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She turned to the first Darkan to speak with her tonight outside of the king and his enforcers. “I can confirm it is not a rumor.”
An elegant brow raised in a face that was shockingly beautiful. “Curious…and intriguing.” She stuck out her hand. “I am Lady Farrah Vida. I live at court with my mate.” She inclined her head to massive red haired man speaking intently with the king.
“I am…..”
“I know your titles Princess Saieke El Shyokara, High Duchess of Kais, sole heir to the realm of wind and mountains. The court is alive with tales of your visit.”
“I expected to be a curiosity,” Saieke murmured.
Eyes of cerulean blue caressed over her insolently. “Oh, you are so much more than mere curiosity,” Lady Farrah said with a small smile.
“Please,” Saieke drawled, leaning back in her chair, determined to show an indifferent mien. “Enlighten me.”
“You are a symbol of hope and hatred in equal measure.”
She already knew of their distaste…but hope? The king offered her a rare opportunity to learn about his kingdom. When he had spoken of fostering trade and opening negotiations, Saieke only thought to capitalize on the opportunity to entice Drac to aid her own cause. Shame burned in her blood. They thought her presence a hope…because it was the opportunity for her to see them as more than their reputed monstrosity.
Their brutality was not in question—the viciousness of the rage that sprang from their chakra had the ability to paralyze her with fear. But, they were obviously more than the savagery they could display. It would be intriguing to discover what they to offer to the realms. If Boreas would listen to them or her would be another issue. The revulsion of the dark ran deep, the stories she grew up listening to indicate a kingdom that was awash in constant bloodletting and war.
Saieke looked around the table, skipping from face to face. The Darkans conversed freely, laughing and eating with gusto, and the level of camaraderie filled her with an ache for her own court. “Castle Kerberos is beautiful,” she said softly.
“Did you expect otherwise. Of course you did.” A scathing reply from lips painted blood red.
“Mayhap. There seem to be many contrived rumors about your kingdom. Its beauty is rough, but it exceeds many I have seen.” Saieke took a deep sip of the fruited wine, its tangy taste she could easily get addicted to.
“We are comparable to the all the kingdoms in the seven realms. We do not live in holes and murder our babies. We do not only speak Darkanian but learn the languages of the other kingdoms, and of Earth. We have great artisans, healers and many inventive citizens who work to make our kingdom a pleasant and safe place to live,” Lady Farrah said with a frosty smile. “But others refused to trade with us, and when we take in desperation we are hated for it.”
Saieke’s heart squeezed at the current of pain and loss in Lady Farrah’s voice.
“I know the Darkage is more than the rumors I have heard. I did not know the Darkage knew of the rumors.”
Lady Farrah soft laughter was warm and pleasant. “We know of most. The worst I have heard is that our king lives in a pit filled with bones of the babies that he eats when he breaks his fast. Castle Kerberos has more than six hundred rooms, over two dozen baileys, with hundreds of windows and arches. There is no hidden underground pit with our children bones.”
Saieke nodded. Memories of being attacked irked her. The din in the room dropped as she became the focus of many stares.
“We are able to sense all negative emotions. Please know you are safe. I apologize if I said anything to cause such a reaction,” Farrah murmured touching her gently on the shoulders.
“It’s but a memory that teases me, not your actions.”
Saieke felt the weight of eyes on her and met the king’s his probing regard.
Gidon cocked his eye brow. “Are you well, Princess Saieke?”
She gave him a lazy wink, and amusement flashed across his face. “I am delighted by your concern, King Gidon, but I am well.”
Yet hundreds of eyes remained fixated on her.
“Ignore them. You are a novelty.”
So are you.
After dinner, the grand ballroom was opened, and Saieke only danced with the king. It was simply too soon to be gliding to the sensual and provocative dance with other Darkans. She had excused herself and pled exhaustion.
Saieke walked with Talon to her chambers. The king had insisted he escort her, along with the dozen warriors trailing several paces behind.
“Is there a reason High Lord El Kyn had not been present tonight?”
“Yes.”
