“I am aware that he is magical,” I smile broadly at the man for the first time tonight, ready to see how far his curiosity goes, “as was the place I found him...”
Arens narrows his gaze on mine, silently working through my equally bold answer. I hold his gaze and give him an inviting nod, feeling Keane’s leg press against mine in caution.
“Forgive me, Lady Alexis,” Arens replies in small astonishment, “but are your travels your own? Born of your own desire?”
“Lady Alexis traveled on behalf of my father,” Keane replies as Stormfall extends his wings behind the Prince’s back, his black mass again causing the room to look at us in awe, “and she will continue her travels on behalf of the Kingdom.”
Arens finally removes his inquisitive gaze from mine to look at Keane, weighing his answer in silence. I can only envision the thoughts running through his head right now, no doubt still curious and wondering what a human woman is doing traveling to magical places and returning with magical beasts. I hide my amused smile and take a sip of ale, turning my gaze to Keane and Storm.
The two of them look so at ease in their bodies, two proud beings that command the room as they sit in silence. Keane relaxes in his chair and looks upon the Discerni with Storm on his shoulder, his face giving nothing away as he remains quiet for the majority of the conversation.
The Prince notices my gaze on him and turns to me with a smile. He brings his arm back around my chair with a small smirk and lets his fingers skim my shoulder, prompting me to roll my eyes at both him and the gesture. Arens watches the Prince’s movements just as quietly, his Discerni features retreating back into a mask of indifference as he slowly lifts his cool gaze off of Keane’s hand and looks back at me. The glance behind his eyes wants to ask more questions, so I brush my leg against Keane’s under the table, willing him to see that hidden look of curiosity, as well.
“Water, Lady,” the serving girl returns to the table and places the glass down. I nod to her in thanks just as Keane brings Stormfall down to the middle of the table with his hand.
“Excuse me for a moment,” he nods to Arens and then glances at the human girl with a smile, “I’m going to inquire into dinner.”
Keane stands as Arens promptly does the same, the Discerni bowing his head to the Prince as Keane walks away with the girl. The two of them don’t venture too far in the room and I notice that Keane angles the side ofhis body to me, smiling at both the girl and the innkeeper in a small conversation even though I know he’ll be listening to ours.
I give the Woodlands Discerni standing in front of me an inviting smile, knowing without a doubt that he’ll take his seat again and continue our small conversation. His glance is cool in return when he looks at me, though I’ve come to the understanding that the gaze is just a mask for the many thoughts running behind his eyes, just like Keane.
I give Arens a firm nod, letting him know that I’m open to listening to those thoughts. Arens’ small grin only affirms my suspicions again as I watch him take his seat, angling his back fully to the companions behind him and placing his elbows on the table in front of us. Stormfall puffs up his chest at the sight of the Discerni leaning so openly towards me, his wings spreading across the table once more as he stares back at him.
Let’s hear him out,I tell the Bird of Ash and tip the water in his direction,I’m curious tosee where this goes.
Stormfall looks at me for a brief moment before he turns and leans his beak into the glass, relaxing just slightly as he takes a few hefty drinks.
“It’s fascinating to see a human so embracing of our magic and magical beings, Lady Alexis,” Arens shifts forward in his chair, his eyes alight as he watches the two of us interact.
“Why do you consider it fascinating?” I ask, holding his gaze in a smiling challenge, “the magic and its creatures belongs to all of the Old World, do they not?”
Stormfall quickly moves his beady yellow eyes back on me at the comment.
“But humans are expected to stay away,” Arens narrows his eyes, “our Court expressly forbids humans to interact with magic.”
I chuckle softly at the Discerni with a nod, “as does Knowledge and the rest of the Old World. But tell me, Arens, because I feel we may share the same sentiment. Do you always do as you are expected?”
The Discerni lifts his brows before leaning forward in his chair in more interest, a genuine grin widening over his beautiful Discerni features as he assess me even more.
“You seem to be familiar with the royal family,” he states directly, unashamed of his improper statement and letting it rest between us in small challenge.
I grin back at him and lean forward myself, enjoying his forward curiousness.
“The King and Queen took me under their care after my parents died. I’ve lived in Castle Bardot at their pleasure for a while now, serving for some time in the Queen’s Ladies in Wait before traveling on behalf of the late King Zander.”
“And Prince Keane?” he inquires softly, his gaze dancing over my face and looking at my human angles. I watch as his eyes move slowly to my lips and then to my neck, taking in the curves of my attire that would have normally been hidden by the women of Woodlands.
“An unexpected surprise,” I nod to Arens with a small, knowing smirk, “but yes, familiar as well.”
Arens lifts one of his brows, not expecting the honesty in my answer. He watches me for a small moment and then sits back in his chair, openly beginning to laugh.
I lean forward in my chair again, smiling with him and hoping he’ll return my honest gesture with some of his own.
“And you and your companions?” I ask, “you noted the man was your cousin. Familiar as well?”
Arens keeps his smile and perceptive gaze on me, “Sir Bainov of Woodlands and his wife.”
I nod and bring my ale to my lips, “and his ill-mannered request?”
