"NO!" his fierce cry ripped through me as I fell backwards, as though in slow motion. My dress fluttered up around me, pink and lovely as I spread my arms out at my sides, like wings. My feet slipped from the ledge as silk kissed my skin.
As the stars came into view, my stomach began to drop. My hair curled upwards around my face, blowing in the fierce wind. I refused to scream. I would not die a coward.
Everything was silent as I fell. The whoosh of freezing wind in my ear was all I could hear. My body began to bend with the force of the fall, but I never lost sight of the stars. A tear slipped from the corner of my eye as I smiled.
It's so beautiful. Like a billion lanterns full of warmth. Is there someone up there? Someone waiting for me? I wondered numbly.
The air rippled against my skin, embracing me as I fell further. It pushed my arms upwards and I reached for the sky, wishing so badly that I had wings. Will you wait for me, mysterious someone? I want to fly to the stars for you.
Memories of my youth flashed through my mind, and I smiled. Maybe I would see my family again soon. Does heaven exist?
The breath rushed from my lips as my back hit the icy water. I could feel it spray up around me as I sunk, closing in fiercely around me. I couldn't see anything. It was pitch black. My body aches horribly from the impact, and I couldn't figure out which way was up.
I didn't fight the water closing around me. I just let it pull me deeper. My skin was beginning to burn from the cold, and the last of my air left me.
After a long while, my head began to feel fuzzy. I was barely coherent, and I knew I was drowning. My chest burned and throbbed. I must have inhaled water. I realized vaguely as my thoughts faded. And then I was yanked from my body.
I stood in the water, watching my body sink. Someone broke the surface, swimming down towards me, though I couldn't see his face. I could see clearly now as his arm wrapped around my waist, and he turned with me in his arms. My dress swirled around us as Noah pressed his lips to mine, kissing me passionately. No. I realized. He's breathing for me.
He gripped me tightly, pulling us upwards. We were deep, and my consciousness was quickly fading. Flicks of color registered vaguely as our heads broke the surface, and everything finally went black.
___________________________________
Someone was knocking on my bedroom door. "Nev," my mother poked her head in. "Breakfast is almost here."
I slid out of bed and followed her to Natalia's room, yawning largely. My head hurt. She joined us quickly, wearing a holey tank top and plaid pajama bottoms. Her auburn hair was mussed, cut to her jaw.
My father sat in his chair at the dining table, drinking coffee and reading the daily news on synthetic paper. We made a modest amount-more than most of the community- and could afford some luxuries.
Natalia and I slid into our seats as a slot by the sink dinged, and our assigned meals popped through. Inside were thick burritos, unseasoned and bland, with a slice of buttered toast. My head was starting to pound.
Don't go. A familiar voice pleaded, though none of my family had spoke. I brushed it off and sipped on my milk. I jumped when the voice continued. Don't you dare go.
Go where? I wondered as the pounding in my head increased. I covered my ears, leaning my forehead against the table.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?" My mother asked. She had ivory skin and hair like mine. Her eyes were a deep sea green, and her face was lovely. She felt my forehead as I looked up at her.
"Just a headache," I smiled. Her touch was comforting.
"Getting out of bed in the morning always gives me a headache," my dad asked, joking as always as I turned to him. He was tall, with crows feet at the corners of his blue grey eyes. He was good looking and strong, with dark brown hair. "I think I'll try getting out of bed feet first next time," he rubbed the top of his head as though it was sore.
"Eat your breakfast, Adam," my mom rolled her eyes and swatted his arm with a small smile. Nevaeh! The voice pleaded again. Come back to me!
But I don't know where you are. I thought back as I clutched my temples. It felt like someone was hammering on my skull. I'm begging you. God, Nevaeh. Why the hell did you jump?
Jump? I wondered. And then I remembered standing on the bridge. It all came back to me as I looked at my family, who had all stopped what they were doing. They were staring at me knowingly, with sad smiles. My chest ached as though someone were pounding rhythmically on it.
