Crescent (Old Version)

+ Part 16 +

After a moment, Nic downed the last of his drink and met with the party at the bottom of the stairs and disappeared, but Moira's gaze remained locked on the lone table just barely seen over the railing of the balcony. Ceth's four-tiered cake sat atop it, but she wasn't looking at it. She was looking at Ceth, who stood alone now, eyeing the party over a glass of champagne. A silver crown circled his head, and it flashed in the light as he gazed down at us.

That damn smirk seemed ever-plastered on his face. Seeing that his eyes were on me only made me want to wipe it clean off. He must've seen the thought as it went through my head because he chuckled before he stepped up to the edge of the balcony and cleared his throat so that silence fell over the hall.

"Good evening!" he called and the crowd quieted. Everyone seemed to face him. "I'd like to welcome you all to my two hundredth and fifteenth birthday," he surveyed the mass of people as he downed another sip of champagne. "I am excited to announce that tonight is about more than just parties and traditions."

It was then that every candle lining the inside of the twin staircases flared to life, illuminating the velvet like tar glistening in sunlight.

"Tonight, I am also proud to announce that I have had the honor... of naming the new lady of Vervale." He held his hand out to me, and like a spotlight had found me on a stage, everyone turned to watch as I nearly quivered under his gaze. Nearly.

Moira gently squeezed my hand, and I remembered the part I had to play in order to see my family again. I wondered if anyone else could feel the web we were spinning. One lie after the other, each a gossamer strand. One wrong move and the whole thing would collapse. I stood tall and stepped out of the crowd to ascend the newly lit staircase as he continued:

"As you all know, I'm hosting the Embassy Gala later this year."

I climbed the sum of the steps carefully. My ankles felt like glass. And, I was mere seconds from breaking.

I just hoped that I pulled it off.

He smiled as I reached the last step just feet away from him. "And, what better time to introduce her to you all."

My smile was tight as he walked toward me and gripped my hand in his own. His fingers were ice cold as he span me around and brought me to stand beside him. Every eye in the room echoed my movements as I took a spare champagne glass from Ceth's hand.

"If you'll all join me in raising a glass... and welcoming Lady Brenna James!" the way he said my name was like honey dripping off the back of a spoon as he called to the crowd below us.

There was a thunderous applause, loud and deafening. He pressed a kiss to the back of my hand. I was a prize he was all too happy to show off, and it only made the pit in my stomach knot further. Everyone raised the glasses in their hands much like Ceth did.

His eyes met mine, green and taunting. "To White Stag, to it's new lady," he winked at me and I thought I might snap the stem of my glass. Instead, I smiled for him. Collectively, we all took a sip of our champagne. He turned to me as everyone continued clapping and said so only I could hear: "And, to a... gratifying new partnership."

I downed my glass as he beamed at me, a reminder clear in his eyes. And, I smiled at the crowd. I could plaster as many smiles as it took to get out of here.

I would get out of here.

Ceth pulled me into his side, and with a snap, two servants appeared to begin serving slices of the cake. Each slice that was cut was like another ounce of my resolve crumbling. As plates were being passed around, I took the chance to retreat toward one of the lesser lit parts of the ballroom. Only Ceth gripped my arm and pulled me back against him.