Chapter 38: Eclipse

Eclipse stared at herself in the full-length mirror, rubbing the silky satin of the dress between her fingers.

“Could you knot the back?” she asked Andie, turning her head halfway behind her.

“Of course,” she replied, and came up behind her dressed in her own gown, her head appearing over Eclipse’s in the mirror. Her soft fingers brushed Eclipse’s skin and began to tie up the ribbon at her waist.

It was nearly nighttime now, the prince’s dinner quickly approaching. They stood in their simple guest suite, one that had made Eclipse ache for her own room with her own vanity. Neatly made beds and wooden furniture lined the room, the window set in one wall. The bathroom was through another door to the side. It had felt so good to finally wash properly in an actual chamber. Rows of gorgeously made gowns and dresses had been sent to the pair and now sat in one corner of the room. Eclipse could imagine it was the same for Astrid and Cassiopeia.

At the thought of Cassiopeia, Eclipse felt her throat constrict, but she forced it off her mind. The girl was the least of her worries now.

Focus on the idiot prince, Eclipse. Your gut-wrenching flirting is the only thing keeping us in this place.

She couldn’t believe she was actually putting up with the act. She couldn't even Persuade him, unless she wanted to spend her life in prison. The prince was a vile, pompous fool, and there was no way in hell she could ever have feelings for him like she was showcasing. She wondered how she had even thought of this idea in the first place. What could she possibly have gained from it, other than diminishing her dignity?

Well…maybe…it could be used as a means to make Arcturus jealous. A small part of her still hoped he would choose her, and maybe Damian could help with that.

He certainly had been nothing but a useless jester so far.

“Done,” said Andie, giving the gown a final tug. “It suits you perfectly, Eclipse.”

“You think so?” Her dress was a deep purple, tight at her waist and unraveling in multiple thin layers to her feet, which bore silver slippers. The sleeves were tight on her arms, the collar low across her shoulders and chest. Small diamonds adorned her bodice, and they struck out against the dark fabric. The material was the lightest, most expensive she had ever felt against her skin, perfect for the summer warmth.

Her dark hair had been washed and brushed out, removing the past week’s grime and tangles as it fell into a soft waterfall down her back. It framed her diamond-shaped face, adorned with some light makeup, perfectly. Small earrings peeked out between the strands, glimmering stones to match.

“Most definitely,” Andie assured. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” Eclipse replied warmly. “Do you need help with your knot?”

Andie nodded and turned around, brushing her long, loose braid away from her back. Her gown was a pale blue, with a simple bodice and skirt that was vibrant against her tanned skin. The sleeves were thin and airy, puffed up and meeting at her wrists, partially covering her bandage. Her lips were painted a pale pink, making her look almost angelic. Pearls hung at her ears, matching the small strand around her neck she had found among the rest of the jewelry. Eclipse quickly pulled the long strings, twisting them together.

“I don’t think I’ve ever worn a dress this fine,” Andie said.

“I’m surprised he even thought to send us anything. Just imagine showing up to dinner in our forest clothes.”

“I suppose we’ll have to thank him once we see him.”

“Okay, done,” she declared, turning back to the mirror. “I think we’re finished?”

“I think so too. Did they say where we would have dinner with Damian?”

Eclipse let out a fake gasp. “Andie, watch your tongue! You mean Our Highness, the glorious, most wonderful Prince Damian.”

Her eyes widened before she let out a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand. “He’s certainly taken a liking to you.”

Eclipse rolled her eyes, adjusting her bodice. “He’s unbearable.”

“So that flirting of yours, it wasn’t real?”

“Oh, stars no. It’s just the only thing I have against him. Well, other than my parents, but with the way things are unfolding, I think we both know that threat will soon lose its power.” She ran a hand over her hair again, careful not to mess up its silky strands.

Andie fell quiet, and Eclipse noticed her friend studying her in the mirror.

“Are you all right?” Andie asked quietly.

“What?” Eclipse turned around, her eyebrows furrowed. “I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know,” Andie paused, her hands clasped in front of her. “But I can tell something’s on your mind.”

Hesitation gripped Eclipse as she looked down to the floor. Had she really been that obvious? The incident had been days ago, why was it still on her mind?

