by Vella Wolf
“No dress! I’m disappointed. Isn’t this a ball?” A man’s voice.
I swivelled to meet my intruder. Silver-skin, snow hair and, lilac eyes. High General Nyx.
“They really aren’t my thing,” I said.
“But not even a different jacket,” he pouted.
He was right. I was in exactly the same attire. As if it mattered. Balls are just frivolous nonsense. Formalities at best. Nyx wore black pants and boots with a mostly untucked white shirt. It was only buttoned halfway, revealing a scarred chest. A black jacket hung loosely over his shoulders. Messy.
“What’s your excuse? You looked like you’ve been dragged through a bush backwards.”
“Oh, not yet. There’s still time.” He grinned as I coughed on my drink. Nyx stepped closer and leaned on the balcony next to me, brushing hair from his eyes. “Perhaps you’d care to join me?”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Arndell, one of these. Jokes, cheek, and womanising. How in all of Ahmanrah did he become a general?
“You aren’t remotely what I expected. I thought generals were supposed to be all stiff upper lip, awake at the crack of dawn, and ironed shirts to match. You look like a vagrant.”
“You don’t mince words, do you? I think I like you already.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again and scowled instead, drinking deeply from my cup.
“Besides, ironed shirts don’t really match my vagabond style. And I'm a High General. I get to do what I want.”
“Modest, aren’t you?” I snarled.
“No, I’m being honest.”
“It does make me wonder how someone so nonchalant and dare I say seemingly ill-suited, ever made it to High General.”
The moment the words left my lips, I knew I had hit a nerve.
Eyes glistening, he curled his lips and grinned wildly at me, fangs in full view. “People might win positions here by posturing and frippery, but in Naedis, we do not.” He ran a finger over a large scar across his chest. “I earned my place in blood and battle, what truly matters in war.”
I stood silent, not being able to find the words. I felt a little guilty.
“I thought someone like you would understand not to judge appearances,” he continued.
The guilt rapidly faded, replaced by annoyance. Someone like me. A mutt.
“Why are you even out here? Isn’t there a more interesting skirt to chase in there,” I hissed as I pointed back to the ballroom, spilling a little wine as I moved.
He edged closer. “I doubt it, and I was a little curious about why you kept staring at us, particularly me.”
“One of my sisters is going to be a part of your… circle. Surely it’s not unreasonable for me to be curious and a little cautious about the lot of you.”
Nyx rubbed his chin and mulled. “Have a drink with me,” he asked.
I scrunched up my face, “What? Why?”
“So we can get to know each other better.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea, and I’m a very busy person.”
“Come on, just one,” he begged.
“I said no,” I said firmly.
“Okay. Okay. I won’t push. But please at least think it over.”
I drained the last of my wine and placed the cup back on the balcony. My head was beginning to spin. Too much too fast.
“I’ll think about thinking about it. No promises.”
Nyx beamed at me, and I turned around, walking back into the ballroom.
“Tomorrow then?” he called behind me.
Chapter 6
The night rolled on into the morning, our Illyd guests well welcomed, and the idea of an alliance, a little less daunting for many Seren Kel. After nursing sore heads, days of council meetings, and a flurry of errands, the new week arrived. The first day of courting came with it. Celia. Raest had picked Celia first. Of course he had. Perfect, sweet Celia. Morning tea in the garden was prepared. Our little entourage walked down the hall towards the grounds. Today, Raest was dressed in a deep blue robe and Celia in a lemon chiffon gown. I followed as chaperon, paired with Nyx. Why couldn’t it have been Ophelia or Verona? His sideways glances were bloody distracting.
We entered the garden and took our places. Raest and Celia on white iron chairs. Nyx and I, far away enough to not be intrusive but close enough to hear every word. The two sat in silence, sipping tea, until Raest began to ask her about her roses. Celia’s eyes lit up, and she started listing every name of every rose around them. I couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. It had been so long since I had seen her smile like that.
