They wanted to see if I was a threat or not,Adrion confirmed to himself.
The night did not seem to have gotten worse, he could still remember the familiar scent he caught when he was finally in Celast. The scent had led him to bloody Colfe and a rather delicious stranger. He would have offered her a place in his sheets if it weren't for his name already arranged before birth to another.
Izlana.
Not that this stopped him from inviting other women to his bed in the comforts of the hidden rooms in the Golden Castle. He simply did not love her, but he would play the part he needed to if it meant securing an alliance for his kingdom.
The warmth Merlanis held was nothing compared to the heat Apollo endured, the weather was pleasant compared to the blistering waves his kingdom offered.
He could already sense the mirth that radiated from the arena. The excitement, the laughter, the noise. Lord Dritan had made it clear that he'd show the prince three selected men that he would, unfortunately, have to choose from. With the permission from the master of the arena, the men will show their skills during the show.
The discreet grey cloak he wore above his golden cape did not weigh him down as he made his way to the magnificent marquee. Even to a royal like himself, he found it impressive. Beautiful hunter green with markings of gold. The gold was to honour him, his arrival—yet Adrion felt the gold had spoiled the pleasantry of the marquee. No matter how devastatingly enchanting it looked. Inanov waited near the entrance with the rest of his men dressed for the occasion. They all looked like symbols of Apollo. It would be pathetic if no one could already tell who was to be attending. He could already hear Akiel andHulin bickering about what type of powers the freaks of the arena might have.
Inanov directed the prince through the crowd who stared in awe at his soldiers, barely sparing a look at the mysterious grey cloaked man among them. It was just how he had wanted it. He neared another entrance where there was a significant amount of guards that began to open a heavy golden drape for only Inanov and the prince to go through. Adrion was glad to have noticed the seating arrangements made for him. He didn't need power hungry folk panting by his feet.
The arena was getting louder. People began cheering and more spectators swarmed in. Adrion moved past Inanov in the dimly lit pathway that led to a big balcony that gave an impeccable view of the arena. Music had started. This was the liveliest of the three memorised songs Apollo did not deem forbidden. A drummed beat that was powerful and fuelling. People stared at the balcony in question as the grey cloaked figure approached. Adrion had worn many different masks in front of many different people. He had always worn a mask around his father. His tutors. His betrothed. His men. And the biggest mask of all that he had perfected was the mask he wore in front of his kingdom, his people. Among those who came to spectate. With grace and power. He discarded the dull cloak. Chin held up high. A posture of steel.
The spectators gasped.
And all...
All.
Every singledamnedone of them erupted in roars of excitement. The people of Merlanis gazed upon the Apollon Prince's glory. The prince had shone. And they felt his prowess. One of the abilities from his royal bloodline was already at work. The small drop of fae lineage echoed and sang.
He had made the whole arena feel his strength, his power as the first born Prince of Apollo, even though according to his father, this would be a mere party trick of what little fae blood can do. Adrion's eyes glowed red. His silver hair, shining like the brightest star among the midnight sky. His sun kissed skin glowed with ethereal beauty. With a knowing smirk, he sat on the velvet padded couch. He looked regal as he propped his leg up, his golden cape fluttering over. The scene was like a painting in the halls ofRiaan. A golden prince, with red devil eyes. And the hair of an angel. Sprawled along a couch, with power that shone on those who caught a glimpse of him. Adrion sat there with a sense of authority. The authority he knew; he was entitled to. The music grew louder. Powerful. Welcoming his grand entrance into the arena. His white shirt was adorned with golden markings. His muscles straining against the fabric.
Deadly. That's what he was. With or without magic. He would always be.
The women in the arena were entranced and many were already daydreaming of what it would be like to be closer to such beauty and power. His gaze might have been seen as welcoming, with the smirk of a smile.
But no.
It was calculating. Regarding every single thing in his line of vision.
Chapter 13
Heavenly fire: Part 1
Adrion
"It was quite a performance you gave, Your Highness," a deep voice acknowledged.
A voice that belonged to Kadmus Dritan. Adrion noticed the slight shimmer of the armour he wore. The man had a particular aura to him. The type which you could sense the authority he held. The lord's eyes were hard and mildly amused.
"That?" Adrion raised an eyebrow. "I barely consider a warm welcome, a performance," Adrion boredly answered with a sly smile. He relaxed further into the couch he was sprawled on, still looking powerful while he did it.
"Of course, Your Highness," Dritan said with a slight edge to his voice and then bowed.
It was only then that Adrion regarded the slim woman by his side, a pretty one.
"Would you care to introduce me to your... consort?" Adrion nodded, moving closer to grant her a charming smile. He watched Dritan's reaction closely. Dritan tensed, something protective passed over his eyes. Adrion caught onto that look immediately. The woman had a stone-faced expression, holding herself up with pride.
"She is not my consort. Miss Fala here is the arena master."
Adrion contained his surprise, but he did not hesitate to analyse the woman more. He did not expect the arena master to look like this, he expected a big, luggish brute.Fala.The arena master dipped her head down only slightly and barely lowered herself to a bow.
"Welcome tomyarena, Prince of Apollo. You've grown since I last saw you." He could detect a slight curved accent from her tone with familiarity gleaming in her eyes.
