Chapter 5
Chapter
Five
“So what is the purpose of this gathering with the royal family from Voltaria and Zephyrias?” Gerard asked Senta and Konrad.
The three siblings followed King Alaric and Queen Consort Adelina down a corridor. Their brother Luther was not in attendance. Gerard didn’t know why. He hoped it was because his brother was focusing on preparing himself for his upcoming nuptials. But Gerard doubted Luther was being so useful.
During the peace assembly, Gerard had met many Voltarians, and quite a few were sorcerers. As such, he no longer felt tense around the people whose compatriot had almost killed him.
He had a strange fascination with finding out all he could about the lightning sorcerers. In particular, the archmages. Unfortunately, he hadn’t learnt much. The identities of the archmages were unknown. They trained isolated from society. Their methods were secret.
“We’ll soon be deciding on the marriages between our nobles and theirs,” Konrad said. “The empress and emperor thought it would be nice to have a casual gathering so our families can get to know one another outside of the formal, long, boring, never-fucking-ending meetings.”
Konrad sighed. As heir to the throne, he was expected to take part in lots of the meetings and negotiations.
Senta and Gerard, whose general role was focused more on defence and military strategies, luckily did not have to go to these meetings. However, they were in charge of protecting their people at the White Monastery.
The family walked beneath a long arch trellis, dripping with jasmine vines and flowers that released a sweet scent. The wooden arch led to a small, well-manicured garden.
Voltarian and Zephyrian servants stood, backs straight as they lined one wall. They held trays of wine and minuscule food that appeared far too fine for Gerard’s big fingers.
I’d have to eat a hundred of those tiny bites of … whatever that green and pink food is to be full.
The royals from Voltaria and Zephyrias stood at the other side of the garden. They wore brightly coloured clothes, sparkling jewellery, and elaborate hairstyles. At the appearance of the Draconians, they approached.
“Your Majesties.” Empress Emmeline’s hand rested on Emperor Hugo’s arm. “We are so glad you could join us.”
“Yes. It is nice to meet in such a lovely little garden.” Emperor Hugo gestured to a bed of flowers.
The grand monk, the head of the Way of the Doves, bowed low. “I am glad you find it suitable, Your Majesty.” The copper chains, which marked his rank and the vows he’d made to the monastic order, dipped and swung.
“And it is our great honour and pleasure to facilitate these gatherings that help consolidate peace between your noble kingdoms,” the grand monk said.
“Yes. Thank you, Grand Monk. And thank you for the invitation, Emperor and Empress,” King Alaric said.
His father continued to speak. But Gerard found himself not listening. His gaze had been caught by one of the royal family members standing towards the back of the group.
He’d already met Princess Anais and Prince Beau. But he had not been introduced to this man who stood, full lips smiling serenely at the conversation between the rulers.
Who is he?
A soft beam of sunlight fell upon his cheek, as if yearning to stroke the soft-looking skin. At the same time, a light wind stirred and caressed his long white hair.
Unlike the rest of his family, who’d worn their hair twisted and piled in various complicated configurations, he wore his hair hung down and loose. It framed his slender heart-shaped face.
He wore robes of transparent silver over a black sheath dress, which hugged his lithe frame. His eyelids shimmered. His lips glistened. Gerard could not look away.
“Now, I believe you have not met my eldest son.” Emperor Hugo gestured to the man Gerard had been staring at. “Prince Elias.” Then he chuckled. “Although, he is sometimes referred to as the lightning prince.”
The lightning prince.
Gerard tried to recall what information they had in the dossier on Prince Elias. They had dossiers on all royalty, as well as many of the nobles, dignitaries, and ambassadors, from the different kingdoms they had so recently been at war with.
What had Prince Elias’s dossier said?
Lacked intelligence. Did not fight in the war because of a deficiency in magical ability. And it stated that he was attractive.
However, seeing him face to face, that one word, “attractive,” did not do him enough justice.