A Storm of Flames and Deceit

V. Quite the Impression

Nephele

Dinner was fairly uneventful. It was strange to see such a vividness to Eris' mom this morning with such an absence now. Not that I hadn't dulled the slightest bit too.
Even Eris, reserved and moody on a good day, seemed to droop even more around his father like a wilted tree. He didn't have to eat nearly as much of my food tonight, but I did allow him to eat my steak. I've always hated red meat, and I could only stomach the potato and the salad.
Luckily, no one noticed as usual, and Mother was pleased enough. Though she had been quite unpleased to find me soaking wet this afternoon. I smoothly lied and told her Eris and I went for a walk and got caught in a coincidental rainstorm, and she was pleased enough to hear the mention of the autumn court heir that she didn't question the ridiculousness.
I had also noticed at dinner that I had caught the attention of one of Eris' brothers- I couldn't tell if it was Lev or Darian. I'm not sure I know which one is which, but the broader one was staring at me all night. When I glanced up at him, he had smiled sinisterly and bit into his steak, the red juices coating his teeth.
I hadn't dared look at him again.
Dinner was over soon enough, and I was grateful there weren't many of these left before Eris and I were due to leave. Following that, mother and father would return to the base set up within autumn, and we'd all reconvene here for the week of the wedding. I'm actually finding myself excited for it all, considering that Eris, while rude, is far better than a cellar. And I had always wanted to see Prynthian- the whole world really. But I'll definitely settle for Prynthian.
I can't leave the dinner table soon enough, straightening my skirts, and heading back for my room. All that practice earlier had really taken it out of me. But I'm stopped in the doorway by the broad Vansera.
He grins sharply, looking me up and down in a way that makes my skin crawl. "I apologize, Nephele- I feel as though my manners have forsaken me. I never introduced myself," he says, kissing my cheek so quickly I flinch. It burns unnaturally, like he had touch a fire poker to my face. "I'm Lev."
I rub my face, shaking off the grip on my waist. "A pleasure, I'm sure," I mutter, trying to step past him. I didn't need to be rude- he is to be my brother in law. But my face burns.
"I'll walk you back to your quarters," he asserts, decidedly. He reaches to loop an arm around my waist, but I'm gently pulled back by an arm around my shoulders.
I glance up at Eris, who holds me closely, examining my cheek with a fire in his eyes. He blinks, and it's gone, replaced by ice in his voice as his attention slides to his brother. "Lev," he clicks his tongue in disapproval as if it was all a minor annoyance to him. But his arm is so tight around me that I don't quite believe his aloofness. "Did you burn my bride?"
I guess he doesn't like his brothers touching his stuff- which is me, apparently.
Lev blinks, garnering courage. I imagine receiving a look like this from his brother has scarcely gone well for him. "Just introducing myself," he shrugs.
"Yes, you made quite the impression," I scowl, rubbing my cheek.
"You are not to mark her in any way. Ever," Eris breathes. "Especially before our trip."
Lev rolls his eyes. "She'll heal."
Eris' jaw flexes. "Will you?"
"Boys," Beron butts in, looking bored. "Stop causing a scene. Lev, listen to your brother."
"But-"
Beron levels him with a stare, and Lev nods diligently, walking away, sparing me a glare as he leaves. Beron's glare turns to me before it returns to Eris. "Get a leash on her."
Eris must be able to tell I'm about to scoff and say something to warrant a slap from his father, and he pinches my arm, speaking up. "Yes, sir," he answers, leading me away as I angrily rub my cheek.
"Your brother is a delight," I tell him when we're out of earshot.
"They both are," Eris replies dryly. "Darian just takes his time. He's smarter than Lev, though that's not saying much."
"Fantastic," I reply. "I suppose I should thank you for saving me."
He glances at me. "I'm no hero- I'll never expect you to think of me as one," he says simply, his arm still draped around me.
I look up at him stubbornly. "Glad we can agree. You're not the hero, and I'm no damsel." Damsels are saved, but I'm still distressed.
He rolls his eyes. "My father would've certainly hit you if you challenged him," he says, and I suppose I knew that.
I scoff. "I don't care. My father has hit me my entire life," I remind him. "Surely, you of all people understand that it stops stinging."
"I won't have a battered bride," he says simply, dropping his voice. "I won't let Prynthian believe I take the same habits as my father."
We arrive at my room, and instead of leaving me, he leans against my door, his forearm resting against the wood. "So it's all appearance," I deduct, leaning against the wall, tapping my finger pensively to my lip. "I suppose I prefer that than you feigning valor or chivalry." I look up at him, those fiery amber eyes. He's half caging me, but this is a cage I might like, even if I'm nothing but collateral to him.
"Then, this arrangement should work swimmingly," he says, a dark laugh that tickles my ear. "Because I will protect you at every turn, so long as it ensures the support of Prynthian when I ascend the throne."
I shudder. He said it with so much conviction. Glancing up at him, I find his thumb reaching for the burn on my cheek, touching it delicately, his fingers cooler than they've ever felt. Soothing even.
Not even a second later, he pushes off the doorway, glancing back at me. "Don't leave your room until morning," he tells me, and then, he's gone.
Hours later, I awake to a sound in the hallway, the rattle of the door knob, the sharp intake of a pained breath. Groggily, I approach the door, reaching a hand to the door knob.
When my pointer finger makes contact, I cry out, sucking on the skin. The knob had been flaming hot, enough to burn my skin red. I retreat back to my bed, keeping my finger in my mouth, wondering if the door had anything to do with Eris. Wondering if it had been Lev who tried to break into my chambers.