Riptides And Memories- Chapter 51
Andrea did not like Hedotis the second Isrr landed. It was colder than the other Isles, making her pull on not only her flight jacket, but also her new glide suit and a tunic. Not only that, the ground itself was deceptive. It was covered with grass, yet the only thing beneath was sand. They had landed at the edge of a city, clean pillars and a wooden walkway leading to the market. Dinghies were tied or abandoned along the beach with full sailboats waiting in the bay for their crew.
"You okay?" Aaric asked her.
Andrea nodded and glared at the ground. "I don't like the cold."
"Better the cold than the searing heat of the last two Isles," Traeger declared from beside Scylla.
Andrea hugged her arms around herself. Aaric placed a hand on her back and led her over to where the others were grouping as well.
"One of us has to prove wisdom with the Triumvirate," Violet stated.
"I can't believe they elect people for high leadership," Cat grumbled. "Town councils? Sure, but how can you confirm someone has the skills to lead if they're not trained from birth?"
"Being trained from birth doesn't make you any more qualified," Aaric stated. "Any of you excited at the prospect of being led by Halden?"
Andrea shuddered at the thought. And the cold that already seeped into her bones.
"Valid argument," Traeger agreed. He turned to the couple in front of him. "Let me see the arms." Violet held out hers first. The healer inspected them carefully. Andrea didn't know much about medicine. She hoped they were coming along nicely.
"Looks good," Traeger told the woman. "No infection, no swelling. That one doesn't want to stay put though."
"Happens," Violet shrugged. "You did a good job with the stitches."
He flashed her a smile. "Thanks. Your turn-damn."
Xaden's arm was an angry red, the gash looked deep and barely held together. It didn't look like he had healed at all.
"It's not fine," Violet argued, stepping closer. "I brought some Lorin slave in Brennan's med kit. It will help with the inflammation and fight off any minor infection, but we need to get it on you in the next few hours." The cold wind blew, causing Andrea to huddle closer to Aaric as the sand kicked up. "Let's wait till we're out of the sand."
"You okay, Andrea?" Ridoc asked.
She nodded. "Don't like the cold."
Andrea was saved from further questions by Mira Sorrengail. "Because that wouldn't work!" Mira snapped as she walked over with Drake, Dain and Garrick.
"It really would," Drake persisted, a stupid smirk on his face. "You pull a two-pronged Pelson flight formation-"
"And wyvern would pick you off twice as fast for dividing your forces in that environment," Mira interrupted.
"You clearly don't understand Pelson," Drake stated. He looked to his cousin. "Tell her, Cat. In a contained environment, a Pelson manuever-"
"I'm not telling Mira shit," Cat informed. "It's like arguing with Syrena."
"Oh come on," Drake whined. "Maren? Someone be on my side here."
Maren winced. "Have you seen her right hook?"
"I have," Drake confirmed. Yet he still looked expectant.
"I know Pelson," Mira told him. "I've studied Pelson at length because it was my job to beat your manuevers for years. And you have no real-world examples to prove your theory. Just stop talking." She turned her back on Drake and looked over to her sister.
Violet and Xaden had sometime pulled their jackets back on. "I'm fine," Violet reassured.
"Drake, you're starting to annoy me," Xaden informed. "You should stop that." His tone was colder than the glacier on Basigath's mountain.
Violet suddenly started forward. "Xaden," she said.
The group looked over to see half a dozen people walking on the wooden path. Every single person was dressed in pastel colours, the shirts went over one shoulder with the women wearing long dresses that reminded Andrea of a chiton. The man in front had red hair with only two pieces of grey hair, leaning on a wooden cane with an ornate jewel in the eye. His clothing was embroidered with bright threads, screaming that he held money. He was eyeing the dragons behind them. "They're incredible," the man in front stated in the common tongue. "And well worth the walk to the beach to welcome you."
"And you might be?" Xaden inquired.
"Where are my manners?" He placed a hand over his heart in fake humility. Andrea didn't like him from that gesture alone. "I'm Faris, second of Triumvirate. The two other enjoy standing on ceremony of course, but I see no benefit in waiting to meet you and therefore I am here." He bowed and when he straightened, Andrea could see his purple eyes.
