The ballroom stands brilliantly on its own, but the people really bring the room together like it were the final details ina painting. Everyone here is socializing in their long sparkling dresses and freshly ironed suits, under the ceiling of paintings with Amara and her followers. Waiters in black suits and slicked back hair roam around with sparkling amare juice and wine.
On the side opposite of the room, closer to the grand windows, people dance along with the orchestra that we had hired for the night. I sway to the soothing melody of the violin. It's a beautiful sight. Especially when I don't look at the glowing flowers couples are holding in the crowd
Too bad I haven't seen Clara. I would've liked to dance with her.
“Are you having fun, little brother?” I snap away from my thoughts as Erasmus approaches me, wearing a classic black and white suit. Behind him, a darker skinned woman with coily black hair wears a tight shimmering teal dress.
His soulmate. Maya.
An ache of jealousy would usually grow in my stomach. I would have an urge to run away.
But none of that happens. “Hello Erasmus. Hello, Maya.”
“You're not gonna run away from us this time?” Erasmus laughs.
I smile back at him. Surprisingly… no. “Not this time.”
Their jaws drop. “I’m stunned for words!” Erasmus teases.
“Would the princes like to enjoy a drink?”
We turn to a man carrying a tray of amare wine, with the see-through liquid carrying Amare petals on top. I almost take a glass, but realize there's only one left for Erasmus. “Oh come on, get some for his soulmate first! The lady is right there!” I say it with laughter, but with an undertone of seriousness.
“Oh no, you don't have to.” Maya smiles, waving her hands.
“Are you sure?” I glance back and forth between her and the waiter.
“Yes, I don't like alcohol.” She lowers her head. “It's fine. You two have the drinks.”
“Actually, I have a better idea.” Erasmus smirks before waving over another waiter. They bring over a tray that seems to have a similar drink, except the glass is flat on the bottom and tall, unlike the wine glasses. Erasmus grabs one and hands it over to Maya. “A mocktail for the lady.”
“Thanks love,” She grins. “And thank you for looking out for me. I was starting to think you hated me.”
“No. I'm sorry for avoiding you.” I bow my head. “I've been childish about this soulmate thing, you know, but I'm actually happy for you and my brother.” I finally grab a wine from the other tray, with the waiter’s tray tilted towards me. Erasmus follows my lead. “You make him happy and that's all that matters.”
Erasmus gives me a proud smirk, puffing his chest slightly. “I like this attitude.” He lowers his head and drops his voice. “Maybe being with Clara is doing you favors after all.”
My cheeks heat up, hair standing up on my neck. “I don't know about that…”
“Too bad she isn't around.” He looks across the room. “I would've liked to see her here.”
Maya giggles. “Is she your girlfriend?”
“No,” I titter.
“I wouldn't be surprised if she was though.” Erasmus chuckles. “I guess it's gonna take another week.”
I jerk my head back. “Another week?”
“You two can't last too long apart. I'd give it a week or less.” He holds out his glass. “But anyhow, let's celebrate my little brother turning twenty-one.”
“Yeah, let's do it!” Maya exclaims. “Happy birthday!”
“Thank you,” I murmur as we clink all three glasses together. I take a sip of the alcohol, fizzing in my mouth.
I stick my tongue out. It tastes like a mouthful of flower juice and ink.
“He's a dreamscreecher fetishist, remember?”