"Go back," Natalia said gently, touching my arm. "We'll wait for you."
I gasped and the color faded from my dream until darkness surrounded me. I felt pressure on my chest, pounding steadily. The pounding paused and I felt pressure in my throat.
My eyes burst open as I began choking, water spilling from my mouth as a hand turned me swiftly into the recovery position. Fingers brushed my neck as my hair was pulled out of my face. Water streamed from my eyes and nose. The gravel beneath my body bit into my skin, and my head was pounding.
A wave of dizziness clutched me and I fell forward. Arms caught and steadied me before my face planted into the rocky ground. I felt nauseous and sea sick.
"Breathe," the familiar voice commanded, his hand patting my back gently. I coughed, my throat raw and sore. My mouth tasted salty and bloody.
I finally gasped and rolled onto my back again. I breathed desperately, my lungs aching horribly. He leaned over me, sweeping my tangled, wet hair away from my face again as I choked and coughed.
His golden onyx hair seemed black in the moonlight as it dripped onto my frozen skin. He was soaked, his eyes wide and frantic as he clutched my face, his necklace swinging out from his soaked shirt.
"Don't you ever do that again," his expression crumpled as he grimaced, touching my head. His hand came away bloody. "I thought I'd lost you."
"You brought me back just so I could be executed?" I asked, my voice hoarse. I felt dazed.
"You're not gonna be executed," he said fiercely, sitting beside me. He pulled me carefully into his arms and examined me. The dress felt heavy and cold around me.
"I am," my eyes were sliding shut and he shook me until they opened again. "Once the keepers find out I tried to run, I'm a goner."
"Nevaeh," he shook his head slowly. "I'm not going to tell anyone. Now are you hurt anywhere?"
"Don't think so. Can I sleep now?" I asked drowsily.
"No, love. You have a concussion. You must have hit your head in the water somewhere. Haven't you ever heard of feet first, first time?" he smiled softly, his thumb sliding back and forth against my cheek as he cradled my head. I could see the snow fluttering above him, soft and slow now.
"I wasn't trying to survive," I said slowly, watching the snowflakes create a halo around him. My words were beginning to slur. "You look like an angel."
"What?" he asked curiously, propping my head up on his arm as he moved to his feet. His arm slid under my legs and he stood, cradling me against him.
"Because of the..." I stared at the snowflakes, feeling unfocused.
"The what?" he prodded as he began to walk. I felt the sway of his body as he carried me, his arms gentle.
"The halos," I said, my eyes slipping closed again.
"Nevaeh," his voice was a little frantic.
"Hm?" I responded, opening my eyes to read his face. He seemed worried.
"Try to stay awake, okay?" he said softly.
"Why?" I asked, looking up at the sky. Stars peeked through the clouds above us, bright and lovely.
"Just try," he said, pulling me up to kiss my forehead. I shivered suddenly.
"I'm cold," I complained, my breath crystallizing in the air.
"I know, love," he murmured as my hand fell from my stomach limply.
"I'm so tired," I said as he began to climb up a set of stairs.
"I know," he said, gathering up my skirts so he wouldn't trip. "I am too."
"Why wouldn't you tell me about her?" I wondered.
"Because it's not safe," he murmured.
"Noah," I said softly.
"What?" he asked, smiling a little.
"Nothing," I shook my head. "I just like saying your name."
"I like saying yours, too," he admitted as the ground straightened beneath us.
He adjusted me in his arms as he continued to walk. The sound of cars zooming past on the wet road vaguely registered in my consciousness.
"Promise me you'll never try that again," he said just as I began to drift. This time I could barely open my eyes.
"I can't do that," I shook my head. "If it comes to dying, I'd rather it be by my own hand. I want to die on my own terms."
"I'm never gonna let anything hurt you," he said, cradling me closer. "Not ever. Not even yourself."
"You can't protect me from everything," I said slowly, trying to focus on his face.