Because you were trying to impress him and instead might have done the complete opposite by attacking his closest friend.

The thought was such a direct revelation Eclipse had to suppress a cringe.

“Look, you don’t have to tell me…I just don’t want to see you wound up so much,” Andie continued, taking another glance at the mirror. “It’s fine. We should probably go see—”

“There’s been something on my mind, yes,” Eclipse blurted, letting out a sigh. “It’s…complicated. I know I should be focusing on why we’re here and getting Damian to help, but my mind can’t seem to do that.”

Andie paused, pursing her lips thoughtfully. “Can I assume it’s about Arcturus?”

Eclipse reached to tug on a strand of hair but stopped herself. “Maybe…?” she replied.

“Well, that’s normal. You’re human, Eclipse. We all are. There’s nothing wrong with a little confusion.”

“But it isn’t confusion? I just…don’t know what to think?”

“Again, normal, Eclipse,” she said with a smile. “I’m not going to stick my nose into it but…remember that sometimes we just like to scare ourselves into a corner about people. And then we fail to see what’s in front of us.”

Eclipse narrowed her eyes playfully, studying the Breather. “Why does it sound like you speak from experience?”

Andie opened her mouth, before turning pink. “Does it? I swear, I am just as clueless as you.”

“Sure,” she said, giving her a mock lookover. Eclipse’s thoughts, however, were a muddled mess of uncertainty as she contemplated her words with a sense of alarm. Was she truly overthinking everything? Was she acting like a complete fool?

Stars, I already am with that halfwit on the throne…

A knock sounded behind them. Both girls jumped and whipped their heads to the door.

“His Royal Highness requests your attendance at tonight’s dinner,” a monotonous voice called through the thick wood.

Eclipse let out a breath, taking one last look in the mirror before turning to Andie. She nodded slightly, and gave a quick squeeze to her hand.

The pair approached the door, their dresses trailing behind them as Eclipse silently marveled at the light fabric brushing against her legs. She opened the door.

A pair of Royal guards greeted them, each in their purple attire and hands resting on their hilts. Behind them stood Astrid and Cassiopeia dressed up in their own gowns. Astrid wore a dress of royal blue, bringing out her sapphire eyes and silver hair in its braided crown.

How in the stars does she manage to do her hair like that?

Eclipse took a glance at Cassiopeia’s red gown and felt a pang of jealousy. Her dress fanned out around her like petals of a rose, smoothly trailing to the ground in light layers. The lacy bodice was dotted with small red jewels that twinkled like small suns. She looked beautiful, diminishing Eclipse’s confidence from moments before.

“We’re ready,” said Andromeda.

A matching nod from both guards, and they stepped back, allowing the girls to leave the room. Eclipse shut the door quietly behind her.

“Don’t you two look pretty,” Astrid remarked, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Says the one with the blue eyes,” Eclipse retorted. Truth be told, Astrid was probably the most stunning out of all of them.

“Your gown is lovely,” Andie said to Cassiopeia, smiling at her ruby-colored dress.

“Thank you,” she replied.

“Please follow us,” interrupted the female guard in the same dull tone. The pair turned around and started down the hallway, and the girls quickly followed.

It was straight down the hallway they had come through earlier, the almost bare stone walls pitiful in comparison to the glorious setup Eclipse had seen deeper into the palace.

I suppose we don’t get the same treatment as his diplomats. Makes sense. We are strangers after all.

They arrived at the boys’ room easily, the guards stopping in front of the door. A swift knock sounded with the same repeated message.

Arcturus was the one who answered the door, and Eclipse’s eyes immediately latched onto him over the guards’ shoulders.

Oh my stars.

He was dressed in a suit of deep red, his coat trailing down just above his knees. It fit his thin figure perfectly. Silver buttons shone on its hem, revealing a similar vest underneath. His grown-out, dark hair was combed and clean, not in its usual messy form.

Eclipse snapped herself out of her trance before anyone could catch her staring.

“Oh, hello,” he greeted, Orion coming up behind him. He was in a similar suit to Arcturus’, just black instead. His hair and short beard were cleaned and combed, and he promptly slipped on his eyeglasses as he approached them.

“How is Anastasia?” Astrid asked with a knowing look.

Arcturus blinked, before Orion spoke for him.

