Chapter 43 LovedFeared
Castien led Wren into the room where the Order was to meet. Many of the members were already there, sipping berry wine and eating from trays servants carried about the room. The fire was blazing in the hearth, and there were candles arranged on tables that bathed the area in golden light.
Everyone wore their academy uniforms, but their embellishments were all the more ostentatious.
Jewels the size of fists hung from chains of rare pearls.
Ribbons and waistcoats dyed rich colors brought life to the otherwise bleak aesthetic the uniforms provided.
Rings sparkled in the candlelight as members reached for gold goblets.
Castien and Wren were no less adorned than their companions.
Wren wore an emerald ribbon around her waist, layered beneath a swath of delicate lace.
Castien’s waistcoat matched, as a statement of their union.
Wren did not typically wear as many accessories as she did tonight, but Castien told her it would present best if she did.
So upon her neck were layers of white pearls in various sizes that matched the smattering of shells and pearls in her hair that her maid had twisted up in a complex arrangement.
The two pieces that would be the most eye-catching, though, were not from Wren’s wardrobe.
Set atop her pearl necklaces was Castien’s golden key.
Though she would not carry it beyond tonight, it was a symbol of his trust that she possessed it. As was his dagger at her hip.
A hush cascaded over the room upon the realization of their arrival.
Castien let his gaze travel over the members.
Kierana stood with Eindar and Percilean by the fire.
The Stonemouth princess’s eyes were narrow, as if she was analyzing a battlefield instead of a party.
She would do well to remain in such a mindset.
Finn lounged on a couch in the center of the room, drinking from a goblet while Nadina Everstone—a future duchess—murmured in his ear.
He smirked and raised his glass to Castien, who shook his head.
Nearby, Adalin Zeldair sat on the edge of a tufted chair, eyes wide as she took in the scene before her.
Castien had decided now was as good a time as any to bring her into the fold.
Her Gift would be useful, as would her ambition that Finn had attested to after they were partnered together in class.
Next to her, Cyprus brooded in a matching chair.
Castien still wasn’t sure how he felt about the young man.
“You warned me, and yet I still wasn’t prepared,” Wren whispered as Castien led her toward Kierana. Beginning with a familiar—if slightly hostile—face was best for Wren’s nerves.
It had only been a few days since their kiss in Castien’s chambers.
They had spent time together as much as possible.
Castien forced himself to attend meals in the dining hall instead of requesting their meals be alone together each day.
He adored the way Wren’s face lit up around their friends, but he was greedy when it came to her time.
He wanted as much as she would allow him.
Though he told Wren and himself often that they had forever, the brevity of life was not lost on either of them after recent events.
He wanted to drink in every moment with her.
Which made him resent sharing her with anyone, especially the harpens and mimictas this room held.
But he had to think of their future, too.
If Wren were to decide to honor him with her hand in truth, then she would need the connections the Order provided.
“You will grow used to the attention in time, just as you did after your initial arrival at the academy,” Castien assured her. “And you will not have to frequent these places. I myself do only what is necessary for appearances.”
Wren dipped her chin, maintaining the air of elegance she’d carried into the room.
“Kierana, I am glad to see you accepted the invitation,” Castien said as they approached.
Kierana crossed her arms.
“I cannot believe that you took so long to instate me,” she replied.
Eindar sighed and gave her a pointed look. Kierana’s nose scrunched slightly, but she dropped her arms and mumbled, “Nonetheless, I am grateful for a place in this prestigious organization.”
A smirk tugged at Castien’s mouth while Wren laughed. The sound warmed his chest. She was laughing more and more as of late. He loved that she felt happy enough to do so.
“How much did it pain you to say that?” Wren asked.
“It was like pricking all of my fingers and toes with sewing needles,” Kierana groused, earning her another look of censure from Eindar.
“What?” she demanded. “It is not as if they do not know me. I will not cow before him simply because of his title. I didn’t before, and I won’t now. If my strengths don’t outweigh my ire, then send me on my way.”
Eindar pinched the bridge of his nose. Castien chuckled.
“You are welcome to remain as you are, Kierana. I only ask that you pay attention to whom you’re surrounded by when you do,” Castien told her.
“Yes, of course, I will be careful around the more sensitive of this lot. I am not stupid.” She directed the last word at Eindar, whose mouth turned down.
“Would you excuse us, High Inquisitor?” he asked in his gravelly voice.
Castien dipped his chin in reply. Eindar grabbed Kierana’s elbow and led her toward an unoccupied corner of the room. They began speaking in intense, but hushed, tones.
“They are rather impassioned, are they not, Perci?” Wren asked, making conversation with their more silent companion.
Percilean nodded, then pushed his glasses back up his nose as they fell.
“Entertaining, though,” he said quietly.
Wren let out a soft giggle. “To be sure.” She looked about the room. “Is your dear Letta not a member?”
Perci shook his head. “She is not suited to the Order. I have taken no offense in her absence. I don’t think she would benefit from being present.”
Castien was proud of Perci’s assessment, as he’d come to the same conclusion.
“And do you feel that you’re suited to the Order?” Wren asked.
Castien bit back a smile. Her curiosity could never be quenched.
She frequently asked their friends questions the more comfortable she became.
Castien never bothered to, figuring they would tell him what they wanted him to know.
But Wren stirred conversation. Between her and Finn, his life would always be full of talking and laughter.
He didn’t mind as much now that she was here.
Percilean blinked behind his glasses. Castien was careful to keep his expression neutral in an attempt to not sway him.