She sidled closer to Aaric.
"Welcome to Hedotis," Faris continued. He turned to Violet. "You have very unusual eyes. Not entirely blue or green or gold, but an amalgamation of all. Fascinating."
"I was thinking the same thing about you," Violet stated.
"Mine are quite common on our isle," Faris corrected. "I've brought my household to formally make your acquaintance and escort you through our beautiful city. If you're amenable, we have room for you to rest at our home along the northeast shore." He gestured down the beach before he turned to the party. "Darling, won't you come say hello? I apologise for my wife. Talia seems to be overcome by your magnificent dragons."
Andrea felt her spine straighten and shoulders pull back. Xaden paled at the name.
"I'm here, my love," a woman responded, breaking from the crowd. She had black hair that blew in the wind with her pale green dress. She joined her husband and took his hand before looking to the riot. Andrea hated how similar her eyes were to Bodhi's. The woman's eyes stuck on Xaden.
"Is there a problem?" Faris asked.
"Oh shit," Garrick muttered.
"Xaden?" Talia whispered. Her hand raised before it lowered. "Is it really you?"
Xaden reached for Violet. "Mom."
Andrea could see he was shutting down. No one else knew what to say. Violet was processing. Garrick was in shock. The others just stood there. Mira wasn't a diplomat, neither was Drake. Cat was stunned, Traeger wouldn't say anything, Maren looked like she wanted to sink into the sand. Dain would say the wrong thing, or fumble it somehow. It wasn't Aaric's place to. Ridoc was looking back and forth like he was in a cartoon.
Sgaeyl wasn't helping matters. She looked ready to set the woman ablaze. That couldn't happen.
"You'll have to forgive us," Andrea spoke up, removing her arms from her sides. Faris and Talia looked at her quickly. "It's been a long flight, and an even longer journey. We're all exhausted from the task, even our strong dragons. I do not wish to exploit your hospitality, but I believe I speak for all of us when I say a rest would be amenable for us all. Then we might be able to speak on more formal matters."
Talia blinked in shock. "Annie? No, Anika. Anika, my apologies. It's been some time-"
"It has which is why I do not blame you for getting my name wrong," Andrea confirmed. "It is Andrea, my lady."
Talia nodded. "Of course." She looked to her husband. "Dear, they really are tired. Perhaps we can postpone the tour for tomorrow."
Faris smiled at his wife. "Of course, darling. Come, all of you. Your creatures may come as well."
Isrr huffed but no one objected as the man started the parade off to his manor house. Talia looked like she wished to speak to her son, but walked beside her husband.
"Good work," Aaric whispered in her ear.
"I feel dirty," she admitted lowly.
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Admittedly, swimming in unfamiliar waters in an unfamiliar sea would have been unwise. But there were also three dragons on the beach. Sgaeyl simply huffed at her, Tairn didn't even look at her, but Andarna watched her the entire time she ventured out. Andrea had been swimming her entire life. She knew how dangerous the sea was. But it was also her comfort and something so familiar it would be wrong to think it taboo in any way.
The sensation of swimming was one she had not felt in far too long. Her entire body relaxed the moment she went underwater, as well as when she floated in the waves. She spun and dove. She explored the sandy floor and reverantly ran her fingers through the grains. She stayed underwater as long as she could before surfacing. It was also the exercise she needed. Her muscles were still sore from both training with Mira and the long flights.
She brushed her hair back and floated under the sun.
With Talia laundering their uniforms, she dressed in an undershirt and underwear found in the wardrobe. A towel waited for her on a rock near the shore.
There was nothing else she could do before the dinner but wait. Why not waste time in the water? It was a good exercise, but also relaxing.
Andrea surged up when she heard a roar. Sgaeyl was next to a balcony. She backed up before launching into the sky. Tairn followed and so did Andarna, albeit slower than the Black.
Andrea sighed and ran a hand over her hair. That was probably her clue to come to shore.
She dove underneath and started swimming in. As she got closer, she felt her legs burn with the strain from swimming. Perhaps she wasn't as relaxed as she thought. By the time she reached her towel, someone was waiting by the shore.
Andrea sighed but walked over. "My lady," she greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Talia handed over the towel. "I was hoping to talk to you, Andrea."
