Chapter 263 - Imperial banquets
With the conclave drawing near, Scarlett and her companions returned to the mansion in the Eastgate district, the red-tinted light of sunset casting long shadows across the elegant facades. Raimond and Rosa excused themselves, retreating to one of the parlours for their private chat, while Scarlett, her mind already racing with preparations, instructed Whiteley to ready another guest room for their priestly guest.
Apparently, Raimond intended to stay in the capital for a few more days, and citing his current lodgings as ‘‘too dreary’, he had opted to take advantage of Scarlett’s hospitality to freeload. She’d briefly entertained the notion of refusing but reconsidered, given that there might be more matters she wanted to discuss with him later.
As the evening grew closer and Scarlett had finished all her preparations, she and Lady Withersworth departed in their carriage, bound for Dawnlight Palace. The Eastgate district rolled by outside the window, a drapery of opulent mansions and snow-blanketed gardens bathed in the soft glow of the occasional magical lamppost. They were more common here than in other parts of the city, powered by a spell that lasted through the night.
Scarlett had heard from Allyssa that there were people employed specifically to maintain and light these lamps during the darker seasons, which reminded her of similar professions that had existed in her old world.
She didn’t think she would have minded a job like that. Apparently, it paid well, and you didn’t have to bother too much about the broader happenings in the empire. It sounded like a far cry from the frankly tumultuous existence she now led, with challenges that made her previous life’s stresses seem quaint in comparison.
As for tonight’s conclave, Scarlett was unsure what to expect. She doubted there would be any earth-shattering revelations, given her growing understanding of imperial politics. That said, with so many influential figures gathering in one place, it wouldn’t be impossible for something of note to occur. The question was whether it would affect her. She had her own objectives for the evening, mostly divorced from any political maneuvering, so she didn’t really care too much about the event’s actual purpose.
At the moment, she would be happy if things could just become stable enough so that she could return to her unfinished business in Freybrook and on the Rising Isle.
“You look a bit pale, dear. Is all well?” Lady Withersworth’s voice cut through Scarlett’s contemplations.
Scarlett turned, meeting the older woman’s keen gaze. She had thought she’d managed to hide her fatigue, but Lady Withersworth was, as usual, more perceptive than one would think.
“I am fine,” Scarlett replied. “The day’s affairs have left me somewhat drained, that is all. But I will manage the evening’s proceedings.”
The numbing effect of Raimond’s magic seemed to be fading, allowing her headache to reassert itself with a dull throb, but it wasn’t unbearable. She just prayed she wouldn’t have to deal with any nobles picking a fight with her, as Count Soames had done at the Tyndall ball.
“You shouldn’t tire yourself out so before these gatherings,” Lady Withersworth said in a motherly tone. “That is no way for a proper lady to set her priorities.”