. I look good in the suit, it even fits snugly to my figure. After approving of the suit, I exited the room and stood in front of Ali and the tailor. They had been talking, but when I entered they stopped and turned to me.

“Wow Crow, you look amazing! And slightly intimidating,” Ali exclaimed.

“I figured it would look good on you, but this is better than I had imagined. You exude a very powerful and almost mystical aura in it,” the tailor said.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

I couldn’t help but to smile big, “Thank you, I love it as well. You did an excellent job.”

We soon left and headed to Ali’s estate. He wanted me to meet his parents before the party and they wanted to meet me as well. The carriage shook slightly as it took us to our destination. I looked out the window to see the decorations that were being put and all the attractions for the people to see. I couldn’t help the gasp of wonder I let out.

Everything was so beautiful.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Ali said, “The city becomes beautiful when we celebrate together.”

I nodded, “I agree, I’ve never seen this many people who are working so hard to set up decorations and attractions. Even the mages are helping with stuff that can’t be easily done.”

“It is quite the beautiful sight, everyone working together,” Ali agreed.

We soon arrived at his home and I was greeted with two people who both bore a resemblance to Ali.

“Crow, these are my parents. My father, Callum Von Lawerence and my mother, Sophia Barton Lawerence,” Ali said, introducing me to his parents.

I bowed slightly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Crow.”

“The pleasure is ours, we were so happy when Ali told us he had become acquainted with someone. Seeing you now, I’m happy you’re friends with our son,” Ali’s mother responded.

His father nodded, “Agreed, you look like a fine young man. A good peer for Ali to be with and look up to.”

“You both give me too much praise. If anything, Ali is the one I look up to. He is very knowledgeable and a great teacher. He has been schooling me on politics and economics alike for the city and country. You’ve both raised a very well-rounded son,” I insisted.

Ali’s face became one of embarrassment, “Crow, I didn’t think you thought that highly of me, but please don’t say anything more embarrassing.”

I couldn’t help but to laugh as his parents did as well. Ali jokingly scoffed at our laughter but soon joined in as well.

A man came over, “Lord Lawerence, Lady Lady Lawerence, we should go. The party will begin shortly.”

“You’re right. Ali, you and Crow will come with us in our carriage so let’s go. We shouldn’t be late to the party,” Callum responded.

And so, we left their estate and made our way to the party. I was both nervous and kind of excited. I did feel bad about leaving Asmara behind, especially with people following me, but it’d be too suspicious to bring her. Everyone thinks she is a regular house cat, it’s not to give them a reason to suspect differently.

We arrived at the palace and stood before two grand doors. Guards were positioned on either side, looking straight ahead, no emotion on their face. I was confused as to why we weren’t entering but my thoughts were interrupted by a voice from beyond them,

“Now entering are the Lord Callum Von Lawerence and Lady Sophia Barton Lawrence with their son, The Honorable Ali Von Lawerence of the Lawerence Nobility. They are in attendance with a plus one, who is deemed as… Crow.”

The guards moved and opened the doors and we walked through. There were already a few people here who had their attention on us. I felt awkward and didn’t know what I should do or where I should look. I felt like everyone’s eyes were on us and I couldn’t escape.

***

The chattering quieted as the courtier cleared his throat, signaling the arrival of another family,

“Now entering are the Lord Callum Von Lawerence and Lady Sophia Barton Lawerence with their son, the Honorable Ali Von Lawerence of the Lawerence Nobility. They are in attendance with a plus one, who is deemed as… Crow.”

“Who in the world is called Crow? This has to be a joke,” someone said close to me.

I ignored their disrespectful words and focused on the figures coming through the door. I recognized the Lord and Lady Lawerence along with their son, but I did not know of the last one. The one who is called Crow towered over them, his cold, golden eyes sharp like a blade. He was handsome, no… not handsome, but beautiful; ethereal even.

He looked as if a god had descended upon the earth. I knew I wasn’t the only one who held this sentiment as I could hear the intake of breaths from those around me. Just who was this man that stole the attention of everyone!

