Chapter Text
Of course the Council hadn’t seen fit to pay attention to Seren’s reading of the sky patterns. Why would they; she was merely a chamberlain to Sonia, who’d yet to be given a title because she wasn’t of age. The Grandmaster’s daughter grimaced. She was only a matter of days away from turning seventeen; why postpone her family’s titles because of some historical traditions of which there were barely any records?
No matter. There was some satisfaction to both Sonia and Seren that the latter’s reading had not just been correct, but had noted the timing of the Descension down to the hour. She adjusted the stay of Sonia’s outfit before tightening the string of the bodice just so—after all, the Grandmaster’s daughter needed to breathe.
“I’ve heard that these people are called Zonai,” Seren said softly as she opened the wardrobe. “One of the kitchen maids said that they seem to favor green… They’re all adorned with some shade of it.”
“I’ll wear the red one. From Mother’s last birthday?” Sonia braided one side of her hair without even a shard of looking glass.
Seren grinned as she pulled out the dress in question. “It compliments your hair and skin, my lady.”
Sonia scoffed. “Please, Seren. When it’s just us, call me by my name.”
“Sorry, Sonia. I really do think the red is lovely on you, though. I hope the Zonai like it.”
Her hands paused just as she was about to begin braiding the other side of her hair. She didn’t blame Seren for voicing the sentiment—the Zonai liking her family and the way they carried themselves could prove very beneficial to the people of Termina—but… Something about it didn’t quite sit right. Truth be told, none of it quite made sense. Who were these Zonai, and why had they come here when they had paradise in the sky? What being in their sober mind would leave such a place to come… Here? To this land that had been wrecked by monsters and natural disasters repeatedly? Her long, pointed ears twitched on hearing footsteps come down the hall.
A polite, but loud, knock on her bedroom door. “Sonia? Are you almost ready?”
“Just about, Father - finishing my hair and rouge. Mother was always particular about the rouge, you know, and given how monumental this day is for the kingdom, I thought it prudent to follow her guidance.” She pulled each braid upward, wrapping them into an elegant bun, leaving some pieces of her hair to frame her face.
Grandmaster Zarak hummed thoughtfully. “Of course. Do mind your tongue, would you? I don’t often mind your force of will, but these Zonai may have completely different standards than our own. We wouldn’t want to offend them.”
“Yes, Father.” Sonia slipped into her shoes, brushing any remaining wrinkles out of her dress. “I’ll be as prim and proper a lady as Mother.”
Seren opened the door; she followed behind Zarak and Sonia quietly, writing on parchment at an unusually rapid pace. Once they reached the dining hall, the chamberlain quietly excused herself to attend to other affairs, ensuring that the evening would go as smoothly as possible.
Zarak and Sonia inhaled together with apprehensive smiles. Though the Council had been established for about twenty years now, this was its first time facing an encounter with a people from far beyond their own borders. They straightened their backs, squared their shoulders, and walked to their seats. Heads high and proud - befitting those who would soon become the heads of the Council, if not something of higher prestige.
Sonia couldn’t suppress her surprise (though she did keep the expression of it proper, as per her etiquette lessons in childhood). Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped ever-so-slightly as she took in the sight of the Zonai royal family. Not a single word had reached her about their appearance. They looked… Different. Very long ears - much longer than those of her people - all dotted with ornate piercings. Their… Skin? Scale? Fur? Was an odd combination of grey and green, which was strangely complimented by their white hair. One of them in particular had long hair, intricately plaited with metal rings throughout, and visible pieces of the underside showing a darker blond than Sonia’s own.
That Zonai watched her with a curious expression as she sat at the head of the table with Grandmaster Zarak. Under normal circumstances, she would be clinging to every word of her father’s speech, but this evening was not a normal circumstance, and thus, she just wanted to look.
‘A woman’s eyes are just as important as her ears,’ her mother had once said. ‘Men love to talk and rouse their own feathers - but they don’t see anything until they’re in battle. Their eyes could save them so much trouble. That’s why women have to see on their behalf, since they’re too stubborn to pay attention.’
