A lot of theories have been thrown around but so far Graham's seems to be the most probable. It sort of makes sense, and it doesn't.
" Do you have a library?" I decide to break the silence because everyone had fallen into deep thought, even the master behind the last theory. But something doesn't click. They all had a similar appearance. If, and only if, the man was a god, and maybe, and only maybe if he had the power of creation, why make ten women who just look the same? Seems a bit redundant.
" We do. It bellow this palace. Would you like to see it?" All traces of irascibility have slowly melted away, and once again the prim and proper Praedish has come to join us. Graham's silence must have had a soothing effect on Timeea.
Mason looks at me for a brief second, " I think we would like to enjoy the ball for a little while," He glances at his timepiece strapped to his wrist, and nods to himself, " Just for a few hours. I'm sure your guests are becoming curious as to why you are absent from your own festivities," He adds as a way of explaining, amicably. But, his demeanour towards Timeea hasn't changed, not like hers has. She looks at him with a certain longing, sorrow. If he bears a resemblance to her sister, then that it's understandable. I guess Mason isn't as convinced as Timeea is.
" Of course. Please, by all means, make the most of this opportunity. But I must advise you to stay clear of the bitter melon. It might not be for everyone. Even though, for our people is a delicacy, it might scandalise your taste buds," And with that, she shuffles her feet towards the lengthy corridor leading back towards the ballroom.
On a sigh we follow her lead, still very much inside our heads, until Mason lightly grips my elbow, his hand tenderly trails up my arm in a barely there touch. Comforted by his presence, I reluctantly return to the present from where my wayward thoughts have dragged me. Gaining access to that library is crucial. To any library really, if I come to think of it. In a dusty corner somewhere sits a book or a scroll with the necessary information. Attending this ball seems rather frivolous. Just for the sake of mingling with the uppity people of Takkara, but Mason needs it to expand his business.
" Nothing about this is frivolous. This an opportunity we cannot miss. This can be an advantageous relationship if we play our cards right," Mason interrupts my train of thought, as he drops his hands back to his side. The grand ballroom emerging in front of us became his sole focus. His gaze roves over the lushly dressed men and women crowding the room, all at various stages of their lives, but all have one thing in common. Wealth. Status. I know that Mason needs it. He has always been one to keep people with deeper pockets than his close to his heart. And I have a feeling that the reconstruction of the Quarter is one of the reasons he is so adamant in forging a business relationship with these people. Seems a bit duplicitous, if not perfidious. But in my opinion, it's just common sense on this particular occasion.
Mason leans in, his lips brushing against my ear shell, sending a rampant shiver down my spine, at the feel of his breath gently sweeping on the exposed skin, " Don't get into too much trouble while I'm gone," I don't have to see it to know that as he says those words he is smirking.
A waiter holding a tray of drinks in his hand halts in front of us, Mason plucks a glass and hands it to me, while Graham helps himself to two glasses, downing one in one fell sweep, and holding on to the other.
" I'll try. I don't make any promises," I smirk back without taking my eyes off the crowd, while Mason slides the glass between my fingers. At his lingering touch, I turn to meet his gaze, " I'll be good," I squeeze through tight lips, and he nods.
Briskly, he tucks both hands in his pockets and begins to survey the crowd as he walks, nodding in greeting to the ones that turn to analyse his presence among them. He will be doing so much nodding by the end of the evening that I'm pretty sure he'll become one of the bobbleheads you see in the souvenir shops. Needless to say he gathers the attention of plenty of women and men alike as he leisurely strides through the crowd. One fair-haired woman slides in front of him, brightly smiling, and I come to notice that most of the people in the room are fair-haired. Various hues of blond, among them, here and there, a few dark-haired ones. And I come to realise that these people are most likely all related to some degree and most likely inbred.
Sipping on my wine I take a moment to examine the thick limestone colours supporting the ceiling, the see-through floors, and the limpid waters slowly ebbing under it. The room is far from any concept of any ballroom I've ever seen, but nothing about Takkara is within what is considered the norm.
Graham clears his throat dragging my attention back to him, " So," He says with a sigh, " How does it feel to be in a room full of stuffy people?" He takes a sip of his drink and looks down at his glass as if he is tasting it for the first time, looking mildly confused.
" Uncomfortable," I reply honestly. I'm not poor, but I still feel out of place among these people. All I want to do is rifle through that library, wherever that is. Even if that makes me, a bore and predictable. To me, that means that I'm one step closer to finding the truth, and hopefully annihilating Micah.
" I'm with you on that one. Wouldn't mind leaving this place, a few pounds heavier," He smirks, with a dangerous glint in his eyes. I follow his line of sight and finally see what has caught his attention. A dozen feet from where we stand, a lithe woman, with golden skin smiling at us, wearing what I could only describe a rock around her neck. The deep blue gem catches the light reflecting it on her skin giving her a radiance that would blind most people even in the daylight. Ethereal, is the right description and for Graham she us like a beacon, that he cannot ignore.
" I see, " I hum around the rim of my glass while Graham straightens, and pulls out his best smile. I know that smile. She will be on her back, or pinned against some wall in an obscure corner in about twenty minutes. She will have a great time, and she will also feel lighter by the end of the evening.