Raest began to describe various flora of his land, flowers the colour of night that would only bloom in the dark, trees with blooms like starlight, and shrubs of silver flourished with bronze. Celia's eyes sparkled, and she asked him to see them one day. A wild grin spread onto Raest’s face as he gestured to a patch of grass near the table. Placing his hand on the lawn, he murmured something softly. Black vines sprouted from the ground, and a bud rose from the grass. It burst open, unfurling sharp, mauve petals, glittering in the morning sun. Celia could hardly contain her excitement. She placed her hand on the ground next to it spawning her own flower, a bright pink lily.
Raest stared at Celia as she glowed, something akin to admiration in his eyes. Leaning forward, he plucked the dark bloom from its stem. With pale fingers, he reached out and placed it behind Celia’s ear. My skin crawled, and I fought to hold myself back.
“Don’t touch her,” I muttered under my breath. In the corner of my eye, I spied Nyx raising his eyebrows at me.
Tea continued, and they spoke of both their homes and hobbies, and by noon, the meeting concluded. By the end of it, Celia practically radiated. Wrapped around Raest’s little finger. Bidding each other goodbye, he took Celia’s hand and kissed it. Gliding out of the garden, Raest walked to the exit, towards me. He nodded gently when he met my sullen gaze, Nyx snickered behind him, and together, they left for their quarters. Roughly, I grabbed Celia’s hand, eager to get back to our rooms. She wouldn’t stop smiling. I wouldn’t stop frowning.
Chapter 7
Meetings with family and event planners consumed the rest of my day. Catering for the Illyd’s visit required far more than I had ever dreamed. The sun had long set by the time I left for my quarters. The halls were empty and quiet. Most of the castle’s inhabitants had long gone to bed; all I could hear was the sound of my boots tapping on the tiles. I softened my footsteps to muffle the noise. It bothered me. Kero and I had taken melee training together, but only I had opted to pursue training in other areas. The senses from my mixed blood had allowed me to pick up ranger skills with ease. Tracking, foraging, and stealth were amongst some of them, and it was difficult to turn some of them off.
As I passed the garden, another pair of footsteps greeted me, soft on the grass. I ducked behind a pillar and peered out through the window. A cloaked figure walked past, heading across the grounds. Its back was to me, and I couldn’t see a face. Pulling my own cloak over my head, I followed, sticking close to the shadows. The stranger and I stalked across the grounds, unseen by patrolling guards. I paused behind a shrub as the figure stopped before the castle wall. Silver skinned hands glinted in the moonlight as they reached up to grasp at the rocks. In seconds, it scaled the wall with ease. Silver-skin. Surprising strength. This had to be Nyx, or at least another Illyd. This was far too suspicious to ignore; I had to follow. This could be precisely what I needed to free my sisters.
I scaled the wall as fast as I could and caught a glimpse of the man disappearing into town. Most of the streets were relatively empty. A few late-night revellers were heading home, and a merchant preparing a wagon for the morrow. My prey continued to stick to the shadows of stalls and homes; I did the same. He made a sharp left turn and started heading towards the Red Moon district. A place for drinking, entertainment, and less savoury activities. These streets were much livelier. There would be no sneaking here.
The man swa
m into the crowd. Thank Arndell he was tall enough to stick out in the mass. Pushing through people, I continued to follow as he turned once more, heading towards the outskirts of the district. A few drunkards lined the street that led to a large two-story building. Made of old wood, covered in ivy, it was a little on the rundown side. A few people sat on the porch drinking beneath a sign that said The Crowing Hen. A tavern? The figure entered the building. I hesitated before following him in.
