Empire of Blood, page 9
part #2 of Armageddon Series
They made their way to the party’s location. A large chandelier hung overhead that was brightly lit. Smoldering red crystals were built into the walls of the hall, adding to the decor. As they got inside, Silver quickly let go of her hand.
She saw Araneus followed by a few others from the Force dressed in their formal uniforms with their badges of honor walking towards the temple in a single file line, walking in unison. Selena made sure to keep her stature and gave him a salute in respect when she and Silver walked by. Araneus did the same and ordered for those who followed him to wait inside.
His hair was slicked back and his face was clean shaven. His attire was neat and orderly; the golden trimmings were similar to the ones that were on her suit.
“I pray that you are well.” Araneus bowed.
Selena returned the gesture. “I am. I’m ready to leave at dawn at your command.”
“Excellent. I’m sure that Captain Altessa explained what will happen tonight before you and Azrael leave. After the feast is over, Vidar and I will have the eggs ready for you.”
Selena smiled at him. “Thank you, and for defending me and Thor.”
“I wish more would think like me in this regard. You’ve already proven yourself a war hero to me and my men. The Council wouldn’t care to hear this, but even if the trial ended with you going to the gallows, my men and I would have taken action. It was because of you that Alfheim was saved. You and Thor have the full support of the Force. I learned long ago that it’s wise to listen to a dragon, as they are wiser than any of us.”
Araneus led them through the temple doors and they were welcomed by all those who attended. The smell of the delicious banquet that was prepared for them lingered in the air. A long and wide table was prepared, topped with a white linen table cloth. Numerous platters filled with all sorts of food were lined in an orderly fashion. Those who were following Araneus earlier were mingling with the other guests.
Everyone was laughing and chatting among each other. Selena saw Vidar Helios from the corner of her eye. He sat at one end of the table while the Empress sat at the other. She kept herself calm and collective, but at the same time, she could not help but loathe him.
Silver leaned in and whispered: “He apparently dropped the investigation charges against your mother as well.”
“That’s quite generous of him.” Silver snickered at her sarcasm.
Vidar stood from his seat and cleared his throat. The noise subsided as he called out: “Attention everyone! I hereby present to you our new war hero, Andric Liongod, Captain Altessa, and my grandson, the General of the Imperial Air Force, Araneus!” Everyone applauded for them.
Selena whispered to Araneus: “I didn’t know he was your grandfather.”
“It’s not exactly something that I like telling anyone.” His tone was bitter. Selena could understand why and knew that he despised the man as well.
Selena watched as dancers lined up in the center of the hall in two lines of about seven couples, their partners facing each other. Men were lined up on one side and women on the other. One of the women near the musicians and the man on the other end of the line advanced forward towards each other at a four step count and they retired four steps backwards into place. They then advanced, joining both hands straight across and made a complete turn, and returned back into places. The next couple of those in the dance line followed this pattern. Selena grew even more nervous as she watched the dance continue with the partners going around each other in a do-si-do.
Selena watched as the head couple linked their arms together in the dance line and they turned around. The music was loud and vibrant as the musicians played their classical tunes for the dance.
General Araneus excused himself as he went over to a small group to socialize with. Among them was Azrael but he was quiet for the most part while he sipped his wine. However, she did not see Rahim or Niamh there. She wondered if they were on the way.
“I apologize if this seems a bit straightforward, but may I have next dance?” Silver asked.
Selena swallowed hard and nodded. “You may.” The two bowed to each other.
When the music started up again, Selena and Silver joined the other couples as they formed the two lines once more. Men were on one side, facing the women in the other line. When Selena stood on the women’s side, some of the ladies gawked and giggled at her. It was difficult to ignore them. She recognized some of the ladies from the parade earlier and noticed that they were also watching Silver with interest. Selena felt a little sting of jealousy, but Silver paid no attention to them. Instead, he kept looking at her.
It was as though he read her mind. “Don’t worry about them. It’s just you, and me right now.”
Selena’s face flushed and she attempted to smile.
The musicians were fuddling with their instruments, getting ready to play another musical piece. Selena and Silver exchanged glances; she fumbled a little in her spot, feeling nervous for dancing for the first time. The music started to play once more and everyone in both lines bowed to their partners.
Selena watched as he, and a few others from his line stepped up. She quickly followed suit, and they swirled around each other.
“I know I said it before, but even dressed like this, you still look very beautiful.” Silver remarked.
Selena blushed and turned away; the couples took the place that their partners were standing in before. She did her best to follow Silver’s movements; they held hands and spun around and stepped back into their starting position.
Although she was still a little nervous, she was understanding the movement and flow of that particular dance. All the while, Selena could tell that Silver was feeling the same way she was.
“I thought I was uneasy,” Selena said when she passed by him once more and they walked down the line beside each other, following the other couples in front of them, “may I ask what is troubling you?”
“I’m not nervous. Even if I was, it’s not worth mentioning.”
