No Solace (The Flames of Retribution - Book 1)

Chapter Thirty - A Ball to End All Balls

The imperial ballroom was a grand and opulent space, with high ceilings adorned with intricate gold and silver moldings. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow over the room. The walls were covered in rich tapestries depicting scenes from Sanfeltonian history, while the marble floors were polished to a mirror-like shine. The room was filled with people dressed in their finest attire, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The scent of exotic flowers and perfumes wafted through the room, adding to the atmosphere of luxury and extravagance. At the center of the room was a raised platform, where the royal family sat on ornate thrones, watching the festivities below.

As I entered the ballroom, my nerves began to get the better of me. I knew that I would be facing some of the most powerful people in the Sanfelton Empire.

I would be facing the emperor himself.

As well as some old "friends".

Renata was easy to spot, with her elegant dress and haughty expression, she was obscured by several people, but I marked her, turning away before I sneered. Kohl was standing by the refreshment table, sipping on a glass of wine while looking impatient about something. I glanced at the platform, noting the rest of the royal family sitting there with no room for him.

Interesting.

And then there was Darla, my duplicitous cousin. I could feel my anger rising as I saw her laughing with a group of her friends, completely oblivious to the fact that I was watching her. She seemed to be doing quite well, judging by the cut and material of her red dress. It was more than her barony would have normally been able to afford. Peony, her sister, was standing like a ghost next to her in a drab gray gown.

Poor Peony. My other cousin was everything Darla was not, but she followed her sister as if she was a goddess.

I did not spot Chevral anywhere, and that was strange. The man loved a party. He also loved hanging on the coattails of Kohl Sanfelton.

While pondering that, I made my way towards the platform where the imperial family sat. As I approached it, I felt the eyes of nobles following after me. It seemed that Ursula's outfit for me had made an impression.

At the foot of the platform, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. This was a litmus test. The emperor kept empaths near and they could reveal me in seconds. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I climbed the steps to the platform.

As I reached the top, I bowed low before the imperial family, "Your Majesty," I said, my voice steady and respectful. "I am honored to be in your presence tonight."

The emperor looked at me with a cool, appraising gaze, his expression unreadable. "Rise and look at me." When I did, he asked, "Kaashif Rathe, is it?" His voice was deep and commanding. Despite being close to sixty, he was still devastating to behold. Next to him, his dark haired queen, who looked just like Kohl, was staring out at the ball with a bored expression.

"Yes, your majesty," I replied, keeping my eyes on him.

The two empaths at his feet, twin sisters dressed to look like butterflies, stared at me. One of them tilted her head, appearing confused, but neither sounded the alarm that I was false. The other smiled at me, which was cause for concern.

Empaths didn't smile. Ever.

The emperor, however, was oblivious to the change in her expression, and I silently thanked Faluel.

Keeping my face straight, I gave my regards to the crown prince, Quentin as well, and glanced at Altair with a nod, not sure if I should start a conversation with him on the dais.