Music met my ears as I approached. Gently I pushed open the door peering inside. The tavern was almost filled to the brim. People, dancing and singing, while minstrels played flutes and lutes. Drunks crowded the bar, while busty maidens served tankard after tankard. Across from me, Nyx sat alone, smiling and waving at me. He knew I was following him. That little shit! I stormed over to his table in a bustling rage, knocking and pushing aside patrons in my way. A few gave angry and disgruntled looks that melted into fear when they recognised my features. Good. I approached the table, ready to roar, but he spoke first.
“Getting you out for a drink was easier than I thought!”
I stood there, stunned and gaping. Rage muddled with my thoughts.
“You! You expect me to believe that you planned all this!”
“I know, I’m smart and pretty. Quite the catch, really,” Nyx continued to smirk.
“There is no way!” I growled.
“You refused me. What was I to do? And not to sound condescending, but you learn quite a few things when you get to my age and position.”
“Luring women is just one of your specialities?!” I spat.
“Now you’re just making me sound bad.”
I dug my nails into the redwood table and snarled.
“Come now. I want to make peace. Take a seat, have a drink! Honey mead. It’s quite good,” Nyx beamed as he patted the chair next to him.
After a drawn-out scowl, I crossed my arms and plonked down into the chair. I sniffed the mead hesitantly.
“You think I’m the type to poison someone! You wound me,” he pouted.
Ignoring the comment, I took a deep swig from my mug
“Not one for pacing then?” he sniggered.
“I think I’m going to need it.”
Nyx placed a hand on his chest and gasped, feigning hurt. Who the hell let this joker be general? I leered at him, examining scruffy clothes, scars, and those piercing lilac eyes. His features began to soften as I continued to glare. The cheek vanished from his face as he began to speak softly.
“I get it. You probably feel like you’ve let foxes into the hen house. Especially with your sisters involved.”
I glowered. I hadn’t exactly been subtle.
“So let me help ease your mind. Meet me from time to time. Ask any questions that are buzzing around in that pretty little head of yours,” he smiled.
“Maybe. If I have the time and I decide you’re not wasting it,” I hissed.
Leaning back, he smirked and brought the flagon to his lips. I stared back at him, silent.
“Well, first question?”
“I’m not sure where to start,” I admitted.
“I can help there. Popular choices are how old am I, how many subraces are there, and is it always night in Naedis…”
“Is it?” I interrupted.
“No. We have about five to seven hours of sunlight a day, depending on the time of the year.”
“Huh. I’d like to see that,” I said as I took a swig from my mug.
Nyx watched me with a sly smile.
“I could take you there one day. My home is like a whole new world compared to here.”
“I’m sure I’ll be seeing it plenty once your king takes one of my sisters up there,” I scoffed.
For a moment, he almost looked a little sad.
“Come on, princess, next question.”
“No one calls me that,” I scowled.
“Is it the half-blood thing?” he frowned.
“Maybe. I can’t say I’m fond of the title anyway. If I had it, I suppose I would be more fodder for your king.”
Nyx raised a brow before grinning wide. “Most women would be quite happy about that.”
In return, I shot him a withering glare. “I am not most women.”
He shrugged, taking another sip before continuing. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you know what your father was?”
“I thought I was supposed to be asking the questions?”
His eyes rolled as his smile returned. “I gather you mind then?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. I don’t know what my father was. How old is Raest?”
“Fifty-five this year, practically a baby for an Illyd.”
“That’s almost hard to believe. Has he been married before?”
“No. This will be his first.”
“Lovers?”
“Of course.”
“Currently?”
“No.”
“Does he have siblings?”
Nyx grimaced. “Not anymore.”
I raised my eyebrows at him as he shifted uncomfortably under my gaze.
“And unfortunately, any more questions along that line should go to him,” he responded dryly.
“Fair enough. Any rivals to the throne then?”
“I wouldn’t call them rivals. Just some might prefer to see someone else on the throne. Not uncommon in any kingdom.”
“Does he have any children then?”
“You sure have a lot of questions about Raest. Don’t you want to know anything about me?”
“You’re not marrying my sister.”
