The beautiful man immediately turned on his heel and departed the room without another word.
Leander rubbed his face with his hand, watching him go before closing the door and turning back to Talia. “Now, you were about to tell me what you want,” he smiled, approaching the bed once more.
Chapter Four
King Caisa Aguilar of Vyrica was known for many things. Keeping his people well looked after was one of them, and having enough coin left over for extravagant parties was another.
The Talius family, due to their patriarch being the king’s chief advisor, was always invited to these parties. Flavian’s two eldest sons, with their own positions in the ruling court of Vyrica, had invitations, along with their wives and, where the occasion permitted it, their children.
That left Leander, who was newly mortal and, having never met his father until only a fortnight or so ago, was not yet afforded an official position within the aristocratic circles. Regardless, Caisa was very excited to meet him, and this next party was being thrown in his honour.
The children were disappointed that they were not invited to this event, especially Kira who, at twelve, thought of herself as one of the adults. Leander hadpromised all four children a day out to make up for their disappointment.
“You will conduct yourself with dignity tonight, Leander,” Lord Flavian murmured softly yet firmly, his tone suggesting severe consequences for his son if his words were not heeded and obeyed. “You will mingle, you will make polite small talk, you will drink no more than two glasses of wine and consume no further alcoholic beverages. And you will not embarrass this family.”
“Yes, Father,” Leander replied, working hard to keep the sullen edge out of his voice. Though he did nothing to stop the eye roll; he was walking behind his father so had no fear that he would be seen as being disrespectful towards his sire.
Verin saw, probably, but he said nothing.
The six of them arrived together and were announced into the room in order of importance.
Once they were all in the hall, Leander chose his favourite family member and followed Verin as the Talius lords split up to begin circulating.
Every event they attended was an opportunity for Flavian to spread his influence, after all, as Leander was fast learning.
The Talius family were some of the first to enter the grand hall, which was decorated with no expense spared for the event. It was magnificent, in a sickening way. The room had far more elaborately carved stone and woodwork than Leander thought possible in the mortal realm. Though he was not sure what he should have expected. Either way, he was more than a little impressed. Sort of.
Leander remained with Verin and Aerilyn for a while,meeting other guests and making polite small talk (just as his father had requested of him) before excusing himself from his brother’s side. Verin’s friends were all heirs and lordlings, not the type of people Leander could tolerate for very long. Especially when they simultaneously looked down on him and asked what could be considered to be rudely probing questions about his status as a fallen demigod.
The glass of sparkling wine, given to every guest on arrival by the circulating slaves, was gratefully received by Leander, who took a sip of his drink before looking around for someone who seemed interesting enough to talk to.
He had a strong notion of what he should be doing. His father and brothers had given him some instruction of formal court events. And half of the information was unnecessary for, although he had not spent much of his time in Saeren, Leander was well versed in the etiquette of nobility, having visited noble house upon noble house throughout Cariun in his wanderings as a god.
Ultimately, it turned out that he didn’t need to go looking for social groups to talk to. They gravitated towards him.
Soon, he was surrounded by curious noblemen and women who wanted to meet their patron’s son.
“You have never visited the city with your mother, why is that?”
“This is her city, not mine.”
“Do you offer your patronage elsewhere, then?”
Leander realised, suddenly, that the growing ache in his chest was not a physical ailment. He irrevocably missed his previous life as a demigod and couldn’t stand to talk aboutit. He resolved to do as Taskevi had commanded and become worthy of his domain.
“No. When I was… when I was immortal I quickly learnt that lies transcend borders. Also it’s worth pointing out that my mother and her siblings are a millennia old. Maybe older. I am but twenty-eight. I haven’t had the chance to, ah, sew my seeds.”
“I did not realise you were so young.”
“And he’s not even the youngest member of the divine court.” A new addition to the group appeared at Leander’s right and clapped him on the shoulder. “Lord Leander, it’s a pleasure to meet you. If you wouldn’t mind my stealing him, ladies and gentlemen, my father would love to make our esteemed guest’s acquaintance.”
Remembering himself, Leander quickly bowed at the head in greeting to the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Vyrica, Lucien Aguilar. “Your Highness, the pleasure is entirely mine.”
Lucien smiled softly. “There is no need to be so formal, Leander. Unless you desire for me to call you ‘Myracle’ all evening.” He paused, considering. “Though I suppose that would be inappropriate given your mortal status. ‘My lord’ then?”
“Yes, I would quite agree, let us dispense with the formalities,” Leander said, deciding the prince was appropriately down to earth. He liked him. Leander had never enjoyed the honorific ‘Myracle’ and neither had his mother. She had gone to great lengths to impress upon him that respect was earned, not taken. It seemed Lucien was of equal educational pedigree.
“Good. I am glad we could reach such an accord. Idespise being held to a higher standard simply by virtue of my birth. I hope to earn it through following in my father’s footsteps. My people deserve that from me.”
