// Chapter 31 \\

I'd almost forgotten the stark red and blue sky of Dusk Court. The red sun was low in the sky, not appearing from the large ref canyon towering off in the distance from the black charcoal plain. The canyon blocked the sun from view, making things cooler than they usually were in this Court. However, the sun's brightness was replaced with the molten brightness of liquid rock. Lava rivers coursed through the black-rock valley. Even a lava moat, in red ominous glow, surrounded the dark palace we now stood in front of.

Domes red as rubies and spirals blur as sapphire gleamed from above as their stars made their mark in the sky. They complimented the black brick of the castle well, however the ominous demeanor of it still seemed chilling.

"Black." Hongjoong remarked in an annoyed tone. He never liked the color, but I couldn't blame him. We related the color too much with Takers.

Yeosang looked Hongjoong's way with a raised brow, "With plenty of color on the inside."

Hongjoong folded his arms, "You'd still think that they would've remade the colors to red and gold once more once Rione Hala's reign was over."

"They haven't picked a new High Monarch yet, silly," Heeyoung skipped up to her brother and teasingly poked his cheek, which was easy due to the height she had on him. "That's why we're here. High Monarch Trials."

Hongjoong gave her an annoyed glare. Heeyoung merely shrugged her shoulders before finding her way over to me.

"I bet this is exciting!" Heeyoung cheered, "It's been a while since we've all attended a festivity together like this. Last time this happened was—" she hesitated suddenly with a sheepish smile, "Um, well—"

"Dawn Court," I spoke for her and gave a reassuring smile, "I know."

She gave me a pat on the shoulder where the black vein was and I had to do everything in my power not to wince.

Her smile was as genuine as her words, "It's good to see you better, Star."

I didn't feel like I was much better. The black vein pulsed. I gave a smile with a nod, "The best I can be."

"You look gorgeous in your dress, by the way." Heeyoung smiled, "I'm sure you'll wow the crowd with it."

"Thank you," I courteously spoke.

Heeyoung was on her merry way then to walking behind her brother as we made our way to the entrance. She stood and walked next to an older woman with moss green hair. Her skin was tan and her eyes a hazel color. The bronze armor signified she was a Captain of the Guard— of Southern Court.

"What is the dress you wore anyway?" Elara asked from behind me, my own Captain of the Guard.

"Oh, it's just a simple red and blue pattern. Nothing much."

"Not the case," Yeosang made his way into the conversation, "It is half red and half blue, but it's unique in that manner. The blue glitters like a galaxy while the red is merely reflective and sometimes appears more dark red than vibrant with what lighting it catches."

I couldn't help the blush that found my cheeks as Yeosang observed the dress himself. It was tight to skin, one side was a sleeveless royal blue that glittered like a galaxy. The other side was a long sleeve red which was silken and reflected the light all around it. I'd even braided my hair back, a red eyeshadow for the eyes, and blue lipstick. And there were the red and blue heels I wore. Perhaps it wasn't a "nothing much" look.

Yeosang looked into my eyes with a smile and a wink.

"Well, we better not keep the festivities waiting." Hongjoong spoke, causing me to turn my head. He was looking our way and he quickly met my eyes before looking forward once more.

My heart grew heavy then at remembering what he confessed. And what had just happened between Yeosang and I? A sort of panic rose up in me then.

"Hongjoong is right," I spoke, "We should get moving."

We made our way into a colorfully red and golden room that glowed brightly from the lava which flowed beneath the glass floor we stood on. It was substantially warmer in here— perhaps a little too warm. I forgot the area of the palace could be that way.

Yeosang hummed, causing me to look his way. He appeared slightly on edge as he looked about the room.

"What is it?" I murmured to him.

"Look around the room," he said.

I turned my head then, looking from the floor to the golden encrusted glass stairs that lead to a second and third floor. Balconies of people overlooked them all in their own party clothing that marked high class.

I furrowed my brows, "Many guests. Delegates and Monarchs of many Courts."

"But no guards."

It sank in then. I looked around the room once more. This was the main entryway and there wasn't a sign of a single guard.

"This isn't good." Theron commented.

But they went quiet as two figures appeared at the top staircase before making their way towards us.

Both of them were men, tall and close in height with each other. The taller and more muscular one wore a blue suit. His skin was a smooth olive color with flakes of even darker skin covering one of his cheeks. His eyes were a dark grey on his sharp face and his short curly bronze hair seemed well groomed for the occasion. The shorter wore a red suit, less built with creamy skin and vibrant orange eyes. His hair was blonde but a short cut to the skin, so it was hard to note the color. Both wore golden rings on their heads and that only signified one thing: High Monarch Heirs.

They'd made their way down towards us. Both bowed properly before rising.

"Welcome, Shine, Star, and Lupine," the taller spoke in a deep and alluring voice, "Welcome, the Courts of Southern, Night, and Spring. It's an honor to host you."

"Thank you for the hospitality." Hongjoong replied.

"Where are your guards stationed?" Yeosang asked.

"Where they need to be." The shorter replied, slightly narrowing his eyes to Yeosang. Yeosang returned the look.

"Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Obsain." The taller spoke, "My birth name is Izan Aidost, once a citizen of Northern Court before Court selection. You may call me by my birth name." Izan then looked to his companion.

It was a moment before the shorter looked away from Yeosang, "I am Bustol. My birth name is Irrawoell Stanoh. I am a native born of Dusk Court."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." I spoke.

Izan smiled my way, "The pleasure is ours. Please, make yourselves at home in our Court. There is the main hall room that is open as of now, the dining hall, and the halls in between. Except for the passion hall. That is closed until after the ceremony in the alter room."

