Chapter 48
Aneera was annoyed.
The lies she told hadn't taken any effect on Sana's status yet.
No one had shunned her, everyone was still too busy gushing over how lovely it was that Lord Rhyel had committed himself to such a sweet woman and if it wasn't that, they were congratulating House Darcanos on the first win of the games.
Even her brother, Kai, was shaking hands with Lord Rhyel and didn't look remotely bothered that Sana was dressed in jewels far above her station.
Of course he had to keep up appearances for the alliance he'd brokered with House Darcanos, but it still burned her that her siblings were treating Sana as if she were one of them.
What was wrong with them? They knew what Sana did. Was she the only one, besides their father, who wished she died like she was supposed to on her journey to the north?
She sighed, taking a drink from her glass of sparkling wine as she looked away from them and her heart thumped and simmered when Lord Zehev walked into the great hall dressed in a dashing white suite and crimson red cape flowing over his broad shoulders.
His short moonlight hair was perfectly gelled into place and his golden eyes scanned the room before settling on her as a beautiful smile tugged at his lips.
"Zevi's here," Amorette gushed with her bright eyes brimming with joy. "It's about time too. I was missing him."
"Me too, but where's Kieka?" Aneera said as Lord Zehev walked through the hall toward them, greeting the nobles he passed on the way.
"I don't know," Marceline murmured. "It's odd she didn't come with him."
"Hello, my lovelies." Zehev grinned, pressing a kiss to each of their cheeks before sitting beside Aneera. "I missed you."
"We missed you too, Zevi, but where's Kieka?" Amorette said. "I thought she was traveling with you."
"She was, but my father needed her expertise for something else during this time," he said, trailing his eyes over Aneera as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "And I thought it would be best if you were my primary wife during the tour, would you like that, my dear Aneera?"
Her heart simmered as a smile curled over her lips. "I'm honored, Zevi. What have I done to deserve such a treat?"
"As my newest wife, I thought it would be fitting," he said, leaning closer to her and pressing a kiss against her ear. "I also know you'd like to show off to your ungifted sister, right?"
"I would," she said, leaning into his embrace. "You know me so well, my Lord."
"I try to, my Lady," he said, caressing her bare shoulder with his thumb. "You'll have to introduce me to her after Lord Oberon's announcements. I want to make sure Lord Rhyel knows that taking a wife will never change the fact that the realm will always see the north as a barbaric wasteland."
Aneera laughed. "I think that would be a wise reminder, my Zevi."
A sinister grin curled over Aneera's lips as she sat proudly beside Lord Zehev.
She was quietly grateful that Kieka had to stay behind because it meant she didn't have to play second fiddle to her while Sana got to be a Lady who didn't have to share the attention of Lord Rhyel with anyone else.
She'd prove herself worthy of being Zevi's main wife and simultaneously take down her sister who should be living as the dirt under her shoe.
Kal and Rhys were restless inside of Rhyel.
Grumbling about the Lady of Asterfall probing them and Sana with her spirit fingers.
Rhyel wasn't happy about it either, especially since Zena was with her when it happened, but when he asked her about it, all she said was that it was a necessity to protect Sana's reputation.
He didn't like that either because it meant the Ladies were most likely gossiping about Sana and any rumors about her could have only come from Aneera. It was probably best that Zena stopped whatever was being said about her before it came to his ears, because he wouldn't have been so kind.
I still don't like that things have been said about our Sana.
Rhys growled, baring his fangs.
Neither do I, nor do I like that the Lady of Asterfall touched Sana with her spirit.
Kal seethed.
I know, but she hasn't been harmed. So I will forgive it this once.
Rhyel said, resting his arm on the back of Sana's chair and rubbing a lock of her hair between his fingers.
Sana was still smiling and enjoying herself, which was all that mattered.
Her brother, Kai and sister, Lyra, had joined their table earlier and they were being surprisingly cordial to her, but he assumed that was because Kai wanted to bolster his alliance with Darcanos and impress Rivo or Galia.
He wasn't sure which cousin Kai was trying to court.
He also wasn't sure why Lyra was going along with this kindness toward Sana, either. He thought she'd be like Aneera and harbor ill will towards Sana, too.
Glancing across the hall, Rhyel hardened his gaze on the platinum haired Lord sitting beside Aneera as unease churned in his chest.
That one always smells of too many things.
Rhys grumbled.
Mm, to mask what he really is. That's why the Issian Lords have always surrounded themselves with countless wives with impeccable gifts and abilities.
Kal huffed.
