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Well, perhaps not, but he was framed by the sun streaming through the wide open doors of the Runturin in such a way he was all ethereal and glittery. Not glittery, but glowing. His face was chiseled, angular, and perfect, all of that tanned skin stretched over features finer than I had ever seen. Deep blue eyes met mine, a perfect jaw tight even through his smile as he stood there, hand still outstretched as I sat there with my mouth hanging open, splayed out on the stairs.
He looked like he was from another time, or perhaps from another realm. His tunic and breeches were dark silk, but he wore no cape as was the fashion, his sword the old style rapier the Boy and I still sparred with at times. I could just make out what looked like golden lines on his neck and wrists, what looked to be gleaming tattoos hidden by his tunic. His hair was clearly long and not the short crop that men in our court favored. It was pulled up into a braided twisted style I had never seen. In fact, nothing about him was like I had seen.
He had to have been from one of the visiting realms for the wedding. It was the only thing that made sense. The exotic beauty, the weird clothes and sword. The way his eyes shone like diamonds in the light that filtered through the open doors of the Runturin.
Perhaps that was a little ridiculous.
“Are you alright, love?” he asked in an unfamiliar accent.
I stared at him, something in my brain floating away like a boat in his eyes.The Boy cleared his throat and I jumped, my brain thankfully clicking into place.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I reached up, grabbing his hand which was softer than I expected it to be. Warmer.
The second my skin made contact with him warmth flooded through me like a million stars, pops of light that pricked over my skin. You would think I had never touched a man's hand before. Well, actually, I guess I hadn’t.
Besides Batian and Father the only other hand I had touched is the Boy’s, and his were always gloved.
I shivered at the touch, because of course I did when faced with a neighboring royal who looked like he descended from the Ether.
“Good, I’m glad. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on everything that’s coming,” he whispered, staring from me to my hand before he dropped it, wiping his hand on his overly embroidered breeches.
There went all that starry feeling. He may look like an angel, but he was like all the others. He had no idea who I was, and he didn’t care.
“Well, love, if you will excuse me. Until we meet again.”
He bowed quickly before he bolted past me, the door opening for him as if he was expected.
As if he was wanted.
I stood, still in shock and pain, watching those doors close again, and watching absolutely everything in my life get locked behind it.
Chapter 13
Elara
Istood there for much longer than was necessary, staring at that wooden door, listening to the revelry on the other side, smelling the food, wishing that this was some cruel joke, that the doors would open and I'd be invited in.
They never opened. Batian didn’t come. No one came.
For all I knew, Batian didn’t even realize I was gone. It was a small consolation he was having so much fun he didn’t notice my absence.
He deserved the celebration. He deserved not to worry.
Exhaling, I didn’t even bother to pick up my skirts as I trudged back to my room, the silence a painful weight as the Boy followed behind on silent feet.
The second we entered our rooms he went right over to his space, grabbing the wooden swords and holding one out to me. I knew it would help as much as he did, it had so many times before, but this time was different somehow.
This wasn’t her usual punishment or lies or prodding comments. I had literally been shut out of my life.
Like I was a flea-ridden dog.
They showed me the steak, then ripped it away laughing.
The thought winced through me, pain and rage mixing together in a heat that was penetrating down to my bones, trapped behind the numbing shock.
Shock that boiled and stewed.
I walked by the Boy and the swords, shutting the door to my room behind me without saying a word. I didn’t even bother to lock it.