"That is where we need to go, actually. The alter room." I spoke.

Izan's smile faltered slightly.

"Right," Bustol spoke, folding his arms, "You're here for him."

He was referring to Mingi. Neither looked too pleased by the truth in Bustol's words. After all, they were Mingi's competition. They'd most likely approached us to swoon us on their side. They had to know we'd already favored Mingi. It wasn't like favor matter, however. Not at least until one became High Monarch. Connections between High Monarchs are important.

"We would like to know where the alter room is." I spoke once more.

Bustol glared then, stubborn. Luckily, Izan was more relenting.

"Take the stairs to the second floor and turn right. It's a straight path to the doors of the alter room." Izan replied politely, gazing at me, "You can't miss it."

I have a nod of understanding, "Thank you."

"Of course and enjoy the ceremony. Send the couple my best regards."

Bustol scoffed at that.

We didn't spend much more time there with them as we made our way to the stairs.

"Something tells me a certain heir may have grown fond for the High Monarch of Night," Heeyoung whispered to me as she came up beside me. I looked to her to find her smirking and wiggling her eyebrows.

I couldn't help but laugh. She must've been talking about Izan, "I don't know... he was probably just trying to be polite."

"Trying too hard, might I add," Yeosang spoke, but his voice was more quiet— only for our group to hear. "I doubt he would've hole-heartedly wished regards to Raidier and Ray's union. Mingi is an heir himself. We know what happens when the heir's face off."

I grimaced, "Right."

We all knew what that meant.

Heeyoung dramatically rolled her eyes before she whispered to me, "Still fun to imagine. Serious or not, this is still a party. We have to have something to talk about."

I laughed once more, "I'm sure we'll find something and have quite the story afterwards."

"Hopefully one that's better than 'an heir tried to manipulate me for the competition even though that means nothing at all unless he becomes High Monarch.' Why not 'an heir tried to swoon me.'"

Yeosang looked our way. He's heard what Heeyoung spoke. Heeyoung blushed from knowing this before she bowed in apology.

She whispered in my ear once more before she left, "Maybe something will happen in the passion halls later."

I didn't even have a chance to gawk before she was back over to walking with her Court.

We had made our way into the alter room. The walls were lined golden with wall patterns of red, blue, and black in between. Golden chairs lined each side of the room from the entryway which lead up to a golden alter. To the side of the alter stood Mingi. He wore a black suit lined with gold and had intricate red and blue threading in a liquid-like pattern. His mostly black hair was slicked back for the occasion. His reddish-orange eyes found us at the entryway and smiled, giving a nod to acknowledge our presence.

I nodded in response, realizing Mingi was gazing towards me, as we approached him.

"Where are the guards?" Yeosang first asked in a low tone when we got to him.

Mingi's smile remained, giving an understanding nod of his head as he said, "I tried my best to put in a word."

I looked to Yeosang then. He was tense, "This is serious."

"You don't think I know that?" Now Mingi's smile was faltering, he now pressed his lips together in a flat line, "I obviously don't have the power yet to command such an order. The guard is handling themselves."

Yeosang's face was grim but he nodded in understanding, "Of course."

"The best of luck to you, Raidier," Heeyoung spoke up with a bow, "We certainly hope High Monarch Trials is in your favor."

"But, please, don't condone the black." Hongjoong added.

Heeyoung gave him a look, but said nothing as she apologetically nodded to Mingi.

Mingi's jaw flexed then before he replied with a bit of a laugh, "We have associated that color with our common enemy for far too long. Black is a natural color." Mingi gestured towards me, "It's as natural as the stars in the sky of Night Court. Black shares that sky with the stars. Takers don't own the color."

Hongjoong frowned, "You're continuing the legacy of Rione Hala."

Mingi nodded, "I am. Rione Hala, Nightmare, was a life changing High Monarch. He provided me with the proper education and training I wasn't allowed for with my defect in Court Selection. I wouldn't be here without him. I owe him."

"Dusk is very divided on traditional beliefs and the beliefs Rione Hala presented." Yeosang spoke, "Many Courts don't like what Rione presented."

"Many may not like what Nightmare presented, but the change is for the better." Mingi replied, "I stick by my beliefs. You choose if you stick by me."

All was silent for a moment as we watched Mingi. It seemed like everyone was against him when we came here to stand with him. Everyone except for me. I hadn't wanted class systems for a while, but I had to keep them implemented. Rione Hala had done away with that, leaving only the High Monarch and his Court, united as one identified class. He'd pushed against all rules and speculations made by other Courts. He strived to be different, despite the fear and intimidation he'd also set with it. Despite that, I still wanted change. I admired Mingi was striving for that with his position as Heir.

However, no one had made a move to show that they sided with him. It was almost rude that they did so. Here, in the alter room, where we should have been jovial and giving him our greatest support.

"We should take our seats," I spoke up. "The ceremony will start soon. This is a time to have a lighter heart." I added the silent jab to Yeosang and Hongjoong.

Mingi seemed to give a nod of thanks to me— or was it something other? The nod was subtle.

I didn't think about it for another second as I turned around and took my seat a couple rows back. Luckily, the others had done so as well.

Almost weddings were a rare occurrence to witness and that was why we were here, for the almost-union of Raidier, Song Mingi, High Monarch Heir of Dusk Court and Ray, the Serpent, Jo Leeyon of Eastern Court. They would almost be husband and wife because the almost promise couldn't actually be a promise if a life was on the line.

REMEMBER:​​​​​​

1. Smack dat butiful star

2. Leave a comment talkin abt dis tea

3. Share dis tea induced book with yo fwends

WHY? Because I appreciate it 🥺

\\ See u in the next chapter! \\