Rhyel looked away from Lord Zehev and Aneera as he trailed his finger along the chain of Sana's necklace. He didn't want either of them near Sana, but he also knew he needed to find out why Lord Zehev planted that basilisk amulet at the border.
And he had to find out if Lord Zehev knew what Sana carried in her blood and if so, why he was scheming to find her.
You've seen my memories. You know why he is seeking the blood of a phoenix. The Issians may claim to be chimera now, but I have never believed their basdringa blood doesn't lie in wait inside of them.
I hope you're wrong, Kal.
Rhyel sighed.
I hope I am too.
Kal murmured.
Sana's laugh permeated his troublesome thoughts and a warmth spread over him as he gazed at her joyful eyes and bright smile.
"And did you both learn your lesson not to drink with Rhyel again?" Sana said, laughing into her glass of mead.
"Not at all," Rivo said, shaking his head as he grinned at Kai. "We kept trying to keep up with my eldest cousin and beat him at every drinking game or sport we could, but as you witnessed today, my Lady, Rhyel can still beat us at anything when he tries."
"Yeah," Kai said, chuckling as he filled his glass with more mead. "I was hoping you'd be as lackluster as you were the last time you joined the festive season."
"I'm sure you were," Rhyel said, threading his fingers through Sana's. "But how could I do that when I have your sister to impress?"
"Yes, I see that, and I'm glad to see you vying so hard for Sana's approval," Kai said, waving his hand between Rhyel and Sana. "I have to admit I wasn't expecting this at all."
"Oh?" Rhyel raised an eyebrow. "And what were you expecting?"
"I'm not sure." Kai shrugged, his dark violet eyes filling with mischief. "Sana." He smiled, taking a drink from his glass. "What were you expecting when father and I told you that you were betrothed to Lord Rhyel?"
Lyra's eyes grew wide as a nervous laugh left her lips. "Sana, you don't have to answer that," she said, slapping Kai's leg. "Our brother is being very inappropriate right now."
Is Kai trying to embarrass our Sana? I don't much care for this conversation.
Kal growled.
Neither do I, but these questions were bound to be asked of her.
Rhyel said as Sana giggled and curled her fingers around his.
And Sana doesn't feel too shaken up by it. I'm sure the mead is helping with that.
"I don't mind the question," Sana said, taking a drink from her glass.
"It's not a secret that I was terrified of leaving my home to become the wife of the most fearsome Lord in the realm and I didn't know what to expect of the treacherous lands of the north.
" She smiled, sitting her glass down, and Rhyel's heart thumped at the small flame that burned behind her eyes.
"But, then again, it was fitting for my upbringing. Wouldn't you both agree?"
Zena and Loic stifled their laughter while Kai and Lyra's eyes nearly popped out of their heads at Sana's biting retort. Rhyel refused to hide his laughter as he caressed that back of Sana's hand. "There's that lovely banter I adore so much."
Our Lady is full of wit this evening and it is glorious!
Kal chuffed in delight as he and Rhys roared with laughter and pride warmed Rhyel's veins.
"Are we missing something?" Galia said, looking at her confused siblings. "I'm not sure we get that joke."
"No, you wouldn't. I suppose that's a joke between our two Houses now," Kai said, clearing his throat. "I didn't realize my dear sister has developed a knack for banter living amongst the wolves."
Sana grinned, looking up at Rhyel with her glossy violet eyes. "I guess I have."
"And it suits you, my Lady," Rhyel said, bringing her hand to his lips.
"Yes, it does," Zena said as she leaned back in her chair with a smug grin splayed across her face. "Would you like to ask our Lady anything else about her journey to the north or how she's finding her time there?"
"No." Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "I think it's obvious that Sana has found her place in Darcanos."
"It would seem so," Lyra murmured, patting Kai's leg. "Should we go visit with Aneera? We haven't spent much time with her since we arrived."
"Yes, you're right," Kai said, nodding as he turned to Rivo and Galia. "I'll catch up with you two later. I hope you save a dance for me."
"Of course," Galia said, smiling. "I'm glad you both could make it this year."
Kai and Lyra bowed to the table before they took their leave and mingled with a few guests on their way across the hall to Aneera's table.
"Oh, I hope they didn't leave because of what I said," Sana said, biting her lip. "This mead has made my mouth run away with me."
"I'm sure that wasn't the reason," Rhyel said, sliding his hand to her chin and caressing her bottom lip with his thumb. "And your mouth is just fine."
"My goodness, cousin. Who are you these days?" Nori said, laughing and shaking her head of bouncy black curls. "No one's ever going to believe your formidable facade anymore."