“She isn’t feeling very well, so she won’t be able to join us. We’ll send her regards to His Highness.”

“How unfortunate,” Astrid replied. “Let’s get going then, shall we?”

The guards paced over to the front of the group, allowing the pair to come out of the room. As everyone started down the hall, Eclipse noticed Antares standing near the doorway.

“So you won’t be joining us?” Eclipse said to him in a hushed voice. “Don’t worry. We’ll send some food for you.”

“Thanks,” he said flatly, as if he were disappointed to be missing out. His eyes drifted to Andromeda, who Eclipse realized was standing right beside her. He studied her quietly under his hood, seemingly forgetting Eclipse was even there.

A fine chance to tease him…she just couldn’t pass it up.

“Doesn’t she look pretty?” Eclipse smirked, and was met by a pair of widening eyes from Antares. She let out a quiet chuckle but quickly noticed the others were already approaching the end of the hall.

“We should go,” Andie said hastily, and Eclipse could tell she was trying to hide a blush.

Antares briskly shut the door behind him as he retreated inside. Eclipse and Andromeda rushed down the hall to catch up to the others, hoping the guards didn’t see them talking with Antares. As they regrouped with the rest of them, they slowly slid into the back, marching along quietly as the expensive decor of the palace hung around them.

But even surrounded by all the alluring sights, Eclipse still couldn’t tear her eyes away from Arcturus.

Then he suddenly glanced at her, his eyes wide. Soft, brown, and bright.

Blinking rapidly, Eclipse looked away, and quickly strode closer to Andie, the hall suddenly becoming much warmer. Trying to keep herself from staring at him again, she kept her gaze straight ahead.

Focus, Eclipse.

They were led out of the side hall that held their rooms and into one of the various walkaways stretching throughout the palace. This one sloped slightly upwards, taking them into the next level. The walls steadily became more extravagant as they moved deeper into the castle, gold accents lining the pillars and matching with the paintings and candles. It left everything in a flushed, warm yellow, the large hall sealing away the darkening sky.

Finally, they reached a set of tall, polished doors, the handles a shining bronze. Two servants stood by the door, dressed in white.

The six stood nervously behind one another, and Eclipse squared her shoulders, pushing all her other thoughts away.

Here we go.

The servants pushed the door open, revealing the royal dining room.

A long, light-colored wooden table stretched out vertically in front of them, multiple candelabras sitting atop and ablaze. The candlelight reflected softly off the glossy tabletop, paired with hanging candles floating above. The room stretched out past the doorway, the carpet swirling with intricate designs, threaded to the last detail in golds and purples and greys. They met the heavily decorated walls in grand sweeps. Tall-backed chairs lined the sides, leading up to the head of the table where a larger, more decorative seat sat empty.

Empty? Where the hell is Damian?

Eclipse could see Astrid slightly frown next to her. The servants waited by the doors, holding them open silently. With a hesitant breath, Eclipse and the others entered the room, the doors closing behind them with a thud.

They were ushered into the seats at either side of the empty throne, Eclipse sitting to the right of it with a brush of her gown. Polished silverware sat at each spot, along with two tall, empty glasses. Astrid sat next to her, Cassiopeia on her other side. Across the table sat Andie, in between Orion and Arcturus.

Of course he’s across from me.

Eclipse kept her eyes on the doorway, but not before stealing another glance at Arcturus. Something had been done to his face—perhaps it was cleaner? Not covered by the dirt of the forest? Whatever it was, she found herself captivated by it. He kept his eyes down on his plate, fiddling with something under the table.

“So…where is the prince?” Orion asked, scanning the room. A few servants stood against the walls, while others disappeared behind another door to the side, chatter floating out behind it before it was sealed shut again.

“You’d expect him to—” started Astrid, but Eclipse quickly nudged her foot, shooting her a look while gesturing lightly to the corners of the room. Guards were stationed at different posts, half hidden by their dark clothes in the candles’ shadows.

“I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” said Andie, her tone light, but Eclipse could hear an inkling of annoyance.

“Do we know what we’re going to say?” Cassiopeia perused.

“I’m sure we’ll have no problem explaining our…predicament to His Highness,” Astrid assured, her back ramrod straight. “I can do the talking myself, just to be safe.”