"Then I'll die trying," he answered as a click sounded and he pulled a car door open. He bent down, setting me carefully into the seat.
A glint caught my attention, and I reached up to touch his necklace. I trailed my fingers down the chain, touching the pendant at the base. It was a heavy but simple silver circle with a tree carved on it. The tree of life. I knew every scratch on its surface by heart.
A golden ring with a diamond was slipped onto the chain, dangling beside the necklace's pendant. It glittered in the headlights of passing cars.
"This is," I gasped as dizziness overcame me. I didn't get to finish my sentence before the world faded away once more.
___________________________________
My eyes opened slowly and took in my surroundings. Daylight was streaming into the hotel room, and the clock said it was past noon. Ugh. My head is pounding.
Something heavy around my neck caught my attention as I turned my head towards the living room. I paused and looked down.
A silver chain hung around me, tucked into one of Mr. Ivanov's white button up shirts. I pulled it out to examine it. I didn't know who the ring had belonged to, but I recognized the pendant. It had been passed down on my father's side for generations.
I slid out of bed, the sheets rubbing across my bare legs as my feet moved towards the floor. My head and throat hurt badly, and my tangled hair was still damp.
I moved towards the kitchen, yawning and stretching as I tried to recall last nights events. I opened a cupboard, pulling out a cup and filling it with water. I drank three glasses slowly, refilling each time. It hurt to swallow.
I remembered waking up, and wasting time throughout the day doing nothing until I found the maps. I thought through the party, and the ferris wheel. That's right. I remembered. I failed to escape, and I almost died. I was somehow certain about that last part.
Arms wrapped around me from behind as a voice murmured in my ear.
"Wha's up?" The voice was slurred slightly, and a bit husky. I turned to face Noah, examining him. He was shirtless in black sweatpants, his skin flushed and drenched in sweat. I touched my wrist lightly to his forehead and his eyes slipped closed.
"You're burning up," I said, handing him my fresh glass of water. "Drink."
"Yes, ma'am," he winked, chugging it down quickly. I refilled it for him and grabbed his hand. I led him towards the bedroom, and he stumbled up the steps, leaning into me tiredly.
"Go lay down," I said, pushing him towards the bed. He turned to face me, and my shoves no longer had any effect on him as my hands came to rest on his bare chest. His skin was so hot it was burning me.
He must have caught a cold from our time in the water last night. His skin was covered in a sheen of sweat, and his face was flushed. His hair was still damp, and he wore the same pants from last night.
"Do you like my muscles?" he asked, gripping my wrists and pulling me closer.
"Sure. Now go lay down," I giggled. "You're acting drunk."
"Oh," he said, sitting down on the bed. I pushed him down onto the pillows and pulled the blankets around him. He caught me again when I moved to adjust his pillow.
My face hovered just above his, and my lips parted as I took a long, shaky breath. He turned to kiss the soft skin of my inner wrist, gripping it gently.
I pulled back, blushing as I set his cup on the counter. "Drink that and get some sleep," I said, turning to leave.
"Aren't you gonna kiss me goodnight, Dr. Nevaeh?" he asked, his speech slurred slightly. He was already asleep by the time I leaned over him, and his soft snores ensued. Even so, I pressed my lips gently to his before leaving the room.
I spent the majority of the day watching TV and snacking on a bar of chocolate. I'd pulled on leggings and brushed through my hair. I then made him soup for dinner, and was forced to feed it to him when he kept spilling. The fever was beginning to break by the time Nathan came into the room with a few of the hotel staff to pack up our things.
I'd put the compass and the knife back earlier, knowing their absence would be noticed when someone made a list of everything that was supposed to be in the room.
Around 8:00 pm, Nathan and I stuffed Noah into the car and departed, headed back to the manor outside of Amaranth City.
I sat beside Noah, forcing water into him at every opportunity until he passed out on my shoulder. It didn't take me long to follow suit, and when I was woken by Nathan, we were home.
