Frost and Flame, Foes in the Dark (book 2)

Chapter 22, Victory celebrations

Year 783 Octavus, day 3 of the eight month of Balkraus

"It has been a week, has everything finally settled?" asked Sidastir, watching as the wagon took them to the royal palace. Torches lit the way, music and laughter could be heard from the inside while people drank wine in the garden.

"Yes, I have gotten several ravens from Ceva. They have been watching the encampment for days. The force isn't large, most likely they only expected me and some guards. They plan to attack them tonight before the assassins get word about our appearance on the celebrations," Akana replied, watching all the sculptures with a frown as they drive by.

Attilus had been quiet all the way, his eyes watching the scene, body rigid as he awaited anything to happen. Sidastir might not like the man but he could appreciate a man constantly on guard to protect his consort. He was a good bodyguard.

The wagon came to a halt and all three of them exited the wagon into a row of guards wearing silver iron armor. Looking more radiant than the guests who were covered in cold and jewelry. Sidastir and Akana walked over to the entrance, a servant showing them the way, while Attilus was a few steps behind them, eyes darting to each of the guards who didn't grace him with the same attention. They weren't really there to guard, they were there to show off power and wealth.

As they entered a large atrium, the guests' eyes turned to them, many curious. Others whispered gossip while snickering or sneering. Expressions were frozen in place when the host of the celebrations showed up.

"Welcome, Draconis," Victoria said giving Akana an open appraisal, her growing grin showing that she appreciated what she saw. Sidastir wanted to kick her into the damn pool, but Akana held him back, only gracing Victoria with a polite smile.

"I'm honored to meet you again, Phoenix princess."

"You wouldn't know what my bodyguard is up to? I haven't heard from him in seven days and I must say," Victoria peered at Sidastir," I start to wonder if your dear husband has buried him somewhere."

"No need for worry, I have kept my loving husband busy the last couple of days so he has not had any time for such thoughts," Akana said lightly, and Victoria chuckled in delight. Clearly thinking of naughty thoughts instead of the damn reports they had gone through. Sidastir wished that they had more time for more intimate moments but Akana had been in high alert the past couple of days, showing that he wasn't used to handling threats.

"I'm sure-" Akana wasn't able to finish his sentence though before Victoria grabbed onto his arm, making Sidastir want to kick her, and dragging him off. Sidastir eyes narrowed as he followed them, and grabbed onto some relevian wine for support. He needed it if he were not to kill the way to forward princess.

"Look at this, the barbarian king is still here," said a familiar voice, a voice that made Sidastir clench his teeth. Turning around he saw prince Egnion Tarabeir stand there, his face turned to him but eyes watched Akana with interest. Akana himself looked like he was ready to go home now. "I thought you would have run away by now."

"Run away?"

"Indeed, why stay to get defeated miserably again."

"Defeated, are you daft?"

"What would you call it? Oh, yes. You were assaulted by orb, wasn't that what you said? What excuse are you going to give us in the last phase? you sword betrayed you?" Egnion's grin grew wider for each word, leaving Sidastir feeling like introducing his sword to the prince's throat.

"How about you so-called civilized races who cannot arrange a competition without cheating?" Sidastir faced Egnion's eyes head-on. He could hear Akana trying to say something, but his voice was hushed by the princess who watched the whole scene with amusement.