Months ago Amell had placed a strange seedling of fear into the back of Leander’s mind. When they had been in that carriage together, alone besides the two horses and well-paid coachman outside the thin walls, Leander had faced his cousin with the natural arrogance and ignorance of any young man belonging to a prominent family. But Amell’s words had struck him more deeply than the news of
Caeso Diemut’s mutilation and death in the
Elven Quarter. Amell had teased at knowing something, something profound enough to make Leander hold his tongue.
That something sat before him, as irritated and upset as he was, if not more. Another problem, another headache— oh, how Felix had gotten him
good. While his two eldest brothers could enjoy their Obanese wives, specifically chosen because they listened to their fathers more than their fiancés at the time, Leander was stuck with the biggest blonde bitch he had ever met. What was worse? They had gone to the Academy together.
He never paid her any notice, or any of her little posse members filled with idiots and other bitches. Why would he?
Liliana Lorel— Lorel was a minor house, only special because of Virak (pathetic.) Her magic? Even less special.
“
Tell me, my little brother,” Felix had taunted as he sat at the great table in his own manor, close to rivaling their father’s home, eating Leander’s favorite meal and having Leander stand at the very end. Leander had stood there for nearly two hours, watching Felix enjoy course after course, each one representing a family member. He was sure that for dessert, Felix would have black espresso that smelled of dark chocolate to symbolize Odessa. “Even when you sleep, can you null all magic?”
Leander had no idea if he could. He was a light sleeper, everyone at the Academy tended to be save for those like Edric. He nodded his head regardless. He wouldn’t show Felix fear, his pride wouldn’t let his brother ever have a ounce of satisfaction.
“Good.” Felix said. “Because this one will get you while you’re sleeping, or maybe when you’re taking a shit or when you’re coughing.” The smile was cruel. “But you like them feisty, don’t you, even if you embarrass our legacy by having some trite trollop stomp all over your foot and letting a lunatic get the best of you?” There was nothing to say but words weren’t needed with his cheeks feeling hot and red. “It’s time for you to be a man, and you better do this for our family or I’m afraid Oraya will be my only option. Don’t make me feel desperate, you know what happens when I feel like I have something to prove.” Leander did know what happens when Felix Urahil had something to prove.
It resulted in bloodshed. Every time people would die.
“
I hate your eyes.” Leander said, inspecting Liliana’s features once more. No, she wasn’t ugly, but she wasn’t exactly stunning, was she? There was a harshness in her dramatic lines, all sharp and dangerous like a wild cat or a sharpened knife. What else could be expected of a dreadlord? “
But I hate not being the center of attention even more.” Liliana may not have been beautiful, but she was smart— that could be respected, especially if it helped him show Felix that this problem was not a problem at all.
The carriage came to a halt and the coachmen were prompt in their duties, one of them coming to open the door. Leander got out first, held out a large hand for her to take. He suspected even in her dress that she didn’t need help getting down. He took a deep breath, a smile appeared, and Leander reminded himself that by playing along with Liliana he would be getting back at Felix, the only consolation of the night.
“
Let’s enjoy our first evening together, my love.” The last two words were foreign on his tongue, they faltered and struggled to match the cadence of the others that were spoken. Leander cleared his throat. Next time he’d get it right.
Liliana
