A LAND OF FIRE AND DARKNESS

Chapter 17

I was not sure what the dress code was to dinner, and I was too shy to drop the shields and ask. So, I wore a black blouse, that dipped off my arms revealing my shoulders. The sleeves flared out at my arms in a sheer fabric. I looked at myself in the gilded mirror and noticed how I had put on some weight.

I looked healthier and far less skeletal than before. I found myself checking my lips and face to ensure I looked decent. I sighed out in annoyance, why did I care? Just go and have dinner.

I pulled myself together and stepped out of my room. The moon shone through the halls, so I knew my eyes were glowing their golden amber color. Whenever a servant passed me I shut my eyes or diverted them elsewhere. No one seemed to notice.

I reached the dining hall and heard the deep laughter of Laveen from inside. His voice could really travel.

I took in a deep breath of courage and pushed the doors open.

Everyone's eyes snapped to mine.

I noticed two things. One I did not need to worry about a dress code. There was none. Yarris was dressed in formal attire, while Dorica appeared to be in sleepwear.

And two, Delcallon seemed more surprised than anyone else in the room.

His eyes glowed a beautiful silver showing that he was a Highvarion. His eyes pierced into my own glowing eyes and his lips parted in astonishment.

I faintly smiled at him while feeling completely awkward. His pupils seemed to dilate and he snapped his head down to the table.

It was a weird reaction considering he was the one who had invited me to join in the first place. But I did not let it get to me.

"What is she doing here?" Dorica asked with a disapproving tone.

I waited for Delcallon to say something, but he stared down at his plate in absolute silence.

"Del invited her," Laveen answered instead looking between Delcallon and me. he appeared to also notice Delcallon's reaction.

Dorica examined my body, specifically my shirt.

Yarris smiled up at me, "Come and sit." He gestured to the seat next to him, which was also opposite Laveen.

I nodded kindly and strode towards the table that was scattered with an assortment of vegetables, potatoes, pies, and soups.

Laveen leaned over the table towards me, "The Dragon got all dressed up."

I glared at him, "Do not make me stab you." I warned as I pointed to the butter knife at the table.

He chuckled out before stretching his arms out behind his chair. "Please, if I breathe wrong you might stab me."

I narrowed my eyes at him and shot him a wicked smile of agreement.

"I am sorry Brallon, but I disagree." Yarris continued deciding to jump straight back into the conversation they had before I arrived, which I appreciated. "I feel the snowy peaks of Isma are far more beautiful than the Black Coast of Desmonia."

I did not recognize a single place that Yarris spoke of. I assumed Delcallon would not explain since he was currently bending a spoon in his hand while glaring at his plate.

I looked at Laveen who met my eyes and smiled. "They are discussing where we should go away to this year." He offered.

Brallon shook his head at Yarris and then a voice came out of him I had never heard before, "It is shit cold up there." His voice was not formal or soft, it was something I would hear on someone of lower birth. It was harsh and did not match his pretty face. "Excuse my Language, Alinta." His voice transformed immediately back into his gentle formal tone as he looked over at me.