My hands start to clam up as the idea of outsiders coming into my court hangs over me, but we're running out of time. Heaving out a sigh, I look back over to him, "the clan leaders. We’ve gotten an acceptance from General Imir and are waiting on the response from King Eloden. What’s a few more public officials?"
"I’m not sure I would call the clan leaders public officials–” I give him a sidelong look, his voice trailing off before he walks over to me and presses the back of his hand to my forehead, “are you feeling alright? Maybe I should get Marjorie…"
My eyes roll, and I shove off his hand, "I'm fine, Monty. Areyoualright? You look like you haven't slept in weeks."
"Have any of us?"No, I suppose not.I think to myself. "You are sure that you want everyone here?"
I nod even though everything in my body is screaming'no!', it’s a necessary evil. Armond dips his chin, muttering something about calling the council back together.
Slumping down into my seat, I wait, and it’s not long before I sense Rorin. Without even needing to look up, I know he's entered the room, my awareness of him almost instantaneous.
My sense is confirmed when I hear him whisper, “what big news does her highness have for us now?” I glance up to find him talking with Armond — whose lips are tight, not offering Rorin any response – and I snort.
He turns around, his expression curious, when he catches me watching. A familiar, soft presence strokes along the seal, and I frown.“When have you ever asked permission to invade my thoughts?”
“Figured it would be a nice change of pace.”He quips.Hmph.“Want to tell me what this meeting — so quick after the last one — is about?”
“You’ll see.” I voice out loud accidentally, earning myself a few stares.
His deep laugh rumbles down the seal, rattling around inside my head,“I understand that you’re not used to rulingwithsomeone — but typically, it’s polite to share your decisionsbeforecalling a council.”
My eyes roll back, and I stand, folding both arms across my chest in the process,“and typically it’s polite to wait for the other person to show up at the weddingbeforemarrying them.”
Rorin’s eyes flash, and I can’t decide if it’s with hurt or humor.“I thought you’d forgiven me for that.”
"Mmm."
“At least that’s what I understood from you screaming my name until your throat grew raw last night.”
Astounded by his boldness, my mouth drops, and I snap,“but was it from pain or pleasure?”
He stalks over to me, the energy around him darkening. I keep my face forward, and my chin raised, ignoring the heat pooling in my stomach from his weighty stare. Moving my chair out of his way, Rorin positions himself flush against my back, effectively invading my space.
The proximity makes it significantly more difficult to focus on keeping my scowl. My restraint threatens to snap when his fingers brush the hair off my shoulder, making room for him to drop his mouth down and press a kiss there. Shamelessly, he follows that kiss by grazing his lips up the column of my throat,resting them at the shell of my ear.“Does it matter? You would have left a mess either way.”
"You…" I hiss underneath my breath, losing my grip to look over my shoulder at him. There's an all too cocky grin spread across his cheeks, and I elbow him back, desperate to put distance between us as the rest of the council members begin to file in and take their seats.
"A-hem… Eveera."
My attention snaps over at Armond's voice, where he's pointing to the entrance of the room. A stern-looking Felix stands under the arch, his foot tapping as he waits for me to start the meeting thatIcalled.
"We all have things to get on with — so I'll make this short. Suram has accepted our invitation, their Consul General Imir will be arriving here in Obsidian shortly, and I have hope that King Eloden and the clan leaders will join him.” A few gasps echo around the room, and I bite my tongue, careful to keep my response more polite than I would usually.
Diplomacy and all.
"Obsidian for the first time since…” My words trail off, stopping the crack building in my voice. “A-hem.Anyways,since war waits for no man, we’ll be temporarily opening our doors to forge a few deals that will bring an end to the tyrannous effect of Baelor."
An irritated sigh sounds from the end of the table, and the serpents on my skin rattle in response. Swiveling my head, I meet my councilwoman Alina's frustrated glare. A sadistic and satisfied laugh bubbles out of me as I recall the last time she sat at this table. From across the room, Felix gives me a warning look, but I ignore it, finding this opportunity too hard to pass up.
Slinking around the table, I inch my way over to her slowly, faint whispers of fear radiating off the men and women seated close to her. My hands drop sharply on her shoulders, and sheflinches from my bruising grip, a high-pitched whimper passing through her lips as I lean over, putting us cheek to cheek.
"What's the matter, dear? Have something to say?" I hiss, grabbing underneath her jaw to jerk her face upwards. "Pity you can't speak — tongue still isn't quite right yet, hmm? I hear growing them back can be abitch."
"Nightmare,"Rorin calls down the seal, but I shut him out as well.
Drumming my fingers along the sleeves of her dress, I push away from her, her willowy frame lurching forward as I walk back to my place at the head. "As I was saying — this is atemporaryarrangement.”
"You’re certain about this?"Rorin prods, and I bob my head, not looking back at him.