“You’re avoiding the subject entirely,” Selena observed, “surely you must be nervous if you’re that quick to dismiss the cause of it.”
“I wouldn’t necessarily consider it as troubling. If anything, I was merely reminiscing over our first meeting together when we had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance.” He paused for a moment but laughed. “I know that your dragon has been teasing you.”
Her face burned. “How did you know that?”
“From the vibes I was picking up between you two and how you reacted to Thor’s body language. You two may be able to speak mentally, but others can see from the outside as well when you two are communicating. Remember, I’ve been studying dragons for thousands of years!”
She did not want to offer her thoughts on the subject. It was as if Silver knew what her feelings were and he was trying to get her to confess.
She looked over and saw that Azrael had not really moved from his spot. “It’s a little strange. I didn’t think I would ever be traveling with Azrael anywhere, after all that’s happened.”
“Hmm. If you wanted, I could whisk you away from here! Or better yet, I could sneak along with you!”
Her hands trembled but she kept her poseur. “That would be highly inappropriate. Perhaps Azrael will keep his distance.”
“I pray that he hasn’t been too much of a nuisance to you.”
“It was just before I never preferred his company.” The two then stepped in rhythm side by side, following the other couples like before.
“And yet, you don’t mind mine, even when I first kissed you.”
“Were you regretting that?” Selena asked him.
“Not at all, but that also means you’re not either and that you’re admitting you love it when I’m here with you.” They circled one another before taking their places again.
“I never confirmed or denied the accusation.”
“You don’t have to.”
Their dance finished and everyone started clapping. Both Silver and Selena looked up at each other for a brief moment before she looked away and clapped as well. She couldn’t find the strength to return his gaze. She wasn’t sure what to do; walk away? Stay?
“You may join if you truly wish to,” Selena said, “in all honesty, it would definitely be better than having just Azrael on the trip.”
“I would absolutely love that.”
Selena continued to avoid eye contact. “Obviously that wouldn’t work. I know that you would have to stay behind to keep everything in line over here. Pardon me.” She gave him a quick bow before dismissing herself, leaving Silver behind.
The Pyre chimed ten times.
Azrael made his way to her through the common ravel. “I think I understand what you mean,” he said.
Selena reached past him to pour herself a glass of wine. “I’m honestly trying to make out his character.”
“What have you found out?”
She gingerly sipped her drink. “I think I may have been mistaken. I don’t believe him to be indifferent.”
Azrael sighed. “I’m sure that this is in regards to what you told me earlier then. I hope that Vidar doesn’t find out. The Divines forbid if he ever does. But you look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’ll be fine.” Selena felt such a convoluted mix of emotions. Silver confirmed that he liked her enormously. She was not sure on how to proceed or how she could face him again.
“I think you’re in danger of making him fall even more in love with you. I still don’t understand it.” Azrael took another drink and was about to walk away but stopped. “Captain Altessa is heading this way.”
Selena immediately set her glass down and made her way through the sea of guests. She grew more anxious with every step she took. Silver, waylaid by the number of attendants, made his way to Azrael. His eyes then searched for her, and Selena slipped outside.
She walked across the temple grounds and made her way past the water fountain, deep in thought. Her face grew pale when she heard Silver calling out her name.
Chapter 8
Rain started to fall.
Selena ran over to a nearby bench a few blocks away from the temple and sat down.
“Liongod!”
She looked up to see her Captain sprinting towards her, sodden and breathless. Out of reflex, Selena immediately stood up and gave him a salute but he dismissed it.
“Captain Altessa, what’s wrong?” she asked.
Silver stopped for a moment and took a deep breath. “I’ve tried my best but I can’t take it any longer. The last few months since you’ve joined the Force have been nothing but torture.”
Selena stared at him in astonishment. “I’m not understanding.”
Silver continued. “I didn’t realize it until after Kain and I confronted Azrael for what he did to you. When I heard that the Council discovered who you were, I panicked! I thought that I was going to lose you.
“You are perfect in every way possible. I hated and despised everyone I’ve met in my life but you… you were different. Your heart is pure. What I admire the most about you is that you are willing to fight for what you believe in and that you never give up on anyone. Even if the whole world is telling you that you’re wrong, it doesn’t stop you from fighting back. I come to you now because I need you to end my pain.”
“I… I still don’t understand…”
“I love you. Please, do me the honor of accepting my hand,” he said with passion.
Selena stared at him in utter shock, as she struggled through her own feelings. It was as if the world fell away, drained of all color but them, standing in the rain.
“I don’t believe that this is the proper time,” she stumbled.
“Why not? This is the perfect time!”
“The Council just uncovered who I really am and we’re preparing for a war. I don’t know if we could have a future together.”
Silver’s expression changed as if she slapped him. “Are you rejecting me?”
“No! That’s not it at all, I swear to you.”