Remembering the wisdom of her mother, Sonia looked to see. She saw the members of the Council - some agitated with furrowed brows and tightly pursed lips, while others were nervously folding their napkins. She saw a multitude of untitled citizens, dressed in their best attire, who were absolutely pleased to be there and grateful for shelter from the coming rainstorm. They’d even brought their children, who were behaving quite well given the formality of such an evening. Several women stood in the farthest corners of the room to feed their babies with a modicum of privacy.
“I thank all of you kindly for your patience during these formalities. I know I can be long-winded at times,” Zarak said after some time. Members of the Council and some of the citizens chuckled at that. “Please, feel free to mingle and talk amongst yourselves as we eat!”
Sonia stood, excusing herself politely, and headed toward the women in the back of the room. “Do any of you need help with your little ones so you can enjoy the evening?”
“Lady Sonia! You should be talking with the Zonai, not the peasantry!” A stout woman with dark hair, amber eyes, and pale skin was tapping her foot against the stone impatiently. The Council’s secretary, though by her bragging one would not be wrong to assume she was a courtier outright.
She turned, eyes narrowing. “Lady Brigide. I already have an appointment to speak with the Zonai family formally on the morrow. Termina is only as strong as the poorest and most vulnerable among us. If it weren’t for these women, the men simply would not be able to do very much! It is these women - and other women like them - who allow for things to keep moving in proper order. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would like to help Ada with her baby so she can have a proper meal.”
At the long, ornately carved table where the Council and Zonai royal family talked and feasted together, the eldest sister smiled. “I like her already. She’ll fit in nicely with our people. What do you think, Rauru?”
“I think you speak a little too bluntly, Mineru. We’ll see how she fares in a more formal setting on the morrow.”
Mineru’s smile would have turned into laughter had she not chosen to sip her wine and take another bite of the roasted pork on her plate. She knew her younger brother much better than he thought she did—and she could tell how he felt about things. Though not great as of yet, there was a degree of admiration swelling up in him; the way he watched the Grandmaster’s daughter throughout the evening nearly gave him away.
By the time Seren had knocked on Sonia’s chamber door, she was already in her shift, carefully sipping on a cup of tea as she watched the sunrise.
“Which dress will you wear today, my lady?”
Ah. Others were coming in - two ladies-in-waiting shortly followed behind Seren, muttering back and forth about how to style Sonia’s hair. Sonia pursed her lips as she set her teacup down; as much as she enjoyed certain matters of court, the process of getting ready to attend meetings was something she nearly loathed most of the time. Last night’s feast had been the exception, as Seren had let her style her own hair and the gown she wore was one of great beauty and importance — and more than that, it was easy to put on.
“Father asked me to wear one of the true court dresses. Do you know what color would best compliment that shade of green the Zonai are fond of?”
Seren tapped her cheek with a finger as she thought about it. “You do have a rather lovely high-collar one with multiple shades of pink. The one with the white train?”
Ah. Sonia remembered that dress fondly. Her grandmother Sophie had made it for her in the spring, blessing it with promises of good fortune and a bright disposition as she sewed. The older woman had sadly died at the beginning of summer, a combination of her old age and a coughing sickness that made it hard for her to breathe. Yes. That would be the dress Sonia wore this day; formal enough to appease even the Council’s high standards, yet very comfortable and lovingly created.
Seren slipped the pannier over Sonia’s head and tied it-back, then front, then back again-making sure all parts of it fell in their proper place. Then the dress, with its dark pink bodice and modest white sleeves; its dark blue apron with red embroidery; and its long, elegant white train.
The ladies-in-waiting brushed Sonia’s hair before pulling it high, placing a brass ring on the back of her head to hold it in place. The outfit was accessorized with a pair of low-heeled shoes, and her golden tiara centered by a red jewel in the shape of an upside-down tear. They bowed and headed out of the room to assist Brigide and the other ladies of the Council in preparing for the day ahead.
Sonia powdered her face, applied the rouge just how her mother taught her, and lightly put a colored salve on her lips. “Do you think they’ll be satisfied?” she asked Seren as she put on her gloves. “I hate to think that they wouldn’t... This is one of the finest pieces of clothing I own.”
“Did you see how the one Zonai looked at you last evening?”
She stopped pacing. “In what way do you mean?”
