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Chapter 17: Journey to the Theatre

  Reza examined himself in the mirror, trying to ensure he had tied his crimson tie straight. It was his third attempt, and each time, it was either too short or the top wasn’t perfectly symmetrical. With great relief, it looked presentable enough for him to attend a play with the family of one of the city’s high lords. He couldn’t afford to be late, or Cassia would kill him.

  Leaving his new residence for the next few weeks, Reza quickly strode through the Rewan estate. Sabine’s father had been incredibly gracious and allowed him to use the entire guest house behind their splendid garden at the back of the estate. This guest house was usually used to host allies from distant kingdoms and city-states that visited Arkhen. It was empty except for Reza and the servants who managed the building.

  The guest house was grander than Reza’s estate just north of the city. It dwarfed his estate in size and splendor. Reza suspected that some of the paintings in just his room were worth close to the entire value of his home.

  The garden continued to showcase their wealth, easily surpassing Reza’s own garden, even though it was located in the wealthiest part of the city. Small paths wound through luxurious beds of exotic flowers, bushes carved into magnificent statues, and massive trees that must have been transported from elsewhere. The wealth displayed in the garden alone was staggering.

  Reza passed by many gardeners, and they all waved as he passed. He nodded at them and entered the mansion to escape the estate. It still felt strange to be in such a grand place.

  He had been here for a couple of days already, and Rewan had given him free rein to do whatever he needed, but he felt guilty about the luxury he was enjoying without compensation. Despite his attempts to offer money for the place, the food, and the servants who were helping him, Lord Rewan had firmly refused. Reza knew the night before had been his last attempt, as Rewan had made it clear with absolute finality, “My boy, it is my pleasure to host a friend of Sabine’s and one of the candidates for Archon. Please do not ask again.”

  Thankfully, Reza didn’t see Lucius as he entered the grand hallway. The man had kept his distance from him and Sabine, but that hadn’t stopped him from bumping into Reza a couple of times. Leaving Lucius behind in his thoughts, Reza took his time to reach the front entrance of the manor, using the opportunity to admire the sight.

  The grand hallway divided the manor in half, with several other hallways branching off from it and a central marble staircase that gracefully curved upward. The hallway was like a museum showcasing the wealth of the Rewans. Unlike the Sulli’s estate, which was subtle with its ostentatious display of wealth, the Rewan’s held nothing back. The midnight oak walls were adorned with an incredible array of paintings, statues, vases, weapons, and jewels that were intricately carved into the walls themselves. The sheer wealth in this room was several times the wealth of any minor noble in Arkhen, and Reza knew it was just a fraction of the family’s vast fortune. Lord Rewan was believed to be the wealthiest man in the continent, and his wealth was simply a means to an end—a way to indulge himself and those around him.

  Reza paused at the door’s side, captivated by a particular painting of the Broken King seated on his throne, surrounded by a small group of wraiths. Unlike other grand paintings that glorified battles or events, this one focused solely on the king and the wraiths, rendered in almost black and white with a subtle blend of muted colors. Yet, within its simplicity, Reza sensed a profound power. Every time he entered the building, he would stop and gaze at it, feeling a cold, ethereal energy emanating from his connection with Elana.

  Strangely, Lord Rewan had no idea about the artist or when it had been painted, no one seemed to know. Despite this mystery, he proudly displayed the painting, drawing numerous comments from visitors. Rewan had even suggested placing it in the guest house, recognizing Reza’s interest, but he had gently declined, preferring to enjoy it in the central hall whenever he passed by.

  Reza’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice behind him. He turned to see Sabine, adorned in a stunning crimson velvet dress that harmonized perfectly with his suit’s accents. The dress clung to her shoulders, accentuating every curve of her body, and as she drew closer, Reza noticed that what appeared to be a simple dress upon closer inspection revealed a complex pattern of raised lines sewn into the fabric, matching the velvet’s color. Looking away from her figure, Reza observed that her hair was elegantly braided down her back, adorned with only a small black leather hand-held purse. Stunned, Reza stood there, transfixed by her presence as she approached him.

  He finally found his voice as she stopped beside him. “You look absolutely stunning tonight. Where are you off to so elegantly dressed?”

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  She chuckled, playfully brushing something off his shoulder. “You’ve cleaned up quite well yourself.”

  She took his tie and gently tightened it, positioning it carefully. Reza kept his gaze fixed on hers, resisting the temptation to look elsewhere.

  “You didn’t think you were the only person attending the play, did you? My father has a private box, just like Sulli. You might have been my date if you hadn’t already accepted an invitation.” She winked and extended her hand.

  Reza blinked in surprise. He quickly regained his composure and held out his arm. Sabine gracefully wrapped her hand around his, and they stepped into the carriage that awaited them at the base of the imposing black marble staircase.