Mr. Ivanov was still leaning against me, his arm around my waist. It took a long time to rouse him, but we eventually got him to stumble out of the door and up the steps.
Nathan helped me get him through the door and up to the fourth floor. We successfully got Noah into bed, panting and sweating as we said goodnight.
"Be seeing you," Nathan excused himself, shutting the bedroom door behind him. I pushed Mr. Ivanov down onto his pillows lightly, and tucked him in. His eyes slipped closed immediately.
I clicked off his lamp and was about to leave before his fingers brushed my wrist.
"Stay," he murmured tiredly. "Stay with me. I don't want to be alone."
"Okay," I said, sliding under the covers in front of him. He was so vulnerable. I caressed his warm cheek as I snuggled in next to him.
His arm wrapped around me and he kissed my cheek gently, brushing my hair away from my face. My heart rate seemed to increase in the darkness as his breath sent chills down my neck. He pulled me closer, his arms like vices around me.
His bed was soft and comfortable, supporting my every curve perfectly. I pressed against him, resting my head on his arm. My cheek was pressed up gently against his soft chest. He smelled so good I wanted to move closer, though it was physically impossible at this point.
I could feel his heart beat from where our bodies met. It was slow and steady, matching his breaths. I felt warm inside, though I didn't understand why he'd jumped in after me.
He began to snore softly after a while, and I began to drift as well, lulled by his warmth. It took a while to realize that it was almost too warm because of his fever.
I couldn't help but feel bad. He was sick because I'd tried to kill myself. It's a selfish act, I'm told. But I honestly felt it was the only path to freedom in the moment that I let go. I bit my lip, snuggling closer to him as he turned onto his back. I slid my leg up over him, resting my head on his arm as it encircled me.
It was past five in the morning by the time I finally fell asleep. He was in my dreams again. This one was simple, and even beautiful. The two of us were dancing on the surface of a lake that mirrored our reflection back to us.
But then it shifted. Hidden people were watching us, and dread crept through me. He looked fearful, clutching me to him in a protective stance as he stared into the darkness.
___________________________________
When I finally awoke, I was in the bed alone. I couldn't remember my dream, though I was sweating. Noah was just entering the room from the adjacent bathroom, a towel around his waist.
"Good afternoon," he smirked, leaning against the door frame. The sunlight filtering through his windows played in his damp hair, showing hints of gold and amber where it touched. His golden tanned skin was still wet, dotted in water droplets.
"What time is it?" I asked around a yawn as I stretched widely and sat up.
"It's four," he smirked, walking towards me.
"Damn. I slept in late," I yawned again
"It's alright. We both deserve a day off after the last two days," he sat on the edge of the bed at my feet, running his fingers through his hair. He tilted his head back, looking at me from the corner of his dark eyes. The gold and amber stood out brilliantly in the afternoon light illuminating the large bedroom.
The walls were papered amaranth and gold, and the floor was marble. The layout was similar to my own bedroom, but there was a keyboard and a glossy black acoustic guitar in one of the corners.
There was no evidence that anyone owned this bedroom. It was uncluttered and clean, smelling of lemon and pine incense, with a hint of his cologne.
"About the other night," he said after a long moment. "Don't ever do that to me again."
"I didn't do anything to anyone but myself," I mumbled, looking away from him.
"Wrong," he murmured, leaning forward and catching my eyes. "You scared me to death."
"You're heart is still beating just fine. I felt it last night," I rolled my eyes.
"But it stopped when you let go of the railing," he said, pulling back.
"Why did you jump in after me?" I asked suddenly. I'd been wondering this such I'd woken up yesterday.
"I wasn't thinking about anything but saving you. So I jumped," he shrugged, looking up at the ceiling.
"Did you have a plan?" I inquired, watching him.
"My plan was to save you in any way I could," he said simply.
"Well that was dumb," I frowned. "You got yourself sick."
