Free The White Forest (Mages and Kingdoms Book 2) by Cara Coe Page A

restraint, but he managed not to burst into the room. He didn’t want to frighten the woman. Instead, he cracked the door silently, slipping in and latching it without a sound before turning towards the bed.
    The woman was gone.
    In her place sat a silver-haired man. The planes of his face were smooth, joining together in sharp angles. His eyes were lit with curiosity and he studied Talon as he stood in shock in the middle of the room. The man sat leisurely on the small bed, leaning back on his hands, feet crossed at the ankles as if he belonged in the space. After several long beats of silence between them, he produced a wide, menacing smile.
    “Looking for me?” Rankor asked.

Chapter 15
     
    Amelie
     
    If Amelie thought the palace entrance was grand, then the throne room had to be made for the Angels themselves. So bright, so colorful, so inviting it was with its silver, pink, and icy blue tapestries lining the walls. Fire mages hung upside down from long silk cloths with their feet intricately tangled in the billowy fabric as they put their talent on display with lines of flames in every color. Large cherry blossom trees anchored the room at four corners. Their branches reached for the middle of the floor, dipping low and brushing the guests with their pale, delicate flowers. High above their heads, rows and rows of chandeliers caught the light and splashed it across the space in dappled bursts.
    And the guests did not hold back in their appearances.  They answered the beautiful décor with garments and hairstyles that glowed, sparkled, swished, and shone. Their movements around the room were a delight to the eye. Perfect accessories to the White Queen’s throne room.
    The first course was her beloved chocolate.
    The servants were orderly and swift in their preparation of the chocolate course. Platters of the sugary brown dessert in the shapes of stars, bells, and crescent moons were placed on circular silver tablecloths around the perimeter of the marbled center floor.
    “There is no detail missed,” Amelie murmured, taking all of it in. Next to her, Lotis grinned.
    “None, my lady,” she agreed. “This is my first time seeing a banquet from inside the room.”
    Lotis absently fingered her lavender gown. It was a light color and simple cut, chosen to pay compliment to Amelie’s deep purple folds of soft fabric, but Lotis wore it as though she was draped in fine silk. Amelie couldn’t help but smile. If this tedious dinner brought this much pleasure to the young girl, then at least something could be gained for it.
    There was no magic here, save for the guards stationed at the doorways and the mages brought in for entertainment. Amelie could see ivory bracelets identical to her own on the arms of most of the guests. She had expected this. Lotis explained this safety precaution before they arrived. And it wasn’t limited to events. Apparently, Amelie’s bracelets were not for her alone. All mages must bear them inside the castle, except for a trusted few.
    “Over there is Lord Hensley,” Lotis whispered, interrupting her thoughts and gesturing to a stout, bearded gentleman. Though she was in awe of attending this banquet, Lotis would not fail on her promise in guiding Amelie. She had to stand on her tiptoes to whisper close to Amelie’s ear. “He owns the most land of all the attendants.”
    “Hmmm,” Amelie answered noncommittally. She picked up a goblet from a passing servant and sipped the sweet nectar wine. Though Lotis was determined, she did not care about the occupants in the room. Her eyes scanned for Simon but she could not locate him. She hadn’t seen him since entering the palace with John this morning.
    Lotis eyed her charge thoughtfully, taking in Amelie’s wandering eye and bored response.
    “He isn’t much to look at,” she acquiesced in a reluctant tone. She bit her lower lip in contemplation before her expression brightened. “Look. To your left. That’s Damion Creed. He’s not