  Reza helped Sabine into the carriage, and they set off, swiftly navigating through the district to reach the theater. Reza remained silent, and Sabine seemed perfectly content with the comfortable silence.

  Reza finally broke the silence as they approached the theater, and the carriage slowed down. “Do you know what this play is about?”

  Sabine chuckled. “You accepted an invitation to play in a play you know nothing about. How you amaze me.” She patted him on the thigh.

  He ignored her jab. “I accepted because Cassia wanted to go. She and Lukas met at the Anceslia a few days ago, and Tavia also expressed interest. I couldn’t refuse such an opportunity for my sisters.”

  “Really? I’m surprised you didn’t say anything. I hope Cassia is aware that there’s no way Lord Sulli would ever sanction a match.” Sabine looked worried about such a situation.

  Reza shrugged. He had the same reservations, although his conversation with Lukas and Cassia later on did bring such concerns to light. “I had a talk with both of them, and they both assured me they would remain friends.” He looked out the window and saw that they were nearing the theater. He could see the bright lights of the front.

  “But what if this is just the beginning? I like Cassia; I wouldn’t want her to get hurt.” Sabine said.

  Reza nodded in agreement. “I understand. However, since they first met, there’s no reason why they can’t become friends with everything that’s happened and the level of interest my family has shown. Let them see if they like each other and if there’s a potential match. It’s possible if I win the contest and become Sorana’s Archon.” He glanced at Sabine, who averted her gaze. “I won’t suppress such thoughts for my sister as long as everyone is sensible and comprehends the situation. Friendships are enough for now.”

  The carriage came to a stop, and Reza helped Sabine before extending his arm. She wrapped her arm around his. “I suppose you’re right.”

  They entered the theater, and Reza regretted not pretending to have injured himself in the contest or joining Sabine in her box. However, there was too much opportunity to build a relationship with the Sulli.

  The building was unlike any other in the city. Its exterior was almost entirely covered with copper sheets that shone to a brilliant mirror finish, except for the stone columns that lined the grand entrance. Two copper doors hung open as they passed through, with an usher on either side. Both bowed as they walked past.

  Reza looked down at Sabine. “You never did tell me what this play was about?”

  “Oh, right! It’s about All Hallows Eve. Three wraiths of executed witches possess the bodies of three women to seek revenge against their descendants. Apparently, people enjoy it, and since Hallows Eve is just a few days away, it seems like the perfect time for it.”

  Reza wanted to smack himself. With everything happening and him not expecting to still be in the city, he had completely forgotten the most sacred day in Arkhen. It was the night when all the wraiths of the city were forced into the world, visible to everyone until dawn broke, sending them back to their unknown resting place. It was a night of feasting, celebrations, and remembering the departed. Many people encountered loved ones who had recently passed away, or ancestors visited their homes to see their descendants.

  A slight pang of grief washed over Reza as he realized he wouldn’t get to enjoy such a reunion with either of his parents, who had both passed away outside the city. It had been their decision, and Reza agreed it was the right one, but the pain lingered, knowing he could have seen them again.

  Pushing the unfortunate thought aside, he smiled at Sabine. “That sounds intriguing. Do you think the contest will continue on that day? It seems absurd to do such a thing.”

  Sabine shrugged, unsure of the answer. “I’d say no, but people will be preoccupied, and the contest can wait a day.” Reza relinquished control, as he was clueless about their destination. Sabine led him to a door where another usher awaited. She extracted a golden key from her purse and presented it to him, which he promptly opened.

  “Do you know how your sisters are getting in here?” Sabine inquired as they ascended the stairs, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

  Reza shrugged, his mind racing with possibilities. “I haven’t spoken to them in days, except for sending a letter informing them of my forced stay in the city and arranging for a carriage to pick them up. I suppose Sulli has people on standby to ensure their safety, or Lukas might have already taken care of it.”

  Sabine guided them through the door at the top of the stairs, revealing a long, winding corridor. They walked for about halfway when she finally came to a halt.

  “This is my place. You’ll find the Sulli box three doors down,” she said, releasing his arm and enveloping him in a brief embrace. “Meet me here after the play, and I’ll arrange for the carriage to bring us home.”

  Reza let his arms drop and nodded. Sabine vanished through the door, and he proceeded three doors down, knocking.

  A servant arrived at the door and opened it. “Yes? May I assist you?”

  Reza glanced past the man and noticed a large, open box with multiple chairs at its edge. People were already seated in the chairs, though he couldn’t discern their identities due to the chairs’ long backs concealing their features. “I am Lord Marius Reza, as invited by Lukas Sulli.”

  The servant nodded and permitted him entry. Taking a deep breath, Reza prepared himself for the play and, hopefully, enjoyed himself in the company of Lord Sulli and the others.

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