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The Acedrex streets were empty. Roofs were heavy with snow, and snow banks were pushed against the sidewalks.
Balls normally meant crowds out in full force, food and drink vendors lining their pockets with Chekes, Sentries patrolling the streets and avenues to make sure there were no brawls.
Tonight, there was none of that.
The citizens didn’t want to celebrate the misery of one of their own, or the cold was keeping everyone indoors despite the Queen’s unplanned call for celebration.
Chest buzzing with anticipation, I rode a rented horse up the path that led to the White Palace. I had left Jigsaw in the care of a stable boy at The Bad Bishop. There, I had also rented a room where I changed out of my black uniform into a new suit I had purchased earlier in the day.
It had not been easy spending the three-hundred Chekes the outfit had cost. The amount had seemed exorbitant, even if my new Rook salary covered it with no problem and my savings were constantly growing. I lacked for nothing at the Black Palace and, therefore, had no need to spend my money on anything.
The clothes were the fanciest I’d ever worn and might help me pass for a courtier, if no one looked too close. A pair of spectacles, a cane, and slicked back hair completed my look. I wished for a mustache or a beard to disguise my features further, but this would have to do. Too bad this wasn’t a masquerade ball, so I could hide my face behind velvet and glitter.
As I reached through the White Palace’s gate, I slowed my horse and nodded at the Sentries on duty. They let me pass after a quick cursory glance.
The grounds were eerily similar to those of the Black Palace. Everything was laid out in the same fashion. The dormitories, the stable, the gardens. The big difference was the resplendent edifice that sat at the top of the hill. Even at night, it glowed like a diamond. The snow that topped its four towers reflected the moonlight, the same as the alabaster walls.
While Maximus’s palace was all darkness. This was all light.
A blatant lie.
Atop the hill, I dismounted my horse and allowed a page to take it away. If it had been Jigsaw, I wouldn’t have felt so easy about it. I was glad I’d decided to leave him behind rather than simply cover the white mark on his brow as a form of disguise.
With an affected gait, I went up the front steps toward the massive, carved front entrance. My cane tapped on the stones. Another page stood with his hand on the door handle. He pushed the door open, stepping inside and moving out of the way, to let me pass.
Inside, a riot of warm light and heat assaulted me. The temperature was dramatically different, almost stifling to my new senses, though it must be a welcomed change to those with intact humanities.
Music drifted into the grand foyer as I followed its cheery sound. The tune was gay and upbeat. A celebration. The foyer was massive. My cane tapped against the white marble. Vases burst with colorful flowers that shouldn’t exist in wintry weather. Paintings of sunny landscapes and beautiful people hung on the walls.
A couple sat on a velvet settee, their bodies angled toward each other, their hands clasped. The young woman glanced up at the man with something near devotion. They were probably engaged or recently married.
Like a fool, I let my thoughts tilt to Bianca. Would she be here? Would I see her? It was stupid. She was not the reason why I’d come. It was Timotei’s freedom I sought, a freedom in the impossible shape of a scepter.
Why did Maximus want it? What significance did it hold? Or was it just a contest between the monarchs? A bet? A game for the ages?
I walked into the ballroom and was welcomed by the heavy scent of perfume, the added heat of many bodies, the twirling colors of silken dresses, and the glow of hundreds of candles suspended on wrought iron candelabra.
Holding my chin high, I pressed forward, walking along the edge of the dance floor. I smiled at a few ladies, who seemed interested in me and whispered into each other’s ears with puzzled looks. They knew everyone who attended these balls, a new face was sure to cause a stir. Who did they imagine I was? The recluse son of some wealthy noble? An outside trader who had been allowed in the city?
I didn’t like their attention, but what other choice did I have? I had known this would happen. I just needed to steer clear of any gossipers who might try to approach me to ask impertinent questions.
As I went, acting aloof, I searched the ballroom for white uniforms. Was Bianca here? I spotted two Pawns chatting with society ladies, making good use of their uniforms. Being a Board Member stirred interest among the nobles. Anything or anyone they thought might get them access to the King or Queen was worth their while.
At the end of the ballroom, there was no elevated dais for the Queen. I had expected a throne or elegant chair there. It was how the Black King’s main ballroom was arranged, after all. But, apparently, Queen Lovina wasn’t fond of watching her guests dance and prance as they attempted to impress her.
Disappointed, I decided to turn back with the intention of exploring the palace further, but, as I turned to leave, a familiar face confronted me.
“What are you doing here?” Bianca asked between clenched teeth.