“I believe my Gift makes me useful, and in that, I am an asset to Castien. Any other connections I make also benefit the crown, and Castien has promised to reward my loyalty.”
“You are securing a future for yourself,” Wren said, and Perci nodded his confirmation. “And Letta, by consequence.”
Percilean’s cheeks turned pink. “That is my design, yes.”
“Are we torturing Perci?” Finn asked as he sauntered over. “If so, I would like an opportunity to join in, for I caught sight of a rather scandalous moment earlier today.”
Castien raised his brows. Percilean’s eyes widened.
“Is your friend not going to be upset with you for abandoning her?” Wren was quick to change the subject. Relief poured over Percilean’s features.
“I find it’s best to leave a lady wanting more,” Finn replied with a smirk.
Castien looked down at Wren, who was holding onto his arm.
“I disagree.” The soft-pink blush that spread across her face made his heartbeat quicken.
His eyes dropped to her lips for a moment.
They were painted a tantalizing rose color tonight.
He wished to steal a kiss from them and be marked by the color for all to see.
The way her blue eyes sparkled made him wonder if she was thinking in a similar fashion.
“Tides, you two are the disgusting sort of happy,” Finn laughed. “If I didn’t love you both, I’d hate you.”
Wren giggled, shifting her attention back to Finn.
“I think there are enough people who hate us in this room, so I am glad to hear you are not among them.”
“You’re mistaken, darling Wren,” Finn said, gesturing to the room with a flourish. A few people who were staring quickly looked away. “They do not hate you—they fear you.”
Wren’s brow furrowed as if she couldn’t imagine such a thing.
“They should see me with a dagger, and then they’d change their minds,” she stated so plainly it caught Castien off guard.
A laugh burst out of him. He didn’t usually show so much emotion while taking part in gatherings like these, but Wren drew it out.
He hadn’t realized until her how exhausting it was to stifle his emotions on a near-constant basis.
Castien noticed more eyes than before were on them.
While he welcomed relaxation on occasion, he couldn’t let it distract him.
They were surrounded by cryptura, ready to devour either of them with the slightest misstep.
He needed to protect Wren and secure their future.
There was also Perci and Finn to think about, whose futures were tied to his.
“I think it is time I say something to everyone,” Castien said in a low voice to Wren.
Her grip on his arm tightened, but she nodded.
He turned toward the room, Wren by his side.
Finn took a step back but remained nearby.
Perci had snuck away in the midst of the conversation and was now occupying the couch Finn had before, but with a gap of distance between him and the pouting duchess.
“Illustrious members of the Obsidian Order, thank you for attending tonight’s festivities,” Castien began.
The room fell silent right as the door opened.
Calypsia slipped inside. She locked eyes with Castien for a moment before averting her gaze and dipping into a low curtsy.
When she looked up again, he nodded his approval and she hurried to find a place in the room.
Though he despised the woman, she was a princess and had a mind for politics.
Her association with Soren was unsavory, but she had no connection beyond her half-hearted affections for him, and based on her recent actions, Castien hoped that the experience had made her more careful of her treatment of others.
“As you may have noticed, there are several new faces among us. Given that the traitors have been disposed of, I felt it prudent that we replace them with more worthy pledges. Tonight will be their introduction as well as a celebration of my betrothal.”
Castien paused for a moment. He found that letting his words breathe made for more impact than barreling over those listening.
“Please welcome Miss Adalin Zeldair and Miss Kierana Tove.” Castien allowed the two women to step forward and curtsy before he continued. “Each of them possess valuable Gifts as well as an ambition that those of us in the Order are privy to. See to it that you greet them this evening.”
Castien glanced down at Wren, who was taking in the room with a keen gaze. Her chin was lifted, and her lips wore a faint smile. She looked the picture of royalty. All she needed was a crown. Castien hoped one day he would get to see her in one.
“Lastly, I would like to formally introduce my bride, Lady Wren Kalyxi. As you know, her aid was what resulted in the capture of the killers who plagued our halls. I expect nothing but utmost respect to be granted to her. If I hear of anything less than that …” His lips twisted into a dark grin.
“You will find yourself in a similar position to Soren and Ambrose.”
Wren squeezed his arm, glancing up at him with wide eyes. Perhaps Castien could have tempered his words, but he found that in a group such as this, harsh statements were necessary. There would be no loopholes. No misunderstandings. All would know that Wren was his to protect.
“Eat, drink, mingle. Tonight is yours to enjoy,” Castien said. Finn stepped beside him and passed him a goblet at the perfect moment. He lifted it in the air; everyone else followed suit. “To the Obsidian Order.”
A chorus of agreement met him before everyone tipped back their cups. Castien took a sip for propriety’s sake, then held the cup out to Wren. She took it from him, dainty rings glittering with the movement.
“If only you could feel the effect you have on a room,” she murmured over the rim of the glass before taking a sip. “Perhaps you would hesitate to threaten as you just did.”
His blood heated at their sharing a cup. He reached out and caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers.
“Unlikely, given I only care about the effect I have on you.”
She hid her smile behind the goblet.
“Pompous prince.”
“You forgot a key word there, dearest,” he said in a low voice.
Her eyes glittered. He could barely contain the smile fighting to stretch across his lips.
“My pompous prince,” she corrected.
He hummed in satisfaction and bent down to brush his lips along her temple.
“Shall we make a turn about the room before I am tempted to whisk you away?” he asked.
“If we must,” Wren said on a playful sigh.
She leaned against his shoulder, and he’d never wished to abandon his responsibilities more.