Eclipse gazed around the room while they waited. It was just as ornament as everything else she had seen around the castle, with more gold and serpentine designs. A particularly massive painting caught her eye, hanging near the door where the servants had vanished into.

She admired the detail, the scene almost lifelike. The edge of a cliff took up half of the large canvas, ending in a sharp point and a rushing waterfall. It fell into a white-spotted rush, streaks of every shade of blue lining it. Small painted trees met the river at the bottom, the green breaking the bright colors of the water. She briefly wondered how much such a thing would have cost.

“His Highness, heir to the throne, Prince Damian of Ophelia, along with Her Highness, Queen Zuria, enter!”

Eclipse’s eyes snapped back to the doors to see them swing open, revealing Damian and his mother side by side. He still wore his outfit from their encounter earlier, purple paired with maroon in its layers and golden links and brasses. His usual crown sat atop his head, nestled within his wavy locks. The queen glided in alongside him, her dress a deep forest green with sparkling lace. A silver band circled her head, pressed against her forehead and half hidden under her dark hair.

Everyone quickly pushed themselves to their feet, dropping into curtsies and bows. They stayed in their positions as the prince strode across the room, his mother silently taking a seat at the opposite end of the table. Damian sat at the throne-like seat with flourish, then paused for a moment.

Arrogant bastard, Eclipse thought, her head still bowed and dress in hands.

“You may sit,” he finally announced, and there was a scraping of chairs as everyone returned to their seats.

“It is wonderful to see everyone again. Allow me to introduce my mother at the end there. She is only here to dine,” Damian said, looking from person to person. “I cannot seem to locate Anastasia, your grandmother?”

“She sends her regards, Your Highness. She is unable to join us due to fatigue and pains,” Andie said quickly, sending him a tight-lipped smile.

At that note, Eclipse suddenly remembered her promise. “Though, we do request that she receives some sort of nourishment for the night, as she is unable to make tonight’s dinner.”

“Of course. I shall send for it straight away,” he declared. “May she get well soon. Though I do wonder, how does she manage to travel with you all?”

“She is a born nomad,” Arcturus replied curtly.

“Ah.” Damian turned to Eclipse, a grin on his lips. “And it is especially wonderful to see you again, Miss Soleil.”

Stars, how much I want to snarl in his face…

Instead, she gave him a sickeningly sweet smile, tilting her head slightly to the right.

“Thank you, Your Highness. And please, call me Eclipse.”

“Eclipse,” he repeated, giving her one last look before turning his attention to the rest of the table. “I’m glad to see that the clothing I sent was suitable for all of you.” He scanned over his guests, his eyes landing on Andie. “Oh, don’t you look marvelous in that dress, dear Andromeda.”

I see his flirting knows no limits.

“And we thank you greatly for it, Your Highness,” Astrid replied, ignoring his last comment. Andromeda certainly didn’t appreciate it, her shoulders tensing for a moment. “If I may, I would like—”

“Before anything, my dear,” Damian interrupted, turning to the side. Eclipse stole a glance at Astrid, her cheek twitching before relaxing.

With a clap of his hands, the room broke into an organized frenzy. The servants against the wall moved from their positions, weaving expertly around each other to the side doors. In moments, they emerged with covered plates in their hands, surrounding the table between each of the seats. They silently set down the shining domes and lifted the tops off before immediately retreating. One of Eclipse’s glass was filled with a dark red liquid, the other with clear water.

“The finest chefs in Ophelia,” Damian remarked proudly. And he was right. Curls of steam rose from the dishes, varieties of roasts and vegetables and soups and stars knew what else laid out before them. The smells overwhelmed Eclipse, and she placed a hand on her stomach.

Finally, a decent meal.

“Please, enjoy.” Damian nodded to the group, picking up a silver fork.

They exchanged glances, and everyone tentatively began to take things off the platters. The room was quiet for a few minutes, the ring of glass against metal the only sound coming from them. Eclipse helped herself, filling her plate with slices of meat and decadent sauces.

“Astrid, was it?” asked the prince, popping a steamed piece of potato in his mouth. “That stunning blue dress of yours matches your eyes perfectly. I do say you are quite the gem.”