Andrea began toweling off her arms. "About Xaden?"
Talia nodded. "I was hoping to talk to him, but he's refused to see me. I thought maybe-"
"That I could convince him?" Andrea finished. She shook the towel in her hair. "Talia, you lived with his father for nearly ten years. He is nearly exactly like Fen. Look at me and tell me if you think I could convince him of anything when his mind is set."
Talia sighed. "You're right." She looked the girl in the eyes. "I did want to take him-"
"I'm gonna stop you right there," Andrea said. She threw her towel over her shoulder. She paused and sighed. "I have sympathy for you, really. But I'm not the one you need to make your case with. Xaden has a right to not see you. It will be his choice-first and last- if he wants to see you or hear you out. My say doesn't matter. It's all up to him. Understand that. You aren't gonna win his affection with treats or fancy clothes. Just let him set the limits. If he tells you to fuck off, then fuck off." Andrea looked back to the house. "And your sons..."
Talia closed her eyes. "You saw that."
"I did. I can't help you here, Talia."
Talia nodded. "Thank you, Andrea. I will keep what you said in mind."
Andrea sighed and readjusted her towel. She supposed she should get changed from the wet clothes.
She walked up the stairs to the deck that connected to the estate and made sure to track her wet, sandy footsteps. When she got back to her room, Aaric was sharpening his knives. He looked up when she came in and his pupils went wide.
She smiled in greeting. "Hi, sweetheart." She moved to the wardrobe and threw the towel aside. She needed new clothes.
Aaric wrapped his arms around her. "Went for a swim?"
She nodded. "It had been too long."
He nosed her neck. "You smell like the sea." His hand drifted lower.
Andrea squirmed. "I need new clothes."
"I can think of an activity that requires no clothes," he proposed. His hands peeled the undershirt from her skin.
Andrea smiled. You know what. Why not? She turned in his arms and kissed him. They had the time.
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Andrea felt awkward. She had never been at a table this fancy before. She felt very out of place. It helped that she didn't like the pale green of the triumvirate's robes. The hatred allowed her to center her emotions on one thing, which helped her think.
Faris flicked his wrist at the servers along the wall that deposited the trays amoung the people of the table. Andrea could hear Violet muttering something about a head before the covers were lifted. Supper was roasted chicken, grilled potatoes, and a stuffing with cauliflower. It made her think of Thanksgiving from back home.
"And we're served," Faris announced.
One of the triumvirate members continued, "We thank Hedeon for this meal. For the peace in our land, the wisdom he sees fit to gift, and the satisfaction of thriving relationships. We offer to him private confession of our day's error in sacrifice. May only our minds know hunger."
The other members repeated the last line. Andrea wasn't suprised to hear Aaric join in seamlessly.
"Let's eat," Faris suggested. He picked up his mug and gestured it to Violet. "And thank you for your gift. My Talia is quite delighted to serve it."
"I'm happy to bring her joy," Violet responded. Yet the silence echoed in the hall.
"She's welcome," Xaden filled. He put down his glass a little heavier than necessary. Andrea took a sip of the tea. She was never a fan of tea but forced herself to take a big sip.
"How do you find our city?" the third councilwoman asked.
"Hard to say, considering we haven't seen it," Mira relayed. She picked up her lemon and dunked it into her water.
"Hopefully we can change that tomorrow," the same woman replied. What was her name? Rosalin? Rosalind? Something like that. Likely with fantasy spelling too.
"After your test?" Violet guessed. "That's what this is, right? We're not in a formal setting as is custom, nor are there witnesses, but you're testing us."
Cat paused and set down her utensils. Aaric continued eating. Andrea had already finished her potatoes.
"Talia will serve as witness," the older councilwoman interjected. "And we thought an informal setting would be best given the... delicate nature of relations."
What was her name? Even before she was Andrea, she could never remember that third woman's name. Hell, she had forgotten Faris's name before he had introduced himself of the beach. She had thought it started with an e.
"You mean in case I embarrass my mother in a public setting with my lack of wisdom," Xaden interjected. He draped his hand over the back of Violet's chair. "Is that your fear, Mom?"
