BLOOD OF KHARIS

CHAPTER 25: GUESTS

Everything was set. Kharis had worked tirelessly. The meals were warm and ready, the rooms furnished to perfection, everywhere was neat and clean, fresh fruits and baked goods were waiting to be consumed, entertainment was by the corner waiting for the cue, and Leonidas was finally calm as far as she could tell.

Kharis is dressed in a black, and purple dress, with silver jewelry that compliments Leonidas' black and silver outfit. He made it clear that he would not be hiding her as his woman to the humans who would not dare utter a word to King Oleander, as they need Leonidas to put in a good word for them.

Kharis understands this but she is nevertheless a nervous wreck.

Everything has to go as planned or it could lead to problems, especially between Leonidas and the King of Nyland.

He had instructed Kharis to stay inside and come out during the meal time, to which she was grateful. Even though everything was technically set, the nerves she felt would not allow her to comfortably greet the guests, and Leonidas saw that right away. During the meal, everything would begin just as Kharis planned, allowing her to focus on the guests and not last minute changes.

The supreme commander stands tall with Cassiel and Isaac, together with fifty knights and warriors right outside the manor walls, waiting patiently, and watching as the visitors make their way to them.

The group is led by a tall toned man with short auburn hair. The armor that adorns his body as he rides on the white stallion, and the crown on his head gives away his status; royalty.

The warriors that accompany him are slightly greater in number than those on Leonidas' side but they are still no match. Leonidas' warriors are wearhs who are larger in build and arguably train harder than the humans.

Cassiel furrows his eyebrows as they're but a few steps away. "Something doesn't feel right," he mutters.

Leonidas hums in agreement, watching as they arrive at the steps of his manor.

The man with auburn hair alights his horse, standing upright, his chest puffed out.

"Lord Leonidas for Bethillore, it is an honor," he says, his face straight.

"I was led to believe the King of Nyland had more years attached to his belt," Leonidas replies.

"Well forgive me, as I am Prince Callan of Nyland, prince regent to be exact."

Nodding, Leonidas replies, "Welcome, Prince Callan. I hope your stay is a memorable one."

Callan places a light smile on his face, walking up the stairs with his second in command, a man as tall as he is, with brown hair and eyes. He seems to resent shaving.

Leonidas and his visitors enter the dining hall, while his servants take their items into their respective chambers.

A large table with six seats is situated at the center elevated a few feet above the ground, while the other tables and seats fill the hall.

Callan takes in the flowers and sashes that are used to decorate the place. It doesn't seem like a hall in which wearhs would stay in, in fact it feels very...human.

"We will be heading to a more private setting. This is where the warriors will dine, and we can join them later," Isaac says.

They head past it, down the hallway and into a smaller room, with another large decorated table and six seats.

Taking a seat at the opposite end of the table with his second in command to his side, Callan watches Leonidas sit down with Cassiel and Isaac, the seat next to him empty.