Ruby Red Goblets Novels & Stories

"He is hurt!" "Search her supplies," the guard said. The second guard pulled out a dagger and cut open the large sack of white flour Martha used for bread. The powder spilled onto the floor like falling snow. And then, falling out of the middle of the flour sack, hitting the stone with a loud, heavy sound, was a solid silver goblet covered in red jewels. The kitchen went completely silent. Martha stared at the goblet, her face turning pale. "No," she whispered, her hands shaking. "No, I didn’t… I swear, I have never seen that before!"

Gabe's mother asked, noticing my fascination with the unique table setting. "It's beautiful," I replied, still studying the shimmering crystals. "I've never seen glass like this before." I reached for a pitcher of white wine, the light refracting through it like a prism, and poured myself some wine. "It's not glass," she corrected with a hint of pride. "It's compressed crystals. They're abundant in the southern islands." "Really? We have plenty of green and red gems, but blue is rare where I come from." I turned the glass in my hand, suddenly wondering if it was made from the same type of crystals that Gabe had told us they ingested for strength.

“It was destined to occur. I couldn’t continue loving Byron’s poems as a young, impressionable girl forever. More’s the pity, thought Julian. He gave up his position near the door and walked right by her to get to the table. He poured two drinks from the amber bottle that was sitting next to them after blowing the dust from a pair of mismatched goblets. His long, graceful fingers were caressing the goblet’s bowl as he extended one to her. She took it and held it up to her nose, warily glancing at him as she inhaled the ruby-red liquid.

Well, scratch that, I knew I wasn't. "This is…" Jévon picked up a faceted crystal goblet reminiscent of those old-school Tiffany's perfumes from the '30s. An amber liquid too thick to be scotch swirled in its depths, almost metallic in its sheen. "Do you have any idea what this even is?" "No, why? Should I?" It came out sharper than I'd meant to, bitterness creeping up and replacing any charm I'd mustered.

Aesthelia replied with her sweetest smile. "It really costs silver!" Ven said, with a high tone. He almost jumped from his seat. Aesthelia shook her head and said, in her coldest voice, "I don't like being lied to." "I wasn't," Ven firmly stated, which made Aesthelia think twice. Goblins weren't familiar with humans anyway. So how did they obtain these stones and come up with the price? ' Aesthelia asked herself. "A man with red eyes offered us this business."

The display cases glittered under brilliant chandeliers, though not as dazzlingly as the precious jewels held within them. My attention was immediately captured by the central display, and for a moment, I forgot all about Rhys and the party. Suspended within a delicate framework of platinum was a flawless, star-cut ruby. Not the usual deep scarlet, but a rare pigeon’s blood red, so vivid it seemed to glow with its own inner fire. A note attached to the display case said it was a two-hundred-and-fifty-carat stone, sold at a private auction for a world-record sum.

… Alexander turned into the chatter, picking up bits of intel, and shot a glance at his companion. "Hey man, what's this bloodstone you're talking about? Mind filling us in?" "Yeah, I'm all ears!" Phoenix and Red Rose played their part, flashing smiles at the men behind them. The sight of the ladies melted any resistance, and the informed among the men were tripping over themselves to share. "It's called a Red Bloodstone, deep red all over, with a bit of blood sealed inside." "And it's in great shape, the blood's not even dry."

Leafing through the pages, I found the item I’d been eyeing: Lot 37 — a unique, hand-blown glass sculpture, gold-and-amber swirl, signed and rare. It wasn’t cheap, but it was beautiful. It would suit my home renovations perfectly. I glanced at Gabriel. He caught my eye and offered a small, encouraging nod. "You going for it?" he whispered. I offered a weak smile. "Maybe. If it doesn’t go too high." His eyes locked on mine. "I might just give you a hand. If you promise to never fall for Rowan’s charm again."

The ring that sat alone in the dark box was a beautiful sight. Almost otherworldly, like it had been snatched from a fairy’s grasp. A beautiful kite red Ruby gleamed in the center with smaller purple diamonds framing it, and other stones that seemed to change color whenever he moved it under the dim light.