"No," Talia denied. Her spine straightened in indignation. Andrea hated how familiar that reaction felt. "My reticence about tonight is due to my own shame, in that I asked Faris for a personal favour so that you might be more comfortable during the conversation. I don't worry about your intelligence, Xaden. You were always a bright boy."
Andrea didn't like this. It felt as though every single lesson and training she had gotten disappeared when she sat down. Aaric placed a hand on her knee under the table.
"Tell me something," Faris spoke up. "When you die, do your dragons?"
"Depends on the dragon," Violet responded. "But usually, no."
"Gryphons do," Cat granted. "They bond for life."
Faris regarded the young royal. "To tie your life to another's, especially something as frail and easily breakable as a human, seems a foolhardy thing to do." His brow furrowed. "You respect your gryphon for this choice?"
"I respect her for who she is and trust whatever decisions she makes," Cat answered. "Gryphons and their sacrifice to bond humans have allowed us to win the Great War and survive centuries of war after that."
"Spoken like a royal," Whatshername scrutinized. "Talia says you are in line for the throne of Poromiel."
Cat's voice was no nonsense stern. "If Queen Maraya does not choose to have children, then my uncle will rule and eventually, my sister will be an excellent queen." She picked up her utensils and continued to cut up her food.
Whatshername glanced the table. Cat to Xaden to Aaric and Andrea. "So many young royals here. So many potential alliances. Why are you not contracted to one another? It seems...foolish not to forge futures and provide heirs who could unite your kingdoms."
Aaric cut a piece of chicken. "My brother will be king," he stated. "Though a horrible one, heirs and alliances aren't my concern. I will fight this war, most likely die, and do so knowing I protected others."
Andrea blinked, allowing only that to be her reaction. She knew that Riders were constantly in danger and prone to dying. But to hear Aaric say it so plainly... it made her head spin almost. She didn't want to imagine what it meant to be without him and his love. She gathered stuffing on her fork. She forced herself to swallow even though it tasted like sand.
Whatshername sighed. "Honour has never been the equal of wisdom." She glanced over to Xaden. "And your excuse? We received news months ago that your title had been restored to you, and in correlation, your cousin."
Xaden speared his potato. "Well then as you know, I'm a duke, not a prince. Andrea may have a title as well, but she's a Rider. Like her brother."
Andrea swallowed her chicken. "Forgive me for scrutinising, but what is your interest in royal succession? My own knowledge is limited, of course, yet I was under the impression that Hedotis was democratic Isle, with leaders chosen from the masses instead of bloodlines. Why do you ask on foreign policies not your own?"
Rosey (?) smiled kindly. "Your information is correct. Our leaders are chosen instead of bred. As you have mentioned, knowledge is limited. If we are to understand more of the world, we must ask."
Andrea didn't appreciate being spoken to like a child. But her snide to Whatshername had not been dismissed.
"Tyrrendor is the largest province in Navarre," Talia filled in the silence. "Much of its territory lies beyond its wards, so its allegiance to the kingdom has always been... weaker than the others. It would not surprise me that in the course of this war, Tyrrendor would regain its sovereignty, which is why a lifetime alliance was secured. But you're not..."
Xaden simply chewed his chicken. "I don't owe you an explanation about my love life."
Talia flinched but looked to Cat.
"For gods sake," Cat cursed. "I said yes, he said no. He met Violet, and now they're...them. They happen to be the two most powerful Riders on the Continent, so in that way, his alliance with her was perhaps wiser. The two of them could break and reshape the Continent if they chose to. And besides, I'm with someone else now." Violet smiled at Cat, but the flier just rolled her eyes.
"Breaking such an adventageous alliance is... unwise." Whatshername narrowed her eyes at Xaden.
Andrea decided it probably wasn't a good idea to mention she broke hers with the king of Deverelli.
"But easily remedied," Faris jumped in. "It would show great wisdom and dedication to their respective titles were they to contract for three... say four years?"
Rosiah (?) nodded. "Long enough to secure an heir for Tyrrendor and put Poromish blood in the line."
"Or even contract the girl," Whatshername proposed as she looked at Andrea. Andrea nearly choked on the last of her stuffing. "The Crown Prince does not have a betrothed yet, does he, your highness?"