“That is right…Your Highness,” she replied, ignoring his obvious lead on. “I was hoping we would be able to start discussing why we are here, exactly.”

“Ah, straight to the point,” he said with a smirk. He glanced at Eclipse, an eyebrow raised. “All right then, do tell.”

Astrid promptly began. “We come from Aldebaran and its surrounding cities. We are runaways who have left our homes for our own individual reasons, but we have joined together for one sole purpose: to stop the Ember Legion, a secret faction of the Ash Court led by Ciroc Oberon. We fear he has taken full control of the Ash Court Council, along with the subsequent Guard.” She took a sip of water from her glass.

“The Courts cannot help us, for there is no unity between them as of late. We can only come to you, Your Highness, for you provide a neutral authority in this matter, unbiased to any specific Court. We ask you for your help. Your knowledge, your influence, and—although it is much to ask—even your Royal Guard. It is necessary to stop these terrorists—if you will—from causing any more damage. The raid that took place last month was only a small taste of what they plan to do.”

Damian remained quiet for a moment after she finished, contemplating it all before setting down his fork.

“Again, as I told your friends earlier, Lady Astrid, I cannot take such drastic action against arguably the most influential Court in our kingdom without proof. While your dilemma sounds quite serious, I don’t know how plausible it really is.”

“That’s exactly the problem, Your Highness,” said Orion. Eclipse glanced at his plate. He had eaten very little the entire conversation. “The fact that the Ash Court has that kind of power is already proof enough that the monarchy must grab the reins of its people. Especially with the uncertainty of King Altair and his terrible sickness. We are here to request your help to get control of those reins again.”

Eclipse nodded to him in approval.

That was surprisingly well spoken...

“And are you suggesting that this monarchy does not already preside over its people, sir Orion?” Damian asked cooly, leaning forward with his elbows in front of him.

Yes, you donkey.

Eclipse could feel the tension grow. She turned to him, plastering on a smile.

“No, not at all, Your Highness. What my friend means is that you, as the presiding ruler of Ophelia until your father is well again, stars allow it, have great sway and effect on our people. It is only you who can quell the thirst for power the Ash Court seems to seek, before it grows to become a truly damaging threat.” Swallowing her pride, Eclipse placed her hand over Damian’s, tilting her head slightly.

The prince gave her a coy grin in return, flipping his hand so her palm rested against hers. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. And please, do call me Damian, Eclipse.”

Arcturus let out a ghastly choke from his water, dropping his glass back on the table and clapping a hand over his mouth. Eclipse almost flinched in her seat, but kept her smile at Damian as she watched Andie pat his back and hand him a handkerchief from the corner of her eye.

The prince shot Arcturus an annoyed glance before looking back at her again.

“Of course, Damian,” she said sweetly, removing her hand to pick her fork up again. “All we ask is for your support and…resources to ensure no war breaks out in Ophelia.”

“A large request coming from you all,” he murmured, swirling the wine in his glass. “It is not a decision I can make so quickly.”

Lives are at stake, you idiot.

“Of course, of course. Who am I to doubt your process of reasonable thinking? You certainly must be quite the genius, Damian,” Eclipse replied.

“Though, to be fair, Your Highness, direct action is needed as soon as possible,” Astrid piped up, her blue eyes studying him.

Damian didn’t respond, and instead downed the rest of his wine. He stood up, and Eclipse barely followed in time, everyone getting up with their heads slightly bowed.

“Let me give you all a tour of the Royal Garden, yes? I do believe that would be a lovely addition to our night,” he said with a clap of his hands.

Eclipse looked up at him again to see his infuriating smirk again.

The garden? We are discussing the potential of war, you fool!

“That sounds delightful,” she replied cheerfully. “How very considerate of you, Damian.”

“Wonderful to hear.” The prince stepped away from his seat, and extended his arm to Eclipse. She took it after a pause, her fingers uneasily gripping the crook of his elbow.

“Come, my friends. Follow us outside,” he announced. Eclipse fell into step with him as he led her to the doors. Servants automatically pulled them open, revealing the now familiar hallway.

Eclipse heard the others quickly follow behind them, and maybe a hushed whisper floating between them. Yet she didn’t look back, letting the Prince of Ophelia lead her outside.