"I had you to nurse me back to health," he glanced over at me. His next words came a long moment later, hushed and unguarded. "I think I'm starting to care about you a little too much."
My heart stuttered in my chest at his words. I could feel the blood creeping slowly into my cheeks.
"Shouldn't you be at work?" I asked, glancing at the ground.
"I took the day off," he said. "Do you want to go somewhere with me?"
"Sure," I bit my lip.
"Nevaeh," he pulled my hand to him and kissed it softly. He pulled away with a smirk. "Don't bite your lip."
I stood and pulled my hair up in a loose bun. I was still wearing his button up shirt with black leggings. I slipped on my ballet flats and stretched again.
He fingered the buttons of his shirt, pulling it open to the third. His touch made me shiver and close my eyes.
"Where are we going?" I asked as he moved towards the dresser.
"Not far," he said. "It's just in the greenhouse."
"Oh," I said as he pulled on a black pair of shorts and a grey cotton t-shirt. He slipped on socks and white sneakers before speaking again.
"Come on," he said, taking my hand and leading me out of the room.
I followed him through the house, waving to Ari as we passed. Her eyes were wide with surprise.
"You seem better," I said as he led me through the back doors.
"I took a fever pill," he said nonchalantly.
"Can I ask you a question?" I asked a moment later.
"You can ask two," he smirked, pulling the greenhouse doors open.
"Why did you really choose me?" I asked.
"I don't know," he said as the doors slid shut behind us. "At the time I didn't know you were Natalia's sister. I couldn't stand seeing you up there, and I badly wanted to protect you. So I outbid everyone."
"I see," I said as he led me past the pool.
"Why did you give me the necklace?" I asked.
"I think we both know that the necklace belongs to you, more than me. And that was Natalia's ring," he answered slowly. He came to a stop in the back right corner.
The greenery here was completely different from the jungle around us. A small evergreen tree was growing in the corner, with a lovely layered fountain in front.
"I had this built for her," he said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out his wallet and sifted through it, finally giving me a photograph. It was a new one.
She was wearing a white swimsuit, sitting on the beach. Her head rested on Noah's shoulder while he looked out at the ocean. His hair was longer here, grown out below his jaw. His hand was combing it back over his head, though strands were escaping between his fingers.
They looked like models. Her smile was genuine and bright. She held a lemonade in her hand. Her auburn hair was parted into two braids, and she wore a woven sun hat, tilting it up with her hand. Beside her, Noah was stoic and emotionless, his features dusted with light stubble.
"That was the day I knew I was in love with her," he said softly.
"What happened to her, Noah?" I stared at the picture, my voice tight. How could such a bright and beautiful soul just vanish? I wondered, feeling a bit cheated on time with her.
"Someone very important in the government discovered that we were planning to escape. They sent in a swat team to immobilize us. They executed my family one by one until they reached Natalia and I on the front door," he paused, hesitating as I looked up at him. His dark eyes were glistening.
"And then?" I prompted softly.
"They pulled the trigger. The laser bullet shot through her throat before I could throw myself in front of her. I held her in my arms until she died. She was still smiling in the end."
That's just like her. Smiling even in death. My knees went weak, and I sunk to the floor, clutching the photo to my chest. He caught my elbow, easing me down before kneeling beside me.
"Natalia," I whispered. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. She may have been my sister, but she'd also been my best friend. Now it felt like a huge part of me was missing-torn away from me by the New Society.
"I'm so sorry, Nevaeh," Noah said. I looked up at his glistening eyes. He was completely unguarded now, his voice sincere. "It's my fault."
"No," I touched his arm. "It's theirs."
"Careful," he whispered, glancing around. "Don't say such things."
"Why not? I'm tired of playing their stupid game," I was angry now. "People shouldn't be treated like this."
"Shh," he pulled me against him, his eyes fearful as he stroked my hair. "You're just upset."