Andrea set her fork down, feeling less hungry. It was a shame, she liked that stuffing. Aaric's mask slipped for the first time the whole meal. She could see the fear but also the anger that spilled into his eyes. Yet he caught his tongue.
Xaden glared at the older woman. "My cousin has been condemned to punishment in the Rider's Quadrant. She will not be forced to endure that kind of torture so long as I have a say." Andrea sent him a thankful glance. He only blinked at her in response but she understood his message.
"You love your cousin," Whatshername acknowledged. "That is understandable. However, risking your title while protecting her-"
"Would make it worthwhile," Xaden finished. "I've given everything to protect my family. I will not stop now."
Andrea leaned back in her chair. She... didn't know whether Xaden actually meant that. He was an expert liar. But he was also brutally honest and ruthless. Not to mention protective. It was the core who he was. He was a protector. But she wasn't under his protection, not completely. Why would he stick his neck out like that for her?
Garrick stabbed at the chicken. "If bloodlines equaled allegiance, we wouldn't be sitting here under interrogation." He looked to Talia. "He is your son, right?"
Whatshername glanced at Xaden cautiously. "A marriage contract between Poromiel and Tyrrendor would be most wise. We could have the legalities performed in the morning at temple, and then hear what will, no doubt, be a plea for our assistance in their war tomorrow afternoon."
Xaden shifted his position. "Draw up the papers," he declared.
Andrea took a sip from her tea to keep from reacting. Mira and Garrick gawked at him. Cat looked pale. Aaric started eating again.
"Ah, there we go!" Faris exclaimed, clapping his hands in mirth. "What an excellent decision. Shall we go with three or four years?"
"Lifetime, anything else is unacceptable." The shadow wielder slid his hand to the back of Violet's neck. "And her full name for the papers is Violet Sorrengail. Two R's."
Andrea had to close her eyes and bite her lips to contain her mirth.
"My last name is tied to the title, but we could take yours," Xaden offered to his love.
"You could hyphenate," Garrick teased. "Or combine? Riorgail? Sorrenson?"
"Riorgail," Andrea confirmed. "Definitely." Garrick smiled, pleased she was playing along.
"I don't give a fuck what they meant," Xaden said loudly. He turned from Violet to face the council. "You may question our knowledge, test our honour or dedication as Riders and Fliers. Serve up riddles, fake scenarios, chess games for all I care. But if you think I'm going to leave the only woman I've ever loved to contract marriage with a woman I do not get along with, then the lack of wisdom is yours, not mine."
"It's only three years," Talia pleaded her son. "And then you'd be back together. Surely the potential of our alliance, of sharing our knowledge would make that sacrifice worthwhile. Think of Tyrrendor."
Andrea couldn’t look at Talia. Not because she was angry, but because she understood. She had read her own contract with Deverelli front and back and there was a time limit. She wanted to imagine that she would have stayed for her hypothetical children. But would she? Would she have survived that? Would she be at her breaking point? She didn’t have an answer and that terrified her. Would she be a good wife and waste away? Or be her own person and abandon her hypothetical children like Talia had? Andrea turned and looked at Xaden. Seeing his pain, his anger, the shock he had displayed on the beach… she found she couldn’t. She couldn’t imagine inducing that punishment on anyone, much less someone she loved.
Xaden leaned forward and glared at his mother. "You cannot contemplate the things I have sacrificed for Tyrrendor. I lost my father, my freedom, my very-" He cut himself off. "Violet is the only choice I've made for myself. I won't sacrifice her for three years. Not a single day. You would know that if you hadn't abandoned me, if you knew me at all."
"I didn't want to leave you!" Talia shook her head. "Your father wouldn't let me take you-"
"Do not speak of my father," Xaden snarled. He pointed to the rebellion relic that climbed his neck. "I am the one who watched him die. You left a child to face down a war you knew was coming, on a continent you knew was infested with dark wielders."
"I couldn't take you," she whispered. "You were Tyrrendor's heir."
"You could have stayed." His voice was emotionless. That made Andrea feel the hurt more. "You could have been my mother."
"They would have executed me right next to your father, or in secret as was done to Mairi's husband. I did what I thought was best."
