platters were placed on the massive oak table in the center of the dining hall. The savory scent of thyme infused meat, spiced rice and drinks had Saieke’s nose twitching in anticipation.
When she entered the hall, she had almost faltered in the face of so many Darkans. They had stared at her with inscrutable expressions, but inclined their heads respectfully. From brief introductions, she learned she dined with the Archdukes of the east and south quadrants, the elders and chancellors residing at court.
She was then thoroughly ignored as the meal was served.
This did little to disturb Saieke. The only real disappointment was the absence of Drac. She had pampered her skin with scented water and wore a deep blue caftan lined with exquisite silver threading. It hugged her frame and flowed from her waist to curl around her ankles, and she’d left her hair rippling in a fiery wave down her back. And, he had not shown. She was not sure how to entice Drac, but had been certain she would have made some progress tonight.
“There is a rumor that High Lord El Kyn has been assigned your protector,” a voice said to her left.
She turned to the first Darkan to speak with her tonight outside of the king and his enforcers. “I can confirm it is not a rumor.”
An elegant brow raised in a face that was shockingly beautiful. “Curious…and intriguing.” She stuck out her hand. “I am Lady Farrah Vida. I live at court with my mate.” She inclined her head to massive red haired man speaking intently with the king.
“ I am…..”
“I know your titles Princess Saieke El Shyokara, High Duchess of Kais, sole heir to the realm of wind and mountains. The court is alive with tales of your visit.”
“I expected to be a curiosity,” Saieke murmured.
Eyes of cerulean blue caressed over her insolently. “Oh, you are so much more than mere curiosity,” Lady Farrah said with a small smile.
“Please,” Saieke drawled, leaning back in her chair, determined to show an indifferent mien. “ Enlighten me.”
“You are a symbol of hope and hatred in equal measure.”
She already knew of their distaste…but hope? The king offered her a rare opportunity to learn about his kingdom. When he had spoken of fostering trade and opening negotiations, Saieke only thought to capitalize on the opportunity to entice Drac to aid her own cause. Shame burned in her blood. They thought her presence a hope…because it was the opportunity for her to see them as more than their reputed monstrosity.
Their brutality was not in question—the viciousness of the rage that sprang from their
chakra
had the ability to paralyze her with fear. But, they were obviously more than the savagery they could display. It would be intriguing to discover what they to offer to the realms. If Boreas would listen to them or her would be another issue. The revulsion of the dark ran deep, the stories she grew up listening to indicate a kingdom that was awash in constant bloodletting and war.
Saieke looked around the table, skipping from face to face. The Darkans conversed freely, laughing and eating with gusto, and the level of camaraderie filled her with an ache for her own court. “Castle Kerberos is beautiful,” she said softly.
“Did you expect otherwise. Of course you did.” A scathing reply from lips painted blood red.
“Mayhap. There seem to be many contrived rumors about your kingdom. Its beauty is rough, but it exceeds many I have seen.” Saieke took a deep sip of the fruited wine, its tangy taste she could easily get addicted to.
“We are comparable to the all the kingdoms in the seven realms. We do not live in holes and murder our babies. We do not only speak
Darkanian
but learn the languages of the other kingdoms, and of Earth. We have great artisans, healers and many inventive citizens who work to make our kingdom a pleasant and safe place to live,” Lady Farrah said with a frosty smile. “But others refused to trade with us, and when we take in
When she entered the hall, she had almost faltered in the face of so many Darkans. They had stared at her with inscrutable expressions, but inclined their heads respectfully. From brief introductions, she learned she dined with the Archdukes of the east and south quadrants, the elders and chancellors residing at court.
She was then thoroughly ignored as the meal was served.
This did little to disturb Saieke. The only real disappointment was the absence of Drac. She had pampered her skin with scented water and wore a deep blue caftan lined with exquisite silver threading. It hugged her frame and flowed from her waist to curl around her ankles, and she’d left her hair rippling in a fiery wave down her back. And, he had not shown. She was not sure how to entice Drac, but had been certain she would have made some progress tonight.
“There is a rumor that High Lord El Kyn has been assigned your protector,” a voice said to her left.
She turned to the first Darkan to speak with her tonight outside of the king and his enforcers. “I can confirm it is not a rumor.”
An elegant brow raised in a face that was shockingly beautiful. “Curious…and intriguing.” She stuck out her hand. “I am Lady Farrah Vida. I live at court with my mate.” She inclined her head to massive red haired man speaking intently with the king.
“ I am…..”
“I know your titles Princess Saieke El Shyokara, High Duchess of Kais, sole heir to the realm of wind and mountains. The court is alive with tales of your visit.”
“I expected to be a curiosity,” Saieke murmured.
Eyes of cerulean blue caressed over her insolently. “Oh, you are so much more than mere curiosity,” Lady Farrah said with a small smile.
“Please,” Saieke drawled, leaning back in her chair, determined to show an indifferent mien. “ Enlighten me.”
“You are a symbol of hope and hatred in equal measure.”
She already knew of their distaste…but hope? The king offered her a rare opportunity to learn about his kingdom. When he had spoken of fostering trade and opening negotiations, Saieke only thought to capitalize on the opportunity to entice Drac to aid her own cause. Shame burned in her blood. They thought her presence a hope…because it was the opportunity for her to see them as more than their reputed monstrosity.
Their brutality was not in question—the viciousness of the rage that sprang from their
chakra
had the ability to paralyze her with fear. But, they were obviously more than the savagery they could display. It would be intriguing to discover what they to offer to the realms. If Boreas would listen to them or her would be another issue. The revulsion of the dark ran deep, the stories she grew up listening to indicate a kingdom that was awash in constant bloodletting and war.
Saieke looked around the table, skipping from face to face. The Darkans conversed freely, laughing and eating with gusto, and the level of camaraderie filled her with an ache for her own court. “Castle Kerberos is beautiful,” she said softly.
“Did you expect otherwise. Of course you did.” A scathing reply from lips painted blood red.
“Mayhap. There seem to be many contrived rumors about your kingdom. Its beauty is rough, but it exceeds many I have seen.” Saieke took a deep sip of the fruited wine, its tangy taste she could easily get addicted to.
“We are comparable to the all the kingdoms in the seven realms. We do not live in holes and murder our babies. We do not only speak
Darkanian
but learn the languages of the other kingdoms, and of Earth. We have great artisans, healers and many inventive citizens who work to make our kingdom a pleasant and safe place to live,” Lady Farrah said with a frosty smile. “But others refused to trade with us, and when we take in
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