“After you gave Lady Brigide that tongue-lashing, he was watching you. I wouldn’t dare to say he seemed besotted, but he was most assuredly interested and keeping an eye on you.”
Had her father—or anyone else on the Council, for that matter—noticed that Zonai’s behavior? If they had, they would surely be arranging an engagement… Wouldn’t they? Certainly word would have reached her by now. Many eyes and ears in the castle were loyal to her, even above their fealty to Grandmaster Zarak. Perhaps that would be the true purpose of the day’s meeting. Though she would be reticent, she would agree. Her duty even from infancy was to agree to such a betrothal, to benefit the people of Termina as well as the people of whatever land came with the best proposition.
Wait a moment.
“About the Zonai you claim had their gaze upon me… Seren, are you certain they are a man?”
She nodded. “Yes, Sonia. Though I was convinced of his gender by his voice, the other Zonai royals referred to him with terms such as ‘brother’ and ‘son’.”
A nervousness overcame Sonia, and she sat on her vanity chair, popping her knuckles with great agitation. Seren gently took her hands, massaging some of the tension out of them.
“I wouldn’t be too worried just yet, Sonia. He seems very kind. Amenable, though he seems to be gaining a fine edge on his wit if what Lady Mineru said has a ring of truth to it.”
Oh, confound it, why hadn’t her father introduced them to her so she could know their names?
“You were minding the children so the women could eat,” Seren reminded her. “Knowing you as well as I do, I imagine that you’d do it again. Beyond that, today’s the day for the formal greetings. Would you like to know what I know of their names?”
Sonia exhaled. Thank goodness for having a chamberlain. They’d been close friends since childhood, and the position was a surety that Seren would never go without her needs again. ‘I don’t envy your status,’ she said on her first night in the castle. ‘It’s too much work, and I’m not sure I’d be suited to marriage anyhow.’ That was all she’d ever said about the topic.
“The Zonai king and queen are named Atreyu and Suzu, respectively. Outside of today’s meeting, it doesn’t seem like we will see much of them. They’ll be discussing matters of the highest order with Grandmaster Zarak and select members of the Council. I’ve already mentioned Lady Mineru; she’s the Zonai with more cat-like features, closer to those of King Atreyu. I was only able to learn her name because I accidentally bumped into her on my way out of the wash room. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the son’s name. When I did hear him in conversation, his name was never brought up - and of course my duties had me darting every which way.”
King Atreyu. Queen Suzu. Lady Mineru. The three names ended in ‘u’, so it was likely the son’s did as well. She wouldn’t be able to guess it, however; Zonai names originated from a different language than her own. What a predicament to have found herself in! Not even a full day from their arrival, and she’d already committed a slight against them by failing to learn their names on her own. Zarak was probably furious.
Five taps on the door, in the rhythm of a song from her ancestors. “We will be having a light morning meal before the meeting. Nothing that will mess our attire, of course.”
Seren squeezed Sonia’s hands one more time before opening the door, then ducking out to head toward the library. Zarak gave a quick glance at Sonia’s appearance, humming to see that it was even more than he expected.
“Very good. You look just like your mother when she was your age, or slightly older.”
Sonia beamed as she took her father’s arm. “I have to admit, I am a touch apprehensive. I’ve already committed a slight against the Zonai royal family by not learning their names until just a moment ago. Even with that knowledge, I’m still unsure of the son’s name.”
To her utter surprise—and some dismay of embarrassment—Zarak laughed. “While that may be an offense in our culture, the Zonai seem to pay no mind to that particular piece of etiquette. As it turns out, they have a preference for self-introduction. It’s a touch… Casual… In comparison to our upbringings, but I find I don’t terribly mind it. Talking with the Zonai royal family is much more comfortable than talking with most members of the Council. Yourself being an exception.”
“I’m not quite part of the Council just yet, Father,” Sonia reminded him with a slightly unladylike snort. “Remember, I’ve not come of age. Far as I’ve heard it, I likely wouldn’t be allowed on the Council until I turn twenty!”
They paused, composing themselves before letting themselves into the smaller dining room adjacent to the kitchen. Two plates of honey cake, buttered bread, and poached eggs were ready at the table. Spice and jam jars were close at hand, should either of them feel the need to add such flavors to their food. Breakfast was a quiet affair, with both the Grandmaster and his daughter lost in much thought.
