Ruby Red

Chapter Twenty-Five

She turned her back to the audience and went over to the doors of the Vault. "It is now my honor to use this year's ruby Scepter to unlock the Vault."

The rose-like head of the Scepter slipped into a circular hole on the outside of the Vault. Queen Marjorie twisted it around until a loud click resonated through the room. She pushed it further into the door, and there were a few smaller sounds of metal unlocking. Soon, it was up to its handle, and the queen let go.

Now, the hall held its breath. The guards by the doors grabbed the metal bars and pulled them back. The ancient, heavy metal doors creaked open with a low whine.

Blinding gold shimmered within the Vault. Piles and piles of the precious metal, stacks worth more money than Alana had seen in a lifetime. Her jaw dropped at the sight, much like everyone else in the hall.

"Your contributions are quite literally worth their weight in gold," Queen Marjorie said. "This medium is simply easier for our Financial Council to examine and distribute. I assure you, every penny is accounted for and will be used responsibly." She cast a glance over to Alana and smiled.

Karis and Fallon opened the doors once more and a single-file line of guards entered. They positioned themselves at the front of the hall, creating an extra layer of protection for the open Vault.

"You may stay for a few moments to observe the Vault, but we encourage you to head to the ballroom for light refreshments and entertainment as we allow the Financial Council to start working." The queen clasped her hands in front of her as people applauded the short ceremony. Many of them stood and filed out to the ballroom, but a few lingered and admired the culmination of their hard work over the past five years.

Alana stood and started to weave her way toward Karis and Fallon. They looked at her expectantly, but Queen Marjorie approached her first. "General Campbell. A word, please."

"Of course, Your Majesty." She inclined her head. "What is it?"

The queen gestured to the man at her side. He seemed important based on his luxurious attire. A black coat with red and gold chain embellishments draped over his tall, lean figure. Black hair flopped into his dark eyes set deep into pale skin. Rubies adorned his fingers and ears in elegant jewelry to match the occasion. "This is the Viscount, Lord Han. He's agreed to be your mentor as you work on the Financial Council."

"Nice to meet you, my lord," Alana said respectfully.

Lord Han's face remained neutral. "I'm looking forward to taking on an apprentice. After everything that happened over the past few weeks, I expect that you'll be searching for a chance to prove yourself. The Financial Council is no joke, General." His eyes flickered over to the queen, then he plastered a smile onto his face. "But if our gracious queen sees good in you, I suppose I can, too. Meet me in the western parlor tomorrow morning at dawn, and we'll get started."

It was a struggle for Alana to take all of his words in at once. At first, he seemed like he was scolding her, but as soon as he acknowledged the queen and her decision, it was like he had developed more faith. This was certainly going to be an interesting job. "Of course, my lord. I'm looking forward to studying under you as well. I think Queen Marjorie made the right decision."

With that, Lord Han nodded and turned away. As quickly as he introduced himself, he ignored her again. He started talking to one of the other nobles, and Queen Marjorie had sparked a conversation with Lady Leela in the center aisle. Now that she was alone, Alana went to find Karis and Fallon.

Princess Lévian was laughing at something Fallon had said when she arrived. Karis wrapped his arms around Alana's neck from behind and pulled her into him for a hug. She smiled as her cheek rested against his chest, the gentle thumping of his heartbeat a steady rhythm in her ears. "Who was that you were talking to?" he asked.

"One of the viscounts, Lord Han. He's going to be my mentor on the Council."

"Hm. He seems scary. A perfect match for you, then." Alana looked up at Karis with a fed-up grin and he laughed. "You know I love it, though." She raised her eyebrows and leaned back into his chest as Karis planted a kiss on the top of her head.

Fallon stopped talking mid-sentence. "Hold on," she said, shaking her head. She came up to Alana and Karis and gestured to their hug. "When did this happen?"

Karis grinned. "Two nights ago."

"And you never told me? I've had to sit and watch you both pine after each other for god knows how long. It's about time you two got together." Fallon held out her hand, and Lévian took it. "I won. You owe me," she said with a smirk.

Lévian rolled her eyes. "Later." The princess scanned the room, searching for her mother. Once she saw Queen Marjorie across the hall, she leaned in. "I think you guys are off-duty now since everyone is in the ballroom. Harsha, Victor, Fallon, and I were going to sneak up to my room for some snacks and drinks. Do you want to come?"

"Count us in," Alana said. Karis nodded. "We'll be there in a few minutes. I need to ask Kare something real quick."

Lévian nodded and started to lead Fallon out of the hall. Alana turned around to face Karis. "What did you want to ask me?" he said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go to the ballroom for a minute before we went up with Fallon and the royals."

"Why? You're never one to turn down drinks, and we're both technically off-duty."

"Well, I was hoping we could dance again." A faint blush appeared on Alana's cheeks. "I don't think the last time counted since... you know. All of that happened. I know it'll be weird since I'm still hurt, but I just wanted to ask and—"

Karis grabbed her hand, which startled her a little bit, but she didn't mind his sudden displays of affection much. It was becoming one of her favorite things about him. He nodded toward the door leading to the ballroom and asked, "Alana Campbell, may I have this dance?"

Her ruby-red lips curled into a smile, her face lighting up like the shine from a thousand diamonds. "Of course."

THE END.