"You did what you thought was best for you," Xaden confirmed. "I'll admit, you've done well for yourself. Who need to be the dowager duchess of Tyrrendor when you can be the wife to a member of the triumvirate? Mother of two? Live on a peaceful beach, in a peaceful city, on an isle that serves no greater good than its own."
"This heated show of emotion during an interview is unbecoming," Whatshername said quietly.
Mira still glared at her. "The interview ended before it began. You don't care that Violet is the smartest person in this room. Or that Xaden tore apart Basgiath to save her, then returned to fight for Navarre because it was the right thing to do. Or that Cat lives in the most hostile environment possible to help her kingdom. You don't care that Aaric had to step into the light he hates so we'd have a royal representative, or that Garrick had stood by Xaden's side no matter the cost. Andrea has faced impossible circumstances and adapted to them just to continue breathing. And you know what, she surpassed them while doing it despite her own wellbeing. We proved our lack of wisdom by coming here in the first place. You were never going to share your knowledge or ally yourself with us."
Andrea glanced to her lap, flushed. She... had no idea Mira thought that highly of her. It was really sweet and unexpected.
"True." Whatshername pulled a jade stone from her robe pocket and placed it in front of her plate. "And the first true piece of wisdom spoken here, which piques my interest. Now tell me, what do you think of our city?"
Mira looked to her sister.
"From the air, it seems laid out perfectly," Violet admitted. "It's a collection of exquisitely proportioned neighborhoods, all with central meeting places for markets and gatherings."
"It is perfect," Ross (?) agreed, fidgeting with her own stone.
"And cruel," Violet added.
The councilwoman's face went cold for the first time. "Please, do go on."
"You razed an existing city to build what stands now, did you not?"
"We improved our capital, yes." Rosalyn (?)'s eyes narrowed. "The smaller towns should have their rejuvenations complete by the end of the decade."
"And in doing so, you destroyed the historical base of the city," Violet pointed out. "Homes your citizens had lived in for generations. Yes, it's beautiful and efficient, but it also shows your intolerance for things that are not. I find in perplexing too that you don't seem to have a port."
Faris flustered, his eyes going wide. "It is unwise to venture over waters when we know next to nothing about what lurks in its depths-"
Rosie (?) raised a hand to silence him. "Are we supposed to take criticism from a group who doesn't seem to know the name of their own continent?"
"Amaralis," Andrea said softly as she played with her napkin. "Because Amari is worshipped above all as queen of the gods. In correlation with the Isles that are all named after specific gods who are individually worshipped on seperate Isles."
"According to ancient royal records," Aaric confirmed. "Though I believe the Poromish records called it Amelekis. The only thing our kingdoms ever agreed on was calling it the Continent after the Great War. Rather arrogant of us to simply refer to it as the Continent, as though there aren't others beyond the sea, but we're been torn apart by war for so long it's hard for anyone to think that we are one... anything."
"You two are rather quiet for a pair that seems to know so much," Whatshername remarked.
Andrea simply shrugged one shoulder.
"She doesn't like these events much," he verbalised. "And I prefer keeping my mouth shut until I understand the rules of whatever game is aiming for my throat. Helps me judge the character and acumen of my opponent." He stared down each Hedotic citizen. "Honestly, I find you lacking, and I'm not sure I want you for an ally. You have no army and you're stingy with the very thing that should be free to all-knowledge."
"And yet you seek our favour?"
"Me?" Aaric shook his head. "No. I'm here because Halden can't control his temper and Violet didn't just bond one of our most terrifying battle dragons, but also an Irid-the seventh breed. Dark wielders are spreading. People are dying as we sit here. Every day we're gone could change the battle map in ways we can't begin to predict. And my kingdom is full of assholes who won't take refugees under king's orders, so tracking down the Irids is our best hope of not only adding to our numbers but maybe figuring out how we beat venin six hundred years ago.
"If you fit into that solution, with all your wisdom, then great. If not, it seems all we're accomplishing here is dragging out family resentment and judgement, which we get plenty of at home. If it were up to me, we would thank you for the meal and get out before we discover what you do to people who don't pass your test."
"You are the highest member of nobility in your party," Rosa (?) reminded. "Is it not up to you?"