Seren cleared her throat from the entryway leading to the main halls. “The Zonai royal family is ready to start the meeting; Lady Brigide is escorting them to the drawing room now. By her words, they were feeling a touch of nerves and needed time to prepare themselves for this meeting.”
For some reason, that helped Sonia feel better.
The walk to the drawing room felt both impossibly long and incredibly short. Lady Mineru walked ahead of her family, just meeting Sonia and Zarak at the entryway.
“Good morning, Grandmaster Zarak. Lady Sonia. I hope slept found you well.” Mineru bowed from the waist in quite a rather graceful manner, her ears moving forward slightly.
“Good morning to you, Lady Mineru.” Sonia curtsied deeply. “Sleep found me quite well, and I hope the same for you and your family.”
Zarak’s gestured for the honored guests to walk ahead of him with a bow. “We’ll have time for formal introductions in just a moment. For now, let us enter and be seated. King Atreyu, Queen Suzu, I invite you to be seated first if that is your preference.”
“If that is your preference, we are happy to oblige,” Suzu said. She chose to sit on the larger chaise, hands in her lap. Atreyu followed suit and sat beside his wife.
Mineru placed herself at the desk next to the window, carefully setting her parchment and quill upon it. Ah. She would be taking notes from this meeting as well. A dedicated daughter if there ever was one, Sonia mused.
The son of the Zonai royal family (whose name Sonia still didn’t know) sat in one of the wooden chairs, crossing his ankles and tilting his head as if curious about something.
Sonia and Zarak sat in the plush chairs situated near the round mahogany table in the center of the room. “Is everyone comfortable?” Sonia asked. “Please, don’t hesitate to let us know if you need anything.”
“We’re fine, dear. Thank you. Lady Sonia, I am Queen Suzu. This is my husband, Atreyu.” They clasped hands. “At the desk is my daughter, Mineru, who I believe you greeted already. Over in that chair is my son, Rauru.”
Rauru. Although she knew him not at all, Sonia had the feeling that it suited him. They locked eyes for an instant, and his lips ticked upward. Sonia swiftly broke the eye contact by looking to Seren, who was grinning at her from behind everyone else.
“We could’ve introduced ourselves, Mother.”
“Watch your tongue, Mineru,” Atreyu told her with a gentle voice. “We’re in dignitary company.”
I empathize, Mineru. Sonia did, too—her father had scolded her the very same way, a great many time in fact. Far better to hear the gentle voice than the raised one in such chiding.
Zarak cleared his throat. “Good morning again to you all. I trust your morning meal was satisfactory. If there be any complaints, do speak to Seren - she’s Sonia’s chamberlain, and will be taking notes from this meeting for our records.”
Seren gave a shy little wave.
“Mineru will be taking notes for our records.” Atreyu nodded at his daughter.
“Excellent! Two scribes are better than one.” Zarak nodded and took a breath. “First, I’d like to officially welcome you to the land of Termina not just as dignitaries, but as friends. It is an honor to us all that you grace us with your presence. In truth, there are concerns from the Council which I have been asked to address. My hope is to also address your concerns in amenability, so that we may live in the spirit of peace and cooperation. I would like for us to address matters of your people’s interest first. King Atreyu, Queen Suzu, I turn this discussion to you.”
After some moments of silence, Atreyu spoke. “Thank you for your hospitality, Grandmaster Zarak. We Zonai do not take gestures of kindness lightly; they show a great sincerity of intent. It is no slight against you that have some worries about the potential downsides to an alliance. Our technology is indispensable to our way of living in the Sky Islands. Great danger would befall both our peoples should it fall into the wrong hands.”
Discussion of such topics was vital to Sonia’s understanding of the politics and alliances she stood to inherit either upon Zarak’s death or her own marriage. Sonia knew this, yet her gaze wandered. First to Seren, then to Lady Mineru; both were taking their notes diligently, even asking for clarification from time to time. She smoothed her dress as she looked at Rauru. The Zonai man sat with a straightened back, relaxed shoulders, and an expression that bordered on curiosity.