"Yeah," I shoved him away. "I am. They murdered my family. They murdered yours too," I glared at him. "How can you just sit there and take it? They're monsters!"
"Nevaeh," he gripped my wrist and put his face close to mine. His eyes were filled with terror. He murmured in hushed, harsh tones, "They are watching us. Keep your head down."
He released me swiftly and disappeared into the greenhouse jungle. I knelt in front of the fountain alone for a long time, examining the picture he'd given me.
By the time I re-entere the house, the sun was beginning to set. My messenger bracelet said it was six, so I headed towards the library to read until dinner. Noah was nowhere in sight as I wandered through the room, perusing the books.
I pulled one out and scanned through it before slipping it back. I did this several times until an action series caught my attention. I pulled out the first book, sat in the chair by the fire, and lost myself in its synthetic pages.
"Nevaeh," Ari said a few hours later. She'd come in a while ago to dust the shelves and clean the room.
"Hm?" I asked, looking up from my book.
"How long have you enjoyed reading?" She asked after a hesitant pause.
"Ever since I can remember, I've always loved books," I shrugged. "But what were you really going to say?"
"Did you...have a sister?" She asked after a long moment.
"Yes," I answered slowly.
"Natalia," she said. She knew I knew. I liked her. She was straight forward and a little crazy, but she was also genuine and kind. She was pretty with milk-chocolate colored hair and soft golden olive skin. Her grey-green eyes were silent but knowing.
I'd learned that she had turned 21 in spring, her favorite color was chartreuse, and her favorite flowers were desert marigolds and carnations. She liked a lot of the same things I did, and we shared several favorite hobbies and interests.
"Yes," I said, my eyes meeting hers.
"May they pay for what they did," she answered. "Your sister didn't deserve what happened to her."
Mr. Ivanov's warning screamed through me. I had to warn her. I spoke in a low voice that couldn't be overheard. "Ari, we're being watched. Be careful," I said. She smiled at me sadly.
"I know," she said. "But what can they do? Kill me? I've already lost everyone I've ever cared about," her words had a sarcastic twinge to them.
"Oh, Ari," I hugged her sympathetically. "I'm sorry."
"They can't hurt me anymore," she frowned as I released her. "That's the biggest mistake they made. For every person they murder, the internal hate grows," she continued. "They're only feeding the flames that will devour them whole."
"Please, Ari, hush," I said, glancing around.
"I also should tell you that the winter banquets are beginning on Monday. That gives us two days to prepare you. Mr. Ivanov has assigned Aggie, Pauline, and I to teach you some important things," she said without a pause. She looped her arm through mine as she spoke and led me from the room.
"The winter banquets?" I asked cluelessly.
"Every season, the ten founding families hosts a 'banquet' of some kind. Master Ivanov is the last of his family, and so he will host one as well. These next two weeks are going to be very busy. You'll have Sunday and Monday off."
The ten founding families. All descendants of the original ten founders of the new society. They were the most wealthy families, one residing in each of the ten color cities. Most of them were made government officials at the age of 18. The oldest member of each family became a velvet of the presidential cabinet. Noah's father must have been at one point, too. I wonder why he hasn't been integrated into the cabinet yet. What are they waiting for?
There were eleven cities in the new society. Central City was ringed by them. The presidential manor was located in the exact center of the New Society.
The Alecsandri family lives in Cerulean, and Bancroft is assigned to Saffron. I began listing the names, trying to remember the vague lesson I'd gone through in school, based on the founding families. Gonsalez is in Persimmon, and of course, Ivanov is in Amaranth. Where is the Karusko family?
I thought a moment longer. Right. They're in Chartreuse, and Nakamura is in Mikado. That's leaves Rivera in Celadon, Sidrova in Vermillion, and Volenski in Coquelot. I couldn't remember the tenth founder's last name, though it continued to bother me. Whoever they are, they reside in Ruby City.
I came back to the present as we came to a standstill at the dining room doors. "I'll see you tomorrow morning," she said, kissing my cheek in parting. "Master Ivanov should be here soon."