Rhyel grinned, looking away from Sana as he wrapped his arm around her chair again. "Maybe I don't want them to when I'm with my Lady."
"Mm, I like that," Rivo said, dragging a hand over his thick black locs and leaning back in his chair. "But seriously, what was that between you and your siblings, Sana?"
"Oh, it was nothing," she said, reaching for her glass. "Just, um, silly sibling stuff. I'm sure you and your sisters have banter like that, too."
"Of course we do," Nori said, glaring at Rivo and Galia. "They always used to pick on me for being the youngest and you two were awful to poor Oziel. So yeah, I get it, Sana."
"Oh, come on." Galia rolled her vibrant green eyes as she flicked one of Nori's curls. "We weren't that bad."
"Yes, you were!" Nori huffed, slapping her sister's hand away from her. "That's why Ozie never comes home."
"No, that's not true," Zena said, shaking her head. "It's because I keep him busy keeping our warriors in line, but I'm sure once Lady Sana replaces me, he'll have more time to visit you."
"And I'll make sure of that." Sana nodded. "I'll be sure to tell him how much you miss him, too."
"Actually, why don't we pay him a visit?" Rivo said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass as his green eyes filled with amusement. "It's been a long time since we've been to the north."
"Oh, yes!" Galia clapped her hands in glee. "That's a lovely idea, Rivo. We'll have a little family affair and maybe mother and father will want to join us too. What do you think, Rhyel?"
He nodded. "I don't mind that," he said, looking over at Sana. "As long as you're happy for us to host them."
"Of course!" Sana beamed. "I think that would be wonderful."
"Great, then before we leave for the next engagement, we'll set a date," Galia said as the lights of the great hall dimmed and Lord Oberon and Lady Elalia walked up to the podium on the small stage.
"Good evening! Lady Elalia and I hope you enjoyed the first tournament of the Grensea Games," Lord Oberon began.
"I'm sure you're all as surprised as we are that House Darcanos is at the top of the leaderboard with their impeccable win in pitch ball!
" he said as House Darcanos' banner unrolled behind them to a swell of applause.
"I'm surprised anyone is clapping," Loic said, looking around at the guests who'd normally be opposed to celebrating any achievement of the north. "I expected a round of boos for the way we pummeled the other Houses."
"Mm, it seems times are changing," Zena said, winking at Rhyel and Sana. "I think you two have acquired a few fans, especially in Lady Daphne's circle."
"Yes, they do seem to be clapping quite enthusiastically for us," Loic murmured.
"Mm," Rhyel smirked. "I can't imagine why or what you had to do with that, Zena."
"What are you talking about?" Sana frowned.
"Nothing, my Lady." Zena smiled, waving her hand. "My Lord is just being silly."
"And, as tradition dictates," Lady Elalia said with a proud smile on her face. "Lord Rhyel and Lady Sana, would you please do us the honor of beginning this evening's celebrations by leading us in the first dance?"
"What?" Sana's eyes grew wide as she whipped her head to Rhyel. "We...we have to dance alone in front of everyone?"
Rhyel nodded, bringing her hand to his lips. "Yes," he said, leaning into her ear. "I promise you'll be fine. Trust me."
"I do," she said, taking a deep breath before finishing the mead in her glass. "Let's...let's do this."
"You will be marvelous, my Lady." Loic grinned as they stood from the table to another round of applause.
"Oh Gods," Sana whispered as they walked out to the center of the dance floor. "I would've told you not to win anything if this was going to be the outcome."
Little Flame, you've been bursting with confidence all evening. This is no different and you have nothing to fear.
Sune said from his camouflaged perch on Sana's green and gold feathered shoulder.
"Sune's right," Rhyel said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "You're radiant this evening." He pulled her close and thread his fingers through hers. "Just keep your eyes on me. Just like we practiced, and I promise you won't notice anyone watching us."
Sana nodded, gripping his hand. "Okay," she said, taking a deep breath as the soft, melodic strings of violins began to play. "Then promise me you won't take your eyes off me, either."
"Oh Sana." Rhyel chuckled as they glided across the floor. "My eyes are always on you."
His heart burst and simmered at the smile that spread across Sana's lips and brightened her violet depths. "I like that," she whispered, leaning into him and relaxing in his embrace.
Nori was right to question who he'd become these days, because he never imagined he'd ever feel like this for anyone. Even when Sana first arrived in Darcanos, he never thought she'd steal his heart like this.
He twirled her around and pulled her back into his arms as he breathed in her flowery scent of spring.
She felt like she was his.
She felt like everything to him.
A tingling fire spread through Rhyel's veins as Kal hummed in his mind.
And she always will, brother.