Sonia could not deny the impressive nature of his posture. He was almost regal in his presence, dutiful in his attention on the deliberations happening between her father and his parents. She felt a minute sense of envy that his mind did not seem to wander. Zarak had reprimanded her often for her drifting thoughts, for the way her interest occasionally flitted to a point of conversation that was unrelated to the matter at hand. Yet, she found she could not help it.
Rauru was pleasing to look at. Sharp contrast of white hair to the forest green of his body; the shape of his face and how it perfectly suited his ears; clawed hands with delicate fingers. The way he crossed those fingers as he rested his hands beneath his chin. A calm demeanor that both settled and intrigued her in a way she could not explain (and would be embarrassed to try, if asked).
Their eyes met. His lips ticked upward a bit in an understanding smile. Before she could look away—before she could save face—Zarak cleared his throat.
“Now that these matters have been brought forward, I believe it is time to broach a final subject. I dare say it concerns the both of you. Your Majesties, if you would?”
“Of course, Grandmaster Zarak.” Atreyu and Suzu smoothed their clothes, turning toward Rauru and Sonia with restrained expressions. It was Atreyu who cleared his throat.
“Rauru. Sonia. As your parents, we would like to put forth an engagement between the both of you, to fortify this newfound connection between our peoples.”
Though Sonia had intuited the possible announcement of her betrothal, she still found that matters of court moved rather quickly. It had been the last item of discussion of such topics where her presence was required, giving her almost no time to react with anything but surprise.
Admittedly, it did help that Rauru was also taken aback. His third eye opened quickly, widening as his ears flicked back slightly.
“Come now, Rauru.” Suzu said in a biting tone. “You’re my only son, and Mineru has responsibilities to her research. We talked about this very possibility from the moment we started the Descension.”
“We certainly discussed an engagement—and at length. I am astonied at its quickness. I had assumed you would stay your hand—or rather, mine—until Lady Sonia was of age, at least.”
Mineru cackled. Atreyu elbowed her, but he was grinning just as widely as his daughter. If it wasn’t for the wrinkles on his face, they could be mistaken for twins.
Suzu scoffed. “When is that? A week or so from now - can you sincerely tell me you would have been more prepared with a simple week? Perhaps a fortnight?”
“I would have been had I received at least some forewarning about your timing.” Rauru rubbed his temple with a sigh. He turned to Zarak, standing to bow from the waist. “My apologies for my tactless attitude, Grandmaster Zarak. If Sonia is amenable to the engagement, it would be an honor to wed after such a time as she’s come of age and is ready for that responsibility. However, I will not force her hand. If she rejects the proposal, I will ensure that Termina receives what has been agreed upon in this meeting, as I believe in this alliance and its potential for good to both our peoples.”
He maintained the bow, deepening it with nearly every word he spoke. He was truly apologetic and utterly sincere. Sonia couldn’t help but smile as she looked at her father.
‘May I answer him?’ she mouthed the question so as not to startle Rauru and sour the moment.
Zarak nodded in solemn approval, being fully aware of his daughter’s character, and how it would be shown in her response.
Sonia crossed the room to face him, curtsying as low as she could manage without falling over. She gazed at his still-closed eyes with a soft expression. “Lord Rauru, I accept the proposal. Before we affirm the matter, I feel it prudent to give you an admonition. I am no timid mouse, no flower petal easily flowing on the breeze. I have quite the sharp tongue when it comes to people and causes I care for deeply, and I hold the belief that I am worthy of an equitable place by your side.”
Rauru’s eyes crinkled slightly as he straightened himself. “I would have it no other way, my lady.”
“If that will be all, may I suggest the three of you—here including Mineru as well—keep yourselves occupied until evening, while we discuss other business?”
Worded as a question for the sake of politeness, everyone knew it was a rather firm dismissal. Seren escorted the trio out, hiding a mirthful smirk behind her notes. Sonia would talk to her chamberlain later, when they had a moment of privacy without her… Intended.
And how much longer still until we are to wed? Though trained for this from infancy, her engagement yet came in a manner most unexpected. Once the words were loosed to the people of Termina—and surely they would be, for the walls had eyes and ears which moved more rapidly than any town crier could ever measure to—she would not longer be the Grandmaster’s daughter. She would be Lady Sonia, affianced of Lord Rauru. Heiress to the Zonai Crown. Would she take a new family name? Or would she stay as Sonia—
A tug on her right hand. Seren. “You were about to bump into a pillar, my lady. Are you falling ill?”