I pushed the door open as she walked away, probably off to steal a snack from the kitchen. Just as I shut the door, Noah came through the other.
"Good evening," he nodded towards me, oddly formal. He took his seat, straightening his tie. He looked tired.
"Are you feeling better?" I asked, sitting across from him as I always had after the first day.
"Yes," he was looking absently at the hologram on his wrist. I stayed silent, trying not to disrupt him. He didn't seem to have any inclination to talk to me. After a while, I cleared my throat, turning to face the window.
"How was your evening?" he asked as the kitchen staff brought our dinner into the room.
"It was alright. How was yours?" I responded politely. He was acting distant, guarded, and uncaring. He was acting like a master. Two can play this game. I thought bitterly.
"It was relaxing," he answered. Two staff members removed the lids from our plates and a lovely aroma filled the room.
"For dinner," the chef began, "Red seasoned mullet with jeweled rice, sides of colcannon potatoes, buttered wheat rolls, and a single portion of classical ratitouille. For your drinks, French Pear Martinis, and butter crusted cinnamon apple pie for your desert," without another word, the staff left the room. Only two remained, waiting to refill our glasses or take plates away.
My mouth watered as I examined the extravagant meal. It never ceased to amaze me whenever I saw this much food. Even back home, our meals were small.
In my community, a truck had delivered tin meals to the residents three times a day. These meals were specifically portioned and filled with the specific nutrients each person needed. Sharing was illegal, and the food was bland. We had a choice of water, black coffee, milk, or juice with each meal, no alcohol.
I took a bite of the potatoes, closing my eyes as the flavor filled my mouth. The food was made perfectly.
"How does it taste?" Noah asked. I opened my eyes and looked at him.
"It's good," I said, taking another bite. I eyed my drink hesitantly. I hadn't really liked any of the alcoholic drinks I'd tried so far. "Can I ask a question about the parties?"
"Sure," he sipped his drink with a small smile.
"What exactly should I expect?" I asked, trying my own and blanching.
"Most of them keep it simple, some form of themed dinner. The Alecsandri, Nakamura, and Rivera families like to throw more rowdy parties. All of the parties will be thrown at the residences of the highest ranking member in each founding family," he said. "In other words, everyone in the presidential cabinet, and then, myself, will be hosting a party. One party for every family."
"Why haven't you been placed in the cabinet?" I blurted, then blushed. That was rude. I scolded myself.
"I will be appointed when certain matters are settled. The details are unimportant," he sipped his drink and took a bite of his food.
"This is ridiculous," I muttered. It felt like I had to shout across the table at him. I lifted my cup and plate and moved down the table, sitting next to him. He watched me calculatively, his onyx eyes guarded.
"Will President Volenski be throwing one?" I wondered as I turned to him.
"What are you doing?" He smirked. He seemed humored as he took another drink.
"I'm eating," I answered around a bite, covering my mouth until I swallowed.
"You drive me crazy," he shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Yes, President Galina Volenski will be hosting a party."
They're punishing him. I realized. They're showing him they don't need his family name, or him. Yet they still force him to keep up appearances. It's fucking bullshit.
"Mr. Ivanov," I said a moment later, once I'd calmed my expression.
"Yes, Nevaeh?" he asked.
"Will you be calling for me tonight?" I wondered. He hadn't needed my services since we'd left for central.
"Nevaeh," he smiled softly, though it didn't meet his guarded eyes. "I'm afraid not. I'll need to turn in early. I've got a lot of work to do this week."
"Okay," I said, taking the last bite of fish.
"I'll be going now," he stood. He'd barely touched his food. "Enjoy the rest of your night."
"Goodnight," I said, though I wanted him to stay. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to ask him if Natalia had been happy. I wanted to ask why he hadn't told me somehow-or if he would have without me jumping. But something held me back.
The moment slipped away as he left the room without another glance at me.