“So, then you’re saying yes?” he asked with more optimism. She wanted to run over and embrace him, to tell him yes, but she didn’t want to put him through any pain if anything were to happen to her. She shared her thoughts with him on the matter. Silver then said: “Hmm. I understand, I really do. But here are my thoughts. For me, it would hurt more with having you reject me now and say, the Divines forbid, if anything did happen to you. That would cause more pain, as well as never being able to find closure. I would rather enjoy the time that I had being with you and knowing that you loved me as well.”
He reached out, grabbed her, and quickly embraced her.
She returned the gesture and buried her face into his jacket. “The last thing I want to do is to hurt you.”
He tightened his embrace. “I love you, and I wish to never be separated from you again. Please, let me hear you say yes!”
She tightened her grip on his jacket as her lips trembled to say the words back. “I love you too. Of course I will! But what about the General? It’s not like this could be kept secret for long.”
Instead of offering a reply, Silver gently touched her face and leaned in to kiss her. Their kiss turned passionate.
“Ahem.” Silver and Selena immediately pulled apart and looked over to see Azrael gazing at them with a judgmental stare. He said: “You’re lucky the General, or worse, Vidar didn’t come out just now.”
“How long have you been standing there?” Silver demanded.
“Long enough to know that you two will be court-martialed if you’re caught. I highly recommend coming back inside before Vidar and Araneus start to wonder.” Azrael gestured for them to follow.
“He always knows how to spoil a good time,” Silver said.
She smiled. She felt silly in even thinking the way she did earlier. It was completely unexpected, but it seemed as though Silver perfectly timed it for that evening, starting with accidentally bumping into her after getting ready for the party. He made her happier than she thought she could be.
Did Silver just ask you?
Did you know about this?
Yes. He asked me for my blessing after you left for the barracks earlier today. I find your concept of marriage to be more like an obsession. Asking someone to be with you forever and making it legally binding? Bah! You humans are rather dull.
What about the bond you and I share? Obviously it’s very different than marrying someone, but you still pledge your loyalty to the other until either one passes away or for eternity.
That’s different. The bond we share is for human and dragon, not for those of physical pleasure. For instance, we dragons may take many mates. However, of all the humans out there, I’m glad it was you that I bonded with.
She was overwhelmed with excitement, but a thought daunted on her. How would Thor be affected? She had read that some of the riders from history had families of their own, but it wasn’t too common. Typically, her first priority would be her dragon, as Thor and her were two halves of the same whole. Their connection was on the same level that a person’s self was above all else, followed by the spouse.
You will be fine. We are connected in both mind and spirit. If you think it’s a good idea, then chances are I will agree with you.
If only there were a lady dragon for you.
Hmm. I haven’t been keen on finding a mate for myself.
You’re also still kind of young too. She knew that dragons weren’t sexually mature until after their first year, and Thor was about seven months.
Enjoy your evening. I know that you and Silver must be happy and will want to spend time together to celebrate your new union.
Selena could tell that Thor seemed a bit jealous and slightly distant from his tone.
I don’t want you to think that I would forget about you.
He gave her a slight huff in reply.
When they finally returned, the dancing stopped and everyone sat at the prepared tables with food on silver platters waiting for them.
Vidar was already sitting at the very end of the first with a glass full of red wine next to him. He lifted up his glass to his lips and began to drink heavily.
Silver and Selena reached the table and he pulled out a chair for her before taking his. Intricate and delicate designs were etched into the wood frames.
The table tops were layered with trays of delicious food that made her mouth water. In the middle was a whole roasted deer with sprigs of rosemary and basil lining the platter. Grilled salmon and trout was served with lemons and limes. Soon, the honey glazed hams and game hens stuffed with breading were brought inside from the cooks. Mounds of rice and potatoes drenched in butter and spices lay before the guests. Countless cheeses and breads were displayed in baskets near the other varieties of salads and side dishes.
“I’m still unsure about having Azrael join you and Thor. Excuse me for being skeptical of the little bastard.”
“Silver!” Selena exclaimed, “Please, not in front of the Council.”
“I don’t care,” Silver said in a cheerful tone, “when Vidar is a sixteen-thousand-year-old demi-god then perhaps, but I make no promises to care even then!” He said this as if he were almost singing.
Luckily his remarks were drowned out in the rest of the chatter to where Vidar did not hear him; Selena was grateful for that.
Vidar clapped his scrawny hands together after he finished and announced: “Let the feast begin!”
Everyone at the tables dove into the mountain of food that was laid out. Platters of fruits, berries, and nuts were passed among the guests.
While she had the chance, Selena snatched some of the pieces of bread, meat, and some of the fruit before it was all gone.
“Do you think that Vidar already had it planned to keep me in the Force?” she asked.
“I’m not sure, but I could only hope so! If not, then I would have had to slice off his head and present it on a platter!” Silver said all too excitedly.
Selena flinched at his gruesome talk. “N… no!”
“I was only teasing!”