“What?” Sonia blinked, stepping back from the pillar mere inches from her face. “Come to think of it, I am feeling light-headed. Lord Rauru, Lady Mineru, would you be opposed to sharing a meal?”
“Given what has occurred today, I surely think not. Come, let me help you.”
She looped her arm around Mineru’s as if they had been long-time friends. There was an air of genuineness to the Zonai woman that made her companionable. Seren led them to a private dining area—different from the one where Sonia had eaten that morning. This room was closer to the gardens, and decorated far more fashionably than the great dining hall or the eating room by the kitchens. Sonia exhaled through her mouth, keeping her eyes closed. Breakfast had not quite been enough for her to endure such a long day. A soft heat rose to her cheeks; how embarrassing, to fall ill with an upset stomach in front of a man who was not her father. She hoped Rauru would not think poorly of her, or assume it a sorrow over the match so recently made.
One of the footmen set food in front of Sonia. “Some fruit and bread, my lady. Seren, the other maids are readying for supper; I’d like for you to handle the tea.” He left with a quick bow, muttering to himself about what duties remained to be delegated.
Rauru stood, smoothing wrinkles off his clothes. “Is there any way I can be of assistance?”
Seren looked around, checking for the presence of other courtiers and guards. Seeing none, she nodded. “It would be an honor to have you help with her tea; even the most experienced staff can’t seem to get it right. Please, follow me.”
With a concerned glance toward the two women sitting at the table, he did as requested. Seren led him to the cabinetry that held the right materials, kindly walking him through the correct herbs, spices, and water temperature for making tea the way Sonia preferred it for dealing with an upset stomach.
“Just add a spoonful of honey and stir well, then it’s done! Lady Sonia will be thankfully delighted. It is also a great favor to me to have someone else know how to do this and do it well.”
Rauru set the cup on its saucer with great care before returning to Sonia and Mineru. “Here you are, my lady. Seren was courteous enough to teach me how to make this; I hope it’s to your satisfaction.”
She gently blew the rising steam before taking a sip. “My goodness. This is exactly the way my mother always made it…” Sonia bowed her head. “Please accept my deepest gratitude, and my apologies for being unwell.”
“No apologies needed, Lady Sonia. I’m simply glad to be of help to you.”
A helping butler came back with meats, cheeses, and spiced bread. Once he left the room, Mineru spoke to Sonia and Seren of her research, and how she hoped it would benefit both Termina and the Sky Islands.
“The Sky Islands… Based on what you’ve told of them, they sound beautiful. Paradisaical, even.” To ask her earlier questions of why they would leave such a place to come to a land marred by monsters and ruin would be ill-mannered, so she let herself be taken by Seren and Mineru’s talk of research and the sciences.
Sonia typically preferred subjects of philosophy, literature, and equestrian husbandry; however, she was also an enthusiastic student of other societies and their workings. She may not have fully understood the theoretical mathematics being discussed, but she could contribute her thoughts on resource management and social cooperation. Proving her competency would be vital to a successful engagement.
Rauru seemed perfectly content to let the women talk as he ate the food placed before him. After some time, he spoke quietly. “Lady Sonia, are you feeling better?”
“Oh, yes. I’m afraid we got carried away in our conversation. I’d like to show you the castle gardens. You’ve come at exactly the right time; our most beautiful flowers and trees will be blooming, bearing wonderful fruit.”
Just before entering the archway leading to the gardens, Lady Brigide bowed. “Excuse me, my ladies. Lord Rauru. The chamberlains and I have all been requested to discuss preparations for a certain celebratory ball. I’ll need to borrow Seren for a little while.”
“But of course. Seren, please make sure to find me as soon as you’re able.”
Seren curtsied before following Brigide down the opposite hallway, their voices fading as they walked.
“Seeing as it’s just us three,” Mineru said as she stepped through the archway, “might I suggest you two have a chat as we walk? I’ll need to stay within a respectable distance, but your conversations will be your own.”
