(How Tris and Dra’arist first met)
The golden light of the eternal fire shielded the shadows of the library with resplendent contrast. The many tomes, their spines gilded and glittering were the only company the lone occupant needed. The gentle pink hands of Princess Tris Alia glided along the shelves, golden manicured nails scraping faintly as she absentmindedly tried for the one book that would soothe her boredom.
Tris gave a quick glance about the space, her lips quirking up into a mischievous smirk as her fingers found the exact volume she had been seeking. With a soft press, the book case clicked and loosened its grip on the wall, revealing an old doorway that Tris had found as a child. The princess slipped through and quietly closed the door behind her, careful to not let the shutting alert anyone of her presence. This was her secret, her little private entry into matters of politics and rule. The doorway led to a small balcony, long forgotten in the sloping ceiling of her father’s meeting room. Here Tris could crouch down, of course with a few snacks and her medwakh, and listen to the pressing matters of the kingdom.
“The western districts are in need of further refining. The population has been increasing exponentially and we may have to expand further than intended, but I doubt that will be of any difficulty.”
The City of Brass was vast and rich, its golden ogee domes and jeweled walls home to the greatest trading empire in known existence. Its legacy carried beyond planes, from Atyria to The Fae Wilds, if you were seeking then you would soon be finding it there. The current meeting was of course to discuss expansion, the Grand Sultan Marrake bin al-Nar Mansour was ambitious and Tris had kept a close eye on the plans her father had been making for the kingdom.
The meeting was full today, each member of the Sultan’s council present and attentive to his words. Tris settled down into her spot, now furnished with pillows and silks to keep comfortable, and listened intently. Her golden eyes darted here and there as each member spoke. Most of the council were fellow Genies like her father, but it would not be the trading hub it was without a sprinkling of other races from all across the planes. From the Infernal to the Fae, all walks of life had a voice under the Sultan.
“No difficulty at all Your Majesty, I have already accounted for expansion when first drafting the blue prints…” A voice, resonant and velvet sounded above the chattering assemblage. Tris’s brow furrowed and she pushed back her fuschia hair, adjusting her veil and crown to keep the wild curls from her eyes; she had not heard this voice before. She scanned the council, finally finding the speaker closest to her father’s seat.
“Dra’arist will provide guidance to masons and urbanists. Please see to it that the western districts are prepared for construction” The Sultan commanded, his voice pure authority. The council members agreed and were soon muttering amongst themselves.
Dra’arist was a drow, his deep purple skin and ivory hair stood out amongst the warm tones of the vast majority of council members and decor for the room, a shadow amongst the flames. Tris couldn’t help but stare at the elf, her eyes transfixed as he spoke with her father. She had heard that name before, he had to be The Architect, the one who designed the city itself. How had she never seen him before? The princess just assumed it was due to her not being allowed much access to the city and official matters, but surely he’d have been invited to banquets and other important events.
Tris was falling into her thoughts, when blood red eyes beckoned her from her rumination, and her heart leapt into her throat. He was staring at her. Dra'arist. His eyes were firmly locked onto hers. She was frozen in place, unsure what to do as he watched her, and she watched him. Should she run? Go back to her rooms and hope to all the cursed gods that he would not alert her father to her spying?
“Please…” She whispered, knowing he couldn’t hear her, but maybe he would sense her plea and pretend she wasn’t there. If her heart was racing before, it would soon reach concerning speeds as she watched Dra’arist smile. His thin lips pulled smoothly up and an eyebrow rose in curious amusement, and Tris could feel the heat rising to the tips of her ears. How long had they been staring at each other? For as quick as he had noticed her, he was once again looking to her father, talking about some official business or maybe even a witty anecdote. Either way, her secret was still just that.
The meeting ended as it usually did, with everyone bowing and disappearing in either a dramatic puff of smoke, or out the doors. Tris had slipped back into the library and let out a long sigh, leaning against her secret door as it clicked shut. She still wasn’t sure if the drow would tattle to her father, so she decided it would be appropriate to keep away from the balcony for a bit of time. No matter, she didn’t need to attend every meeting, and she could spend her time reading or practicing her combat skills. She decided that a nice book and some tea would be the perfect balm to her elevated pulse that evening.
“I am surprised to still find you here, Your Royal Highness…”
Tris spun around with a gasp, her eyes wide as the drow Dra’arist approached. Where had he come from? She was sure she hadn’t heard the door open. His crimson eyes were fixed upon her and that smile was once again present. He was handsome, his face angled and lined in a way where it was difficult to truly determine his age, though if his reputation was of any indication he was much older than he appeared.
“Sir…You startled me!” It was all Tris could manage to say, unsure if this man was friend or foe. The drow let out a low chuckle and he bowed elegantly, his long hair sliding down to frame his face, “My apologies Princess, but I could not help trying to find you after my discovery~”
His voice was silken, honeyed and cool, made of sweet ice. The princess couldn’t help a shiver as he straightened and looked around the library. “I am surprised anyone would find that little alcove…Good to see this palace’s secrets are still being discovered by its occupants. Oh…but forgive my impertinence Your Highness, I have a bad habit of growing attached to my projects~”
Tris watched him and felt her lips pulling into a small smile. Of course he’d know about the balcony, he designed the palace! She felt a little foolish, but it didn’t seem like he thought any less of her for her wariness.
“No no! Don’t apologize…You are the one who has caught me being improper, I would understand if you tell my father of my actions…” She cast her eyes down to the intricate carpet.
“I suppose that would be the proper thing to do wouldn’t it?” He hummed, Tris’ stomach sinking in response, “...Although, I also suppose I could keep this little secret of yours…In exchange for perhaps a cup of tea and your company?”
She had expected a lot of responses, but this one was not one of them. Her face must have been quite amusing as Dra’arist’s laugh startled her and she stared at him as he wiped his eye. Tris felt a laugh also bubbling up her chest, and she let the giggle escape her lips, her hand quickly covering them as she tried to compose herself. This man was a mystery that Tris was increasingly wanting to unravel. With a soft curtsy, she smiled softly and held out her hand.
“I think I can agree to your terms sir…”
“Dra’arist…please call me Dra’arist…”
His voice was practically a purr as he took her offered hand and brought it to his lips, the soft skin barely grazing them. Another shiver whispered its way up Tris’ spine and she bit her lip, an unraveling of her own beginning.
I am trying to write more :3 I hope y’all like it!
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