I took a sip.
Blegh. Yep, cucumber water. I would’ve much preferred something stronger today, but it appeared I wasn’t getting any. Maybe I’d be able to have some champagne or wine tonight. It wasmybirthday, after all.
Our conversations were interrupted when the doors opened and one of our butlers stepped in.
“Sirs, madame, miss, may I present Sir Alois d’Refan, protector of the Northern Territories and Lord of Vespera.” The butler bowed back into the hallway as a line of guards all clad in black entered the room first.
The guards were unusual in that they wore no armor, instead, they were clad in simple black tunics tucked into slimming black pants. The fabric looked incredibly soft, and I instantly wanted a set to lounge in, though Iwondered why they lacked armor. My wonders quickly ceased once magic began to sweep across the room. Even though I wasn’t yet Awakened, I could sense the magic in the air. Awakened Vessels and Mages could actually see the threads of magic, and I longed for that ability so I could see what they were weaving.
A few more hours.
Once the Mages were satisfied with their magical perusal of the parlor, they strode silently and confidently to each of the corners of the room, where they blended in with the walls. The whole show was impressive, their training immaculate.
My mother and I naturally gravitated toward my father as the next two people came into the room. It was clear, even though I had never met him, that one of these individuals was Lord d’Refan. One man was tall, taller than my father, with thick legs and arms. He wore the same outfit as the Mages, but the shoulders on his tunic had three gold bars each, denoting his rank. Like the Mages before him, this man’s eyes quickly assessed each person in the room, looking for potential threats. His hands were firmly in his pockets, though one seemed to be constantly moving as if touching something. I felt a brush of magic seconds later and sucked in a breath.
This man waspowerful.
My parents, Finian, and Matteo must have felt it as well because it seemed like everyone either shifted on their feet or audibly sucked in a breath. I wondered what they could see coming from him. My mother worried her bottom lip before the man zeroed in on the motion. She quickly released it and schooled her features.
Who was this man?
The second man carried a slight resemblance to the first—they both had deep olive skin and dark hair, though the second man was greying at the temples. That was where the similarities started and stopped. Where the first man had keen green eyes the color of grass in the summer, the second man’s eyes were almost black, and they constantly moved, never settling on one thing. It was unnerving, to say the least. This second man was formidable in his own right—an aura of power surrounded him. He was short, at least compared to the first man, but carried himself with an air of authority.
So much for our large furniture and decorations. I almost giggled at thethought but held it in at the last minute. All these superficial objects meant to intimidate lesser men, and two unarmed and relatively unguarded men sweep into our parlor and put all the theatrics to shame with just their presence.
The second man moved toward my father, ignoring everyone else in the room.
This must be Lord d’Refan.
He took two steps into the room and planted his hands on his hips, eyes whizzing about as he took everyone in.
Instantly my mother dropped into a curtsy and my father into a deep bow. The rest of us followed their lead a second later, paying our respects to the man who just entered.
“Rise.” The word was soft and low, but it felt like it was shouted for how quiet the room was.
“Lord d’Refan, what a pleasure it is to welcome you to Hestin and our home,” my father said. “This is my wife, Acantha.” Mother sank into another quick curtsy as Lord d’Refan came over and shook my father’s hand. He took Mother’s hand and kissed it briefly as she rose.
“Lovely as always, Acantha.”
“And my second-in-command, Matteo, and his son, Finian.” My father gestured to the other two men and Lord d’Refan shook each of their hands in turn before turning to look at Peytor and I.
“This is my son, Peytor, he Awakened three years ago as an Air Vessel. He briefly attended the Academy, but is still waiting for a Bonded match,” my father explained. He was rambling, betraying the nerves he felt over this meeting.
Lord d’Refan cocked his head, assessing Peytor before shaking his hand as well. “Well, we’ll have to rectify that soon, won’t we?” His voice was a raspy baritone that sent chills down my spine.
I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
“And this is . . .” my father started as he almost tripped over his own feet to make his way to me.
“Ellowyn.” My name was a prayer and a curse. It rolled around his mouth before spilling off his tongue causing goosebumps to explode on my skin.
It was altogether much too erotic.
I sank into a deep curtsy, head bowed, where I stayed until I felt a rough hand under my chin. I tilted my head in the direction his hand pulled until I was gazing into his black eyes from my position practically on the floor. For the first time this afternoon, his eyes were completely still, and they were locked on me.
It could have been years or seconds that I stayed locked in his gaze, but he eventually put gentle pressure on my chin, indicating for me to rise. I did and came almost eye to eye with Lord d’Refan.
“Lord d’Refan, it is a pleasure and an honor,” I said, slightly breathless.
