Ulfare was known as the city of water. It was situated on top of a massive dam and protected on every side with man-made water channels. The blue clan was the most numerous clan in all the dragon lands. It was believed that because of the natural barriers, crawlers could not affect the prosperity of that region. But that meant that the clan was in desperate need of land and resources. It was one of the reasons why so many soldiers in the capital wore blue uniforms.
“Yes,” Kent responded, but the way he said it did not invite any more questions, and I turned away.
I stood by the door to the parlor, not ready to open it. Kent stood beside me patiently waiting. I glanced up at him, and for a moment, I got lost in the puzzling expression in his dark eyes.
What was it? Restlessness? Irritation? Anger?
I returned my eyes back to the door and with a sigh, I touched the doorknob. Unexpectedly, Rolan’s hand landed on top of mine and he pushed the door open for me.
The agonizingly bright light blinded me and I squinted my eyes, forcing myself to take a timid step further.
“My dear, please come.” Lady Corliss walked toward me with her arms outstretched and a warm smile on her face.
“I apologise for keeping you waiting,” I said, my eyesfollowing the rows of the most powerful men gathered together because of me.
A broad table stretched almost from one side of the room to the other. Multiple sets of eyes peered at me and all I wanted was to go back to my room and lock the door behind me. The councilors were there too. I clenched my hands in front of me, knowing that each and every one of them were watching every move I made.
Lady Corliss ushered me to the seat at the center of the table. I was sure that the gesture was to show their respect, but I could not help thinking that I was a prize, an item to be bargained for, bought and used. As I sat, and dared to lift my eyes, I saw that every face was turned toward me.
“Lady Alina, we were just discussing possible arrangements that will take place in the near future. We want the period of courtship to bring joy to all parties, as well as a favourable outcome for every clan.” Lord Hall raised his wine glass and I looked down at my plate.
The delicate silver rim of the porcelain plate in front of me sparkled with multiple colors of the rainbow, and for the moment, I could not concentrate on anything else.
“My dear, are you well?” Lady Corliss, who sat beside me, placed her gloved hand on my forearm.
I nodded and looked up at Lord Hall.
“We all want you to pick someone from our clan. I am no exception, but I willingly would recommend Lord Rutherford to you, however, the decision is yours.”
Suddenly, my eyes registered an impatient gesture fromone of the sentries, but my gaze landed on the figure by the wall opposite of me. Rolan stood with his arms crossed on his chest, his dark eyes narrowed, jaw clenched. He did not look at me, as if he was carefully avoiding meeting my gaze.
“Thank you, Lord Hall. I will take it from here.” Lord Adger stood up and his heavy belly appeared to be resting on the table. “Lady Alina, you are about to fulfill the most crucial role that ever was presented to any living person. The blood of the red clan runs through your veins and it is in your power to preserve peace and prosperity to all the dragon lands, ensuring that our beloved queen will have an heiress. In times like these, when a brutal enemy is at the gate of every free city, we all need to unite, and face the threat of extinction together.”
One after the other, each councilor took a turn to talk about the future, making me want to cover my eyes with my hands and scream. I could not stand it, I needed to leave.
I turned to look at Kent. He stared back at me, his shoulders tensed, his eyes hard.
“I am not feeling well,” I whispered to Corliss, but she paid me no mind as she continued talking to someone on the other side of me.
I closed my eyes, feeling beads of sweat forming on my forehead, my body felt so incredibly heavy and I could only watch the surface of the table slowly shift, nearly tipping over. The clang of silverware was the last thing I could distinctly hear before the buzzing in my ears muffled all the sounds around me.
Someone’s strong arms picked me up and I was carried out of the parlor. My arms wrapped around the strong neck and the smell of leather and smoke soothed me, making my muscles relax.
When I forced my eyes open I saw a strong profile in front of me. A sharp, angled jawline and thick eyelashes, walnut brown eyes, and warm toned skin. Lips partially opened, his breath slow and steady as Kent carried me up the stairs.
I sighed and pressed my forehead against his neck.
“Alina, poor child. Bring her here.”
I heard Corliss’ voice, but I could not keep my eyes open any longer. All my senses focused on the arms that held me so tight that I protested when he released me on the bed. When I managed to open my eyes long enough to look around, there was only Sally and Lady Corliss bustling about the bed, no one else was in the room.
I lifted my knees, looking at the bowl of soup and crackers that Sally brought from the kitchen. I could not stand looking at the food, but I forced myself to eat at least a little bit.
I was still in bed after my last episode of fainting in frontof everyone. Sally managed to change my clothes, and I was back in the soft comfort of a night gown.
“Would you like anything else, milady?” Sally stood by the bed, waiting for me.
“If you could, please bring me something to read,” I requested, picking up a cracker.
