The evening twilight is sinking, painting the sky serene colors.
The party is starting to slow down into a quiet rhythm. The guests are getting softer and drunker.
I sit behind the beer kegs, hidden from the crowd.
I looked at the intended couple, sitting together at a table full of people. She looked beautiful in her gown. Her usually braided hair, pinned up into one bun.
Victor's hand caressed her back, her hands tried to block it. The hand came down, she spilled a goblet of wine on his lap, not so much by accident. His eyebrows begin to prick with anger, he turned to the servant to clean it up.
The Speaker of the Throne, Dewey sat next to Lady Hastena. The chat seemed pleasant enough, strictly professional though.
I had never met a woman more power-hungry, in bed and out of it. She maneuvered her way through her marriage like a skilled chess player, relishing the triumphant move of power and wealth.
I was on my sixth glass of the night, when Dewey beckoned me out of my hiding place with his thin finger.
No one had seen me yet, I was surprised. How did he see?
I roll my eyes at him, and in a show of defiance, I do my double backflip, landing solid. I've cracked plenty of bones learning otherwise, though.
I bow, pretending there's a large crowd, with a big smile. He pulls me back to make sure we stay hidden. "Taj, she wants you."
"Forget it," I grumble. A hint of surprise in my tone, it's not like I haven't done this for him before. He's always sent me people he wants to keep happy. Although there is a smile playing on my lips, I do not feel it. I never do.
I feel the burn of alcohol in my throat. "I'm not doing any work tonight," I repeat, firm and uncompromising.
"Come on! Easy money, make it quick and I'll owe you." He presses me, as always. His excitement is palpable, as if he's hatching a brilliant plan that only I can help execute.
He always drops this nonsense on me.
It's hard to say no to someone like that. He's kept around me for so long. He found me while I was hanging out at bars, sucking dick for a pint. I went from one drink to the next. Only known the bottom of a drink when he pried it out of my hands. That was a very dark time in my life.
"Not now."
"You don't understand," Dewey rolled his body toward me, "it's not just work, it's worth it. Yes, I mean it. It can open doors you never imagined."
I turned to him, looking at his fancy clothes and his fancy Speaker's badge that he was so proud of. All the things I'd helped him achieve, all the work I'd done for him.
"No way," I pushed him away again, and pushed him away again.