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Please gods, just let this evening meal go smoothly.
When the zagfer had dropped by with the invitation to dinner earlier in the day, I had also been informed that my sister and brother were to be present. Taveth I can handle, but I’m not so certain about Velora.
Everything is still so fresh on my mind. I know it’s going to take a while to put all of this behind me. As hard as I try to conceal my sour mood, Althia seems to pick up on it, strolling up behind me and laying her gentle hand on mine.
“Hey, are you feeling alright? Or is that a dumb question?”
“A bit.” I chuckle. “No, I’m fine, but I can’t exactly say that I’m excited for tonight.”
“Do you think your family will try and start an argument? I don’t see them doing that. Surely even they have a basic grasp of awareness.”
“You’d be surprised. Either way, I won’t back down from anything.”
I look at myself in the mirror, staring down the dark elf who had taken the life of the head zagfer not so long ago. Althia appears alongside my reflection.
“I’ll be right there with you, Valkus. We’re stronger together, aren’t we?”
“Of course, we are,” I agree, admiring how we look standing by each other.
It’s at that moment that I feel the power of our unbreakable love. Nexus’ signature trill rings out as we both turn toward the open doorway. He sits politely underneath the clock, where I now see the time has come for the meal to begin.
“Are you ready?” I ask.
“Let’s do this.”
We link arms and amble out to the hallways, striding gallantly through them with Nexus by our side. We both laugh to ourselves when we draw a deep breath at the same time, unplanned.
“Here we go.”
I push the doors to the dining room open, marching in with a commanding presence as my family turns around in their seats. My guard is on high alert for the first sign of disrespect, but I’m thrown off when my parents, my sister, her mate, and my brother each rise from their seats.
Taveth is the first one to break away from the table, extending his hand toward me. I take it, then I’m pulled into his strong embrace.
“I heard about what happened,” he whispers into my ear. “I couldn’t be any happier for you and Althia than I am right now. You’ve no idea how glad I am to see her alive and by your side no less.”
He pulls away from me and gestures towards my mate. Taking her hand, he plants a gentle kiss on it and subtly bows to her.
“It’s marvelous to see you again, Althia.”
“Likewise, Taveth,” she replies.
The smiles on both our faces drop ever so slightly when we turn our attention to the rest of the family. I knew Taveth and Althia already got along, but now this is the true test. My chest tenses when Velora approaches us, walking by Taveth as he returns to his seat.
“Althia, I don’t believe we have met before. I am Velora, sister of Valkus. I have to say… You are more stunning than I anticipated.”
What?
“Oh, stop.” Althia giggles. “You’re the stunning one. Valkus is a handsome man so I knew to expect beautiful siblings, but I am completely blown away by you.”
That’s… unexpected, I think to myself. I had been preparing myself for a showdown between Velora and Althia but it seems as though I have nothing to worry about there. While they make each other’s acquaintance, Dravank makes his way towards me.
“Valkus, I would like to start by apologizing to you for my words during our last meeting.”
He extends his hand, and after a moment’s thought, I take it. There’s no better time for new beginnings than now.
“It’s quite alright,” I say with a smile.
“Later on, if you have the time of course, I’d love to speak to you in regards to a commission I have in mind.”
