Phoenix by Dawn Rae Miller Read Free Book Online Page A

Minister Sun-Wei's, and on my right, which is empty tonight, is a box labeled 'Special Guests,' most likely for visiting dignitaries.
    There's a knock on our door, and Maz leisurely reaches to open it, but Kyra blocks him and orders, "Who's there?"  
    One of my guards on the outside responds, "Minister Sun-Wei to see Miss Lark."
    Kyra gives me a questioning look, and I nod my head giving her permission to allow Sun-Wei in.
    The door swings open, and the Minister stands before me. "Lark," he says in his hoarse whisper voice. "It's so good to see you up and about."
    I'm supposed to talk to no one, but surely Sun-Wei means me no harm. "Thank you, Minister. You look dapper this evening."
    He bows his head. "Thank you."
    A camera floats closer to me, trying to pick up the exchange, no doubt, and I immediately shut down.  
    "If you don't mind, Minister," Kyra says, "Lark needs to get to her seat. The first course is being delivered."
    Sun-Wei nods. "Of course. Enjoy your evening, Miss Lark." His added formality makes me shiver.  
    As he turns to leave, the first course is delivered to our box, a lovely mixed green salad with strawberries, almonds, and pomegranate dressing. My hunger makes me want to devour it, but I'm conscious of the cameras watching my every move.
    "This is sooo good," Kyra exclaims. "I can't wait to see what's next."
    I nod absent-mindedly. What I wouldn't give to have Beck here with me. At least I'd have someone to talk to. When I told him of my plans for the night, he looked disappointed. He didn't say anything except to tell me to have fun, but I could tell he'd rather I stay in - and I almost did. Until Eloise insisted I go. She thought it would be good for people to see me out.
    So far, even with Sun-Wei approaching me, being out hasn't been too terrible. If I had to battle the throngs of people I had imagined, I'm not sure I would have lasted.
    The lights flash on and off, signaling the start of the show. A hush falls over the crowd as a petite woman takes the stage. She wears an elaborately beaded gown and holds an old-fashioned microphone in one hand.  
    "Thank you for coming tonight," she says in a baby doll voice. "I hope you enjoy the performance."
    She exits stage left, just as the main course is served. I stare down at the onion tartlet for a long moment. It looks delicious, but a thought strikes me.
    "Excuse me?" I say to the server, breaking the promise of silence.
    "Yes, madam?"
    "Where did the food for tonight's dinner come from?"
    The server gives me a strange look, like I've lost my mind. "The Agricultural Centers. We received a fresh shipment today."
    "I see."
    A camera whirls overhead, zooming in on my plate of food.
    "Kyra," I whisper behind my hand. "What feed is that camera attached to?"
    She eyes it for a second. "Gossip One, I think."
    "Look it up."
    Kyra fiddles with her wristlet. "Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no."
    My heart sinks. "Tell me."
    "Head of State, Lark Greene feasts," Kyra's voice shakes. "This isn't good. You look like a greedy glutton."
    I slink around the table and take my coat from the hook hanging on the corner. "I'm going home. This was a bad idea."
    "But the show--"
    "Will be fabo, I'm sure, but I can't be seen eating like this. The Splinter group will hold it against me." I place my napkin on the table and slip on my faux fur coat. "I'd rather be home with Beck, anyway."
    Hushed voices surround us, and I look up to see all eyes on me, not the stage.  
    Wonderful. I can't pretend I have to use the bathroom because I'm clutching my coat.  
    Kyra looks around the room and sighs. "Fine, but I'm telling you, this is a bad idea. You shouldn't leave."  
    "Should I stay and gorge myself while the people outside of San Francisco starve?" I whisper.
    She stares at me blankly.
    "Kyra?"
    "I don't know. I just don't know, Lark, okay?" she snaps.  
    Both she and Maz grab their coats and follow me to the exit. I don't worry about paying the check because I know they just send it