Sonia’s brow furrowed. “But—”
“Zonai culture is a bit less… Stringent upon rules of a chaperone than that of your own. Mineru is sufficient—more than, really—given that she is older, and—”
“I’ve chosen to not marry. Zonai women cannot inherit the Sky Islands Crown, and I have no strong fondness for taking on a partnership.”
How exceptional. Though Sonia did not respond with words, some implication of her thoughts must have shown on her face, for Rauru’s ears relaxed against his head as he chuckled.
“Pardon me; I do not laugh at your expense. You appear to be as fascinated with Zonai customs as we are with Termina’s.” He offered her his arm, which she took into her own, placing her right hand near the bend of his elbow.
Half an hour or more passed before either of them spoke again. “You are aware that I’ll be of age in the next week or so. Might I inquire after your age, Lord Rauru?”
Rauru’s eyes tracked the movement of clouds in relation to the sun. He respectfully pulled his arm from her and angled his hands just so. A gentle smile softened him; it seemed as though this thing he was doing served as a comfort to him.
Sunlight also softened him, and showed the true color of his—well, she still wasn’t quite sure if he had fur or skin. It was hard to tell based on touch alone. Yet, the way he hummed as he made a quarter-turn, then turned back again… How he mouthed words at an excited pace without even whispering… His eyes sparkling like a gem before its cutting… Rauru was simply lovely. Sonia immediately veered from that thought as she continued to watch him do whatever this was.
He became lost in his pursuit for a few moments before nodding, apparently satisfied, and taking her arm back in the same position they’d been in prior. “Assuming my calculations are correct, and I am adjusting to the Termina calendar as it is written, I am currently twenty-one. I will be turning twenty-two in a month or so.”
“Six weeks,” Mineru corrected him with a smirk. Well-worth the glare she received as she turned her head aside, gazing at the flowers.
Sonia suddenly couldn’t look at him. To her mortification, a wholly inappropriate question had found the forefront of her mind on hearing his age. Thank goodness for the collar of this dress! It covered the blush creeping up her neck; a protection of sorts which would give her time to settle her nerves.
“Try not to fret, Lady Sonia.” Rauru ran a thumb over the back of her hand—quickly, politely, in a way that could only be seen if one were looking at their wrists. “The Zonai court—particularly our house therein—strongly advocates for long courtships, so that alliances can be properly assured should the betrothal fall through for one reason or another.”
Thank the goddess—if she existed.
Tension left her body in slow breaths. Not only had he inferred the subject of her distress, he’d gone out of her way to reassure her, both with words and a chaste, gentle touch. This was not something he had to do—per Termina custom, he could choose to have nothing to do with her, as long as their image presented before the Council met all expectations. Yet he chose to walk with her, to truly hear her words, to enjoy the comfortable silence that now settled upon them as the breeze swept flower petals along their path.
“What lovely gardens,” Mineru said. “However, I do believe it is about to rain. Look at the sky, Rauru.”
He looked up, squinting as if he were looking for a bird. “Ah. You’re right, Mineru. Let’s get back inside. I’m sure you’re overwhelmed, Lady Sonia; perhaps a few hours of rest before supper would be wise.”
“Are you sure you and your family won’t be offended? I’d hate to be rude, or give off any feeling that I may—”
“Lady Sonia.” Rauru stopped and turned to face her. “I am the one making the offer. It has been a rather long day for both of us, although it is only a couple hours past noon. If my parents are displeased, I will handle them in quick measure. Please, do not trouble yourself with their thoughts on this matter.” His ears twitched slightly.
She wondered what that gesture meant, but shelved her curiosity for the moment. “Thank you for your graciousness, Lord Rauru.” She curtsied deeply. “I hope you’ll choose to rest as well.”
They walked into the castle, arm-in-arm, until Seren met them in the hall and escorted Sonia back to her chambers. Once there and changed into a gown more appropriate for resting in privacy, she opted to try and nap.
Just before she could, Seren sat on the edge of her bed, wearing a mischievous smile. “You quite like him, don’t you?”
In a rather unladylike fashion, Sonia gently smacked her chamberlain with a pillow. The action did nothing to cover the grin showing the dimples on her face.