“Oh, you never know, I’m quite charming. You could soon be calling me brother too,” he smirked.
I scowled. “My question.”
He frowned. “No. Not that we know of.”
“That’s not very comforting.”
“Wasn’t supposed to be. Sugar-coating things isn’t going to help either of us.”
This blunt honesty was refreshing.
“Who are you to Raest then? It’s obvious you’re not just his general. Perhaps you were one of those lovers?”
Mead sprayed across the table as Nyx choked on his drink.
“No, no! I’m pretty much his closest friend. We’ve been friends since we were young.”
“What about the others?”
“Verona has been in her position since the last ruler. It might not look like it, but she’s older than me. Her title is a little intimidating, but our crown would be weak without her eyes and ears all over the place. I’m sure you can relate. Your Wickam is our Verona, I gather?”
I rolled my eyes at him, correct again. Wickam was our spymaster, not just our advisor.
“Don’t show off. It’s not very becoming.”
He grinned wildly and continued. “Personality-wise, Verona is tight-lipped, stubborn but loyal and dedicated to her charge. I’d trust her with my life. Ophelia, on the other hand, is a complicated subject. I can only tell you so much without breaching on the sensitive.”
“One of those lovers then? Maybe yours?” I smirked.
“What, no! No to both! She’s like a sister to me. I’m sure you might have guessed she isn’t an Illyd. Not even a little. But she is one of us. Smart, cunning, slow to trust. I imagine you two could have a lot in common.”
I crossed my arms as I shook my head at him.
“To put it straight, she earned a place at our table, and she is family.”
“Is there anyone else I should know about?”
Stroking his smooth chin, he pondered. “There are a few, but my cup is looking a little empty, throats so dry from all this talking!”
“Okay, I get it.”
I rose to make my way to the bar but stopped in my tracks as a large, horned Illyd entered the tavern. He made his way to Nyx and whispered in his ear. Nyx nodded to him and turned back to me.
“My apologies. I have to cut our little party short.”
“Trouble?”
“No. I’m
sure Raest just wants me to tuck him into bed,” he sniggered.
I frowned.
“No need to fret. I’ll give you the truth as promised. Raest just wants to discuss further plans for our guards’ deployment.”
“Fair enough.”
With that, he rose and straightened up his clothes. “Tomorrow then?”
“Tomorrow.”
Chapter 8
A luncheon was prepared on the third-floor balcony the very next day, Kariss’ favourite spot. Raest and Kariss sat under a trellis covered in mauve morning glory. Their outfits almost matched. Deep purple fabrics shimmered in the light. Sandwiches, cakes, and pies sat atop delicate tiered plates. Teas and juices sat cool in painted porcelain pots. As the meal began, Kariss began to talk… and didn’t stop talking. I almost felt sorry for Raest. He couldn’t get a word in. He just sat there with a polite smile. Nyx was almost giggling in the corner as Kariss ranted about some lord that had once compared her to a pumpkin.
Shaking my head, I gave Nyx a dirty look. He raised his eyebrows at me and began to walk over. Great.
“What did I do?” he pouted.
“Besides the giggling? Go back to your post! We are both supposed to be on watch.”
“But I’m bored.”
“I’m not here to entertain you.”
“It’s not like anyone’s going to attack them here, and if they do, we have a secret weapon.”
I raised my brow, puzzled.
Nyx grinned deviously. “Your sister. She could talk the enemy to sleep or probably to death if you left it long enough.”
I couldn’t help myself. In one swift motion, I jabbed Nyx right into the side. He buckled over slightly, trying not to make a scene. With all the noise from Kariss, Raest hadn’t seemed to notice us.
“Why are you so mean?” Nyx rasped.
“Because you are annoying and possibly the most unprofessional person I have ever met,” I hissed in reply.
He continued to pout as he straightened up, rubbing his side. “Killjoy! Anyone would think you didn’t know how to have fun.”