"Nobility doesn't play into rank, at least not for me." Aaric looked to Violet. "Andarna chose Violet, and though there are four superiorly ranked officers with us, it's Violet's mission. She's in command. And with the exception of her rather questionable taste in men, I've trusted Violet's wisdom since childhood."
The two share a smile. Andrea couldn't help but stare at him in reverance. This was the man she loved. Screw everyone else. She loved him.
The doors opened and servants swarmed in. Andrea removed her arms from the table as a maid took her plate. They all escaped to the kitchen to return with dessert.
"You are truly bonded to a seventh breed?" Ronda (probably not) asked in astonishment.
"I am," the Rider confirmed. "She was left behind when her kind left the Cont-Amaralia, and we seek them. Now, are you interested in speaking to us about an alliance?"
"I am curious." Roxie (she was guessing) placed her stone down.
"Two down," Faris observed. "You're doing well. Unfortunately, it must be a unanimous decision and I'm a little more... shrewd with my approach. Tell me, if you truly seek knowledge, why do you not worship Hedon? Why would you not take up residence here like other who seek wisdom instead of our allyship? Our libraries are unparalleled, our colleges centers for learning and culture, not death."
"I was taught wisdom is never to be prayed for, but earned, and as much as I would revel in your library, I'm not interested unless it contains information on the venin." Violet shrugged. "I'm not going to hide on an isle while the people I love are condemned to death by draining."
The door opened and a butler moved to Faris. The server leaned down to speak to his employer. "Sir, are you ready for dessert?" he asked in a louder than normal whisper.
"We are," Faris confirmed.
Andrea looked over to Garrick and glared at him. He tilted his head slightly.
"Please tell me you've done something with all that chocolate Talia had been stockpiling for weeks," Whatshername teased good naturedly. "I swear, she's bought every shipment that's come in, and you know how rare it is." She pursed her thin lips and adjusted in her chair. "Though I'm not sure I'm feeling up for sweets tonight."
"Me either," Rosalie (?) agreed.
"What kind of information?" Faris asked Violet, getting back on track. "A weapon to destroy them, perhaps?"
"She already is one," Xaden shrugged off.
The kitchen door opened again and servers tarried in with dessert plates. The servers set down a plate in front of Andrea and she felt like crying. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, a slice of strawberry on the flouret and chocolate sauce drizzled on the plate. But... no fork on hers.
"Is it still your favourite?" Talia asked her son. "I know your birthday isn't until the end of the month, but you're here now."
Andrea kicked Garrick under the table when he reached for his fork.
"Phyllis," Faris called out to the kitchen. "It seems the five of us are missing our forks."
The lieutenant shot her a look. She glared at him.
"Of course," one of the servants replied. "I'll fetch them immediately."
Andrea sighed and shoved her plate away. "Such a waste."
"The fork is coming, are you so impatient?" Rowan wondered.
"No, I'm just lamenting how you ruined perfectly innocent chocolate cake with poison," Andrea said.
Talia went pale. Faris flushed. Garrick looked at the cake like it was about to explode, which Andrea wished she could make happen. The other members of the group gawked at her. Aaric put a hand on her thigh.
"You dare accuse-" Faris began.
"No fork for me, you, your wife, or the other citizens of Hedotis," Andrea began. "Your servant spoke deliberately louder for us to know that dessert was coming. You knew we were coming in advance because Deverelli told you. Your wife had been buying out the Deverelli trader for weeks. You didn't give a fork to me because King Courtlyn threatened your shipments should you harm me. But you had no reservations on poisoning everyone else."
"You think I would do all that knowing I would be harming Xaden?" Talia demanded. "He's my son!"
"I know you wouldn't," Andrea stated. She glared at Faris. "You would. You hate him. He's her son before yours. When you didn't have her. Screw the rest of us, right? Who cares besides our large, unforgiving, havoc wreaking bonded creatures? You told your colleagues because this was another test and you didn't want to be known as the triumvirate member who killed his companions. Third degree murder doesn't bode very well with voters."
Faris leaned forward, attempting to be threatening. "And what is your plan from here?"
"None," she stated as she leaned back. "I'm not the one with the plans. I'm not the smart one, the strong one, the medic, or the loyal one. I'm the survivor. Which means noticing everything, all at once, all the time. I notice these things so the smart people can make these plans. Violet's the one with the plan. And the one who holds your life in her hands."
