Chapter 8
A smile tugged at Rhyel's lips as he took a drink from his steaming cup of tea while he watched Sana wave her hand through the misty air on the balcony below.
It intrigued him that she was up so early and curious she chose to step outside in the cold crisp morning. Not even Zena rose this early.
His eyes grew wide at the tiny shimmering wings of a Tsidian moth materializing out of the mist and hovering around the mug in Sana's hand before it landed on the lip of it.
He hadn't seen one of those since his mother was alive. He thought they died with his father when he placed the curse on his bloodline.
Rhyel's heart clenched and he held his breath as Sana brought the cup to her lips, coming face to face with the precious moth. He waited for her to scream, to throw her mug and reject the blessing of being chosen by such a sacred being.
But she didn't.
She...spoke to it.
Rhyel's heart simmered at her soft laugh that carried on the wind as she slipped inside with the moth sitting on her shoulder. She may not have any abilities, but Tsidian moths didn't choose just anyone.
They were drawn to the souls of those gifted with abilities that far surpassed his own.
His mother was a highly proficient seer.
She could see into the netherworld and walk with the spirits and creatures that lived in the beyond.
Until the wraiths caught her off guard and not even his father or her moth could save her from their clutches.
Closing his eyes, Rhyel shook the memory from his mind. That wouldn't happen to Sana. She'd have no reason to trek beyond the wall and the wraiths couldn't pass the barrier he forged over those lands.
He brought his cup to his mouth and gazed down at Sana's empty balcony. What could've possibly drawn that moth to her? Zena would've sensed any latent abilities in her and if she did, she would've told him.
Turning away from the balcony, Rhyel padded across his room into the bathroom, tugging his robe from his shoulders as he went.
Sana Lightbourne was starting to become quite the conundrum and he was determined to figure her out.
"The guards at the eastern border have reported that the Issian soldiers have retreated," Oziel, Rhyel's first officer of the military, said.
"Mayor Wrentham sends his thanks to you for our quick action and Colonel Einar and Lord Kai have agreed a treaty with Lord Wilfrith to allow safe passage for those who wish to trade within the region of House Venzor. "
Rhyel raised an eyebrow. "Lord Kai assisted with the treaty?"
"Yes." Oziel nodded with his blue eyes full of amusement. "He's making good on our alliance already."
"Mm, and there was no backlash from Lord Zon or Lord Zehev?"
"No, not that I've heard. It would seem House Venzor was eager to agree to the treaty. The borderlands have always had a good relationship with each other."
"I know, which is why the raid was so strange. What were the Issians trying to prove?"
"I'm not sure." Oziel shrugged. "But Lord Wilfrith and Mayor Wrentham have agreed to a joint border guard with Colonel Einar in command."
"That's good news." Rhyel nodded. "Make sure Einar continues to report any issues with the new arrangement."
"Of course, my Lord."
"Loic, what items do you wish to discuss this morning?"
"I have quite a few things to discuss." Loic, Rhyel's second officer in charge of his administrative duties and internal affairs, cleared his throat as he opened his leather folder.
"The festive season is starting in the realm, and now that you're betrothed again it would be good for you and Lady Sana to attend the events. "
"The festive season." Rhyel sighed. "Remind me what that entails?"
"It's a schedule of events hosted by notable families and Houses," Loic said, dragging his finger down the pages of his ledger.
"House Darcanos has been invited to attend all of them this year.
" Loic smiled and his pride shimmered in his golden brown eyes.
"It would seem your betrothing to Lady Sana has piqued the interest of the realm.
The first gathering will be in the west at House Grensea and I've received a letter from your aunt to go along with your invitation.
" He unfolded a thick piece of beige paper.
"Lady Elalia states she will accept no excuses from you and will implore your uncle and your cousin to treat it as an act of war if you do not attend. "
Oziel cleared his throat, stifling a laugh. "If my mother is making a demand like that, you know she's being serious."
Rhyel chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, then I guess I have no choice. When is the gathering?"
"In two months time, my Lord." Loic folded the letter and sat it on the desk for him. "I'll work with Zena and Eula to get Lady Sana ready for the event and the rest of the festive season engagements."