***

“You seem to be the main attraction tonight at the party Crow,” Ali laughed.

I glared at him, “I don’t like it, what’s so special about me, huh?”

“Well, if I had to guess from the amount of daughters from the other households that have come by to sneak glances at you, I’d say your appearance,” Ali answered, stifling a laugh.

I rolled my eyes and took another sip of my drink. Ali and I were off to the side, away from the other Nobles. His parents were conversing with some people. From what I heard, the party hasn’t officially started. It only officially starts when the king and his family arrive, but seeing as more and more Nobles keep coming, I feel as if the Royal family aren’t gonna come anytime soon.

The courtier cleared his throat loudly, silencing the bustling nobles once more, “Now entering, His Royal Majesty, Nikolas Ivor Eskya and Her Royal Highness, Serena Burke Eskya, with their children, His Royal Highness, Kian Ivor Eskya and Her Royal Highness, Violet Faith Eskya.”

Upon the doors opening, everyone in the room bowed. I went to bow before I caught sight of the king. A searing hot pain erupted through my head as images flashed through my mind. All of which went by too fast, but I knew they were memories. I grabbed my head as I hunched over, catching the attention of Ali.

“Crow… are you… alright…?” I heard Ali say, his voice becoming faint.

My vision blurred as I focused on the voice in my head.

“Come on &*@#!*, it won’t kill you to come to the Winter Solstice party once,” a voice both familiar and not said.

Who is he? Glimpses of a young looking guy flashed through my head, but his face was unclear, blurred. Just who is he?!

“Crow,” Ali said, snapping me from my thoughts.

I had caught the attention of not only Ali but his parents and a few others. Everyone was already back to standing upright and music was being played.

I swallowed, “I’m sorry, I-uh, wasn’t feeling too well.”

“Do you need to leave?” Ali asked, concern evident on his face.

“No, no, I’ll be fine,” I assured.

He nodded but looked at me worryingly. The other people turned their attention to the King who was standing in front of everyone, drink in hand. The music had ceased, anticipating for the King to speak.

“It is a great pleasure to see you all on this fine evening. As you all know, the Winter Solstice Festival will be held tomorrow. With that in mind, I hope everyone enjoys their time tonight and comes to the festival tomorrow,” He said, raising his glass.

Everyone raised their glasses as well. King Nikolas drank from his glass and everyone did the same.

“Start the music and we can have our first dance start,” he said.

The music began playing, the sound causing my headache to worsen. I moved over to the wall and leaned against it for support.

Ali walked over, “Crow, I’m serious, if you don’t feel well, we can leave. I’ll get a carriage and take you back to your place.”

“No, I’m alright. I don’t wanna ruin the party for you. It’s just a headache, it’ll go away soon,” I replied with a shake of my head.

“Crow-,” he began before being interrupted.

“Umm, excuse me,” a lady said, “You’re Crow, right? Would you like to dance with me?”

I was confused, “I- uh, I’m flattered, but I’m not the best dancer.”

Her face fell as her cheeks flushed, “I’m sorry to bother you.”

She hurriedly walked away to a group of ladies who I assumed to be her friends.

“Did you lie?” Ali asked.

“No, I don’t know how to dance. At least, not dance like that,” I said, gesturing towards the people dancing.

Ali nodded, “I see, but Crow as I was saying, if you aren’t feeling well, we should leave.”

Before I could respond, I felt the feeling of being watched. It was all too familiar and I whipped my head around. Rather than seeing anyone suspicious, I came eye to eye with the King. He was staring at me. I couldn’t even assume he was staring someplace else, he was looking directly at me. My head throbbed painfully, making me grimace.

“What is it, Crow?” Ali asked.

I stared a second longer before breaking eye contact, “No, it’s nothing. If you insist on us leaving then very well.”

“Huh? Really? What’s with the change of mind?” He asked, surprised.

“I’m starting to feel worse, so let’s just go ahead and leave,” I answered

I followed him as we made our way to his parents. He leaned over and whispered something to his father, most likely informing him of my unwellness. His father nodded and flicked his hand. Ali and I left, excusing ourselves from the party.