Frowning at the wariness in her tone, Lucenna and the others followed Dyna’s quick stride through the courtyard to the front of the estate.
A mob of Elven nobles was gathered outside of the gates. All were dressed finely and handsome as most elves were, but they were arguing amongst each other and with the Norrlen Guards preventing them from entering.
“We have a right to see Her Grace!”
“I must know that she is safe and well!”
“Give her my name. That is enough to request an audience with her!”
Immediately, Lucenna was annoyed by their raised voices and demands. She might have thought them residents of Sellav, but the main path to the estate was lined with carriages and personal guards wearing the livery of the Houses they served.
Lucenna frowned. “Who are they?”
“Trouble,” Dyna replied. She glanced at Klyde and Von. They nodded at her silent order, and headed for the estate, Keena fluttering after them.
“I take it these are the suitors Raiden had mentioned?”
“They must have heard about Rawn’s capture and assumed Lady Aerina is a widow, or about to become one,” Dyna said. “Now every eligible noble is petitioning for her hand. She was nearly taken by force once, and she is at risk of that happening again.”
How dare they? Rawn was still alive, but they were already flocking around his wife and his land like vultures. Now they demanded to see her as if their nobility gave them that privilege.
They only saw Aerina’s status as a means to raise their own. It reminded Lucenna too much of women in the Magos Empire being used as currency for power. They didn’t have rights there as they did here.
“The others have gone to safeguard her in case anyone makes it past the guards,” Dyna said.
Electricity crackled on Lucenna’s skin. “I will flay anyone who takes a step past those gates.”
They headed for the entrance at the same time Eldred appeared at the top of the stairs to the estate. He marched past them to the gate as Raiden galloped up the road on his white steed. He yanked on the reins, and the horse reared, making the nobles quickly draw back.
Raiden dismounted. “My mother is not available to see any guests.”
“Until when?” one asked.
“Indefinitely,” he gritted out. “I am the Lord of Sellav. If you come for a matter of trade or other relevant concerns, you may request an audience with me. Otherwise, get off my land.”
Laughter broke out among the nobles.
“You?The Lord of Sellav?” The retort came from the tallest elf with light brown hair flowing down to his shoulders. A silver circlet on his forehead brought out the gray in his ashen blue eyes. He came to the front of the crowd, shadowed by guards dressed in armor, their chest plates marked with the same sigil of a sassafras leaf sitting above a half crescent of stars embroidered on his cape. “I have horses older than you, lordling. They would better serve to protect Sellav, as we all see the very poor stateyour landis in.” He curled his nose at the charred earth. “There have been rumors of all sorts of … illguests… stirring conflict in these parts.” His gaze traveled over Lucenna and Dyna, his mouth curling. “Yet we are no more welcome than whatever miscreants you have allowed through your door.”
Eldred gave them a look. “Stay here,” he said before slipping past the gate.
Lucenna scoffed at the old elf, thinking he could give her orders. She followed him out with Dyna.
“The state of Sellav is none of your concern, Varden,” Raiden said informally, foregoing his title. “What do you want?”
Smirking, the elf noble straightened the front of Raiden’s tunic. “I came for the same reason these other fine gentlemen have. To court your mother.” Varden patted Raiden’s cheek hard enough to hear the claps, and Lucenna saw every muscle in his neck tense. The Norrlen Guards reached for their hilts but halted at Raiden’s motion. “Now be an obedient son and run off to let her know the Karheim House has come to call. Whatever problems have befallen on Princess Aerina’s lap, I will see them removed.” Varden turned his back, chortling to the others. “After a score of celibacy, she must be pining for someone with the right vigor to share her bed.”
Lucenna hissed under her breath. Oh, that vile?—
Raiden jerked forward with his teeth clenched.
“No, my lord!” Eldred shouted.
Karheim Guards pointed their spears at them, and the Norrlen Guards immediately drew their weapons. Oh, well, if they wanted a fight, Lucenna filled her hands with electricity. A black wolf appeared at her side, snarling.
Everyone fell still, tension filling the silence.
Varden laughed. “Careful, lordling. You may look like your father, but we both know you’re no warrior.”