Faris redirected his gaze to Violet. His body rolled like he is attempting to cover a belch. "What does she mean?"
"She means I've already killed you," Violet elaborated. "I wouldn't worry about the gas. You'll breathe just fine. You all will. It's the vomiting until your bile turns to blood that will kill you. Should start in about ten minutes. Don't worry, it only lasts an hour. Kind of a miserable way to go, but I worked with that I had."
Whatshername suddenly jerked away from the table. She attempted to stand but fell to her knees and puked over the ground. Everyone stood up and backed away. Andrea had to catch herself on the table from the headrush she received.
"Shit, my timing's off," Violet said to Mira.
"She had two glasses," Mira informed. She backed away as Whatshername puked again. She walked out, as according to plan.
Andrea shuddered. "I hate puking." Aaric placed a hand on her back in comfort. Cat blocked her nose and followed Mira out.
"You drank and ate everything we did," Faris protested. "I watched."
"Not before dinner you didn't," Violet stated. "Before dinner, it was just the seven of us. Are you curious what I gave everyone for an appetizer as we walked down the stairs?"
Faris slammed his hands on the table. "You're lying."
"I wish." Violet met the eyes of the other two council members. "Time for your test. Do you know why arinmint is illegal to export? Why it's against the rules to take outside of Aretia?"
Faris glared at his wife. "The fucking tea." He turned back to Violet. "What do you want?"
"I want a lot of things," she stated. "I want to find the seventh breed. I want our war to end. We're fighting a war for the future of our world. This shouldn't be a competition. Logic and wisdom dictate that you assist us so you don't become us."
"It is your war," he growled.
Rosemary (?) leaned over and started puking. Talia couldn't choke back this sob.
"It will be our war," Violet corrected. "You think they won't come here once they've drained every last ounce of magic from our home?"
"We're safe," he said weakly. "We have no magic here."
Violet shook her head in pity. "Foolish, foolish man. They'll drain you."
"You call me foolish?" he demanded. "All I have to do is shout and my guards will be on us."
Andrea glanced to the door at the sound of slow footsteps. She nodded to Violet.
"They won't," Violet said evenly. "My sister is battle veteran. She's seen death and walked through rotting corpses. Cat has lived through the fall of Cliffsbane. You think they would be phased at the smell of vomit? If you yell, all you will find is silence."
The house shuddered from an impact outside. This was quickly followed by the silverware rattling roar.
"You had mediocre guards that. I have eleven lethally trained Riders and Fliers, four gryphons, and seven pissed off dragons. And those guards have all fallen to my soldiers. The odds are in my favour."
Faris blanched, his face almost the colour of the walls. "How do I know you're not bluffing? That what you've given us is deadly?"
She shrugged. "You don't. But as soon as your wife starts vomiting blood, I'm afraid the antidote won't do you any good. Time's ticking. Now is when you pray to Hedon, or whoever will listen that you were not as clever as you thought you were, because that's the only way he's going to let you out of this alive."
Faris narrowed his eyes as another wave rolled through him. "Why would I pray to Hedon you would be merciful?"
"Not me. Xaden. Sgaeyl is widely known as one of the most ruthless dragons in Navarre, and she chose him for a reason."
Without a breath, Xaden charged across the room and slammed Faris against the wall. This is followed by a bone crunching right hook.
"You were gonna poison her?" he demanded. "Gonna kill my brother? My family!" He drew a blade and placed it at Faris's neck.
"No," Violet told Xaden. She walked over and pulled him back. "Look at me. Look. At. Me." She whispers something to him and he backs off from Faris. He walked away, past the guards and leaned beside the door.
Violet looked to Garrick. "Can you get everyone ready to fly?"
He nodded. "Greycastle, go let the others know. Durran, get everyone's shit together. Everyone else, we're moving out."
The group left, leaving Xaden and Violet with the triumvirate and his mother.
"Did you really have to kick my leg?"
Andrea looked into Garrick's eyes. "I won't apologise for trying to save your life."
He rolled his eyes. "A little dramatic, don't you think?"
Andrea gave him a side hug and nudged his arm with her head. "No."
