ate, I peered suspiciously at the garment that was draped on the side table. It looked like a cape. I fervently hoped I was wrong.
It turned out to be an ornate, full-length robe in ruby, with the Thalian Crest embroidered on the back. On the front there was a rising phoenix on one side, and on the other, a griffon in flight poised to snatch a rose from the ground. The robe, sleeveless with a wide black belt that fastened at the back, easily hid my training clothes underneath. Maeri added a pair of black sleeves to the outfit, after explaining the robe was meant to be worn over a dress.
I frowned at my reflection as Maeri wove my hair into a long braid, and called out to Alek.
'Why am I not being made to wear a dress?'
It wasn't as if they normally hesitated to jam me in one.
Alek stepped into the dressing room and watched as Maeri finished my hair. He wore the formal uniform of the Griffon Guard, and it brought up a feeling of d茅j? vu.
'Ellie wants you to look the part. You're a warrior, Cat. One of the Elementals, and we need them to see you as such. With the robe over your training gear you show your heritage and your unique status.'
When we reached the Council Chambers the corridor was crowded with people. The Councilors, in their bright robes, stood chatting to the Lieutenants of the General Guard and the Centaur Cavalry. I blinked in surprise at being confronted by nine centaurs. My memory of them from the ball was hazy. I'd forgotten how impressive they were.
As we approached, everyone paused and turned to bow. Alek held my hand aloft as we nodded gravely. It wasn't difficult to keep the stern expression since the atmosphere amongst them all seemed to crackle with a mix of fear, anticipation, and excitement, as well as a lingering sense of dread. The guards opened the doors and Alek led me to our elevated seats at the head of the room, while everyone filed in behind us.
Elena sat at Alek's right hand and Yakov stood behind her. The girls stood to my left and wore robes like mine, embroidered with symbols of their element. I eyed Loi's lovely green robe with envy. She saw the glance and smirked cheekily at me. The rest of the Griffon Guard stood behind Alek, and I smiled at Gredel. It was almost strange to see him without Citaan and Rirae.
Normally the Chambers felt spacious, but with this many people the acoustics were muffled with everyone's murmurs as their eyes watched those of us seated at the head of the table. The yellow blazers of the Cavalry Lieutenants stood out in the room. I watched them in fascination, as they shifted from foot to foot, tails swishing, and long ears flicking back and forth. A hum of energy caused me to look to Elena, who stood and addressed the room.
'Welcome everyone.'
Elena's voice seemed to ring and I realized that there were crystals spaced out around the edge of the table, which chimed when Elena spoke. We all fell silent.
'Thank you for attending this meeting. In a moment my siblings will join us and I will make the official announcement, which I'm sure many of you are eager for.' Elena's face was tense.
Alek squeezed my hand as the crystals began to chime again, louder and higher. Not many in the room reacted to the noise and I realized only those gifted could hear it. I forced my face to relax as the resonance reached an uncomfortable level.
Above the long table the air shimmered and two faces became visible. It was similar to what I'd imagined a 3D television would look like when I was a child. The two people who materialized over the table looked so real that I was almost tempted to look under the table for their legs.
The woman spoke, and the man beside her inclined his head to us.
'Greetings to the Heirs of the throne. Welcome back to Gar'nyse, Princess Catherine.'
Both of them looked so like Elena, very striking with dark hair and olive skin, and unusually light colored eyes.
'Welcome, Archduchess Verani, and Archduke Fisos.'
Alek's voice rang out, and I almost jumped; I hadn't expected him to speak.
Elena continued.
'All requirements of the Thalian Alliance are met. I have gathered you here today to formally announce Elion's intent of war against the Sorceress, Jenviet DeNaga, and those who support her, in Vo Arum, and