"That's fine, but make sure Sana is comfortable attending these events. I don't believe she's ever had a debut amongst these people."
"Yes, I'm aware." Loic nodded. "It's good that the Grensea gathering is first. It will be a safe space for her debut."
"Agreed." Rhyel said as Loic closed his ledger. "Is there anything else you two would like to discuss?"
"No." Oziel shook his head. "Everything is in hand on my end."
"Well, I'd just like to say that I'm pleased you're betrothed again." Loic grinned. "I haven't had the pleasure of speaking with Lady Sana yet, but Zena seems to think she's an excellent match for you this time."
"Thank you," Rhyel said, sighing. "But as with all my other engagements, time will only tell if she chooses to stay."
Loic tapped his hand on the desk. "Then we shall have to do all we can to ensure Lady Sana finds purpose and belonging here."
"Too right." Oziel nodded. "Zena is great, but her heart is at the keep with Cori. It'll be nice to have a General and a Lady of this House who wants to be here."
"Mm, then I'm counting on you both to make sure Sana feels welcome," Rhyel said, standing from his chair. "You are dismissed."
"My Lord," Oziel and Loic said, standing from their chairs as a knock sounded on the office door.
"Come in," Rhyel said and his heart thumped as Zena opened the door with Sana standing beside her.
His eyes trailed over her lavender dress that was a little too big for her, but hinted at the curve of her hips and bosom and the light color was a beautiful contrast against her brown skin and deep violet eyes.
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips at Sana's Tsidian moth nestled in the plaits of her crown of crimson curls, camouflaging itself to match the tiny lavender flowers woven through her hair.
That was a sign of a strong attachment.
"I'm so glad I caught you before you left," Zena said, turning to Sana.
"Lady Sana, these two gentlemen are First Officer, Sir Oziel Darcanos, second in command of the army and my right hand and Second Office, Sir Loic Avet, third in command and oversees the administrative duties of House Darcanos. "
"My Lady." Oziel and Loic bowed.
"It's...it's lovely to meet you both," Sana said in a soft whisper.
"And you as well," Loic said, smiling. "It is an honor to be at your service."
"Thank you, Sir Loic."
"There's no need for formalities with us, my Lady," Oziel said, patting a hand on Loic's shoulder. "To you we are simply Oziel and Loic."
She nodded. "I'll remember that."
"And I'm sure you both have work to do," Rhyel said, gesturing to the door.
"Ah, yes, of course," Loic said, as he and Oziel bowed to Sana again. "Have a good day, my Lady."
"Thank you," she said as they slipped by her into the hall.
"Zena, what brings you and Sana to my office this morning?"
"I'm taking Lady Sana on a tour of the castle. We're going to the library next. If you aren't too busy, would you like to join us?"
"I'm not that busy," Rhyel said, keeping his gaze on Sana who kept her eyes downcast to the floor. It bothered him that she wouldn't look at him, but he supposed that was a habit from years of being treated as less than in her household. "Do you mind if I join you, my Lady?"
"I...um...no," Sana said, shaking her head. "I don't mind."
"Very well," Rhyel said, moving around his desk to offer his arm to her. "I'll fill in any gaps Zena misses in the history of this castle."
"That's very kind of you, Lord Rhyel," Sana said as she hesitantly placed her hand in the crook of his arm. "But I wouldn't want this to take up too much of your time. I'm sure you have more important matters to attend to."
"I wouldn't agree to join you if I didn't have the time," he said as they followed behind Zena into the hallway.
He had plenty of business he could be working on, but he couldn't expect the people to accept Sana if he didn't take the time to show them he valued her presence.
He also couldn't ignore the piercing black glare of her Tsidian moth as if the being expected him to show Sana the utmost courtesy and respect.
He gave the tiny creature a small nod and it fluttered its wings to acknowledge his gesture.
Rhyel's heart filled with pride. It had been such a long time since he's had to pay respects to what others in the realm would consider an insignificant bug, but the Darcanos knew better and whether Sana realized it or not, that moth meant she was without a doubt, the Lady of this House.