Faro

Chapter Three

The morning dawned bright and clear.

Part of their event was a horse race, or rather, betting on a horse race. And although Sivan had never really been someone who was interested in horse races, the idea of seeing the Arkham prince again was enough of a motivation for him to get out of bed.

'Your finest I see, I didn't think you would have much time to dress up. Barely having slept last night.'

Sivan sighed as his sister chuckled. He turned to raise an eyebrow at her. She stood near the doorway, just having entered his room. 'You are a lady now, Sylvia. Perhaps it is time for you to act as such?'

Sylvia giggled, seemingly unbothered by her elder brother's little jab. She was dressed in a plain sundress, elegant and yet simple. Her dark hair, which all the Dialantey siblings except for Sivan, had got from their parents, were set in intricate curls.

'Besides,' Sivan said, turning to look at his reflection. 'I would barely call this my finest.'

He knew it was a bit of a lie. He could barely call his white vest his best, however, there was no denying that it did suit him. Maybe a bit of a clash with his platinum hair, but it seemed to accentuate the icy blue in his eyes.

'I do realise this is quite inappropriate,' Sylvia continued, sitting on the bed. 'However, I am rather curious to know what transpired between you and the Prince of Arkham? For rumours, have been flying around.'

'We played a game of Faro, had some conversation. That was it,' Sivan said, his face heating up as the images from the previous night came to forefront of his brain again.

'Ah, I see,' Sylvia said. 'Did you win?'

'It was not even remotely close, I'm afraid,' Sivan sighed, finally turning his eyes to look at his sister. 'He seems to be...a bit of a prodigy at Faro. Victorious at every wager. I am quite ashamed to say I have never faced such resounding defeat.'

'How intriguing...' Sylvia sighed after a while, her playful mile disappearing. 'I just want you to...be careful, brother.'

'When am I not?' Sivan smirked, lying through his teeth. Caution wasn't exactly something he ever practiced. Leap before you look, had always been his motto.

'I know you like to...have your fun,' Sylvia shook her head. 'But...this is the Prince of Arkham we are talking about. You must treat carefully around him.'

'You believe the rumours then?' Sivan asked in a low voice.

Syvia nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. 'Indeed, I do. I have every reason to. You do know he has the entire Obsidian Palace, all the houses wrapped around his finger. He was the one who had the most to gain from his father and brother's passing. He was the one that none of the Houses even dared to raise a finger at. And yet, he succeeded his father so quickly. Without hesitation. The same night.'

Sivan sighed, raking a hand through his hair as Sylvia continue.

'I did not believe that he was a sorcerer. Never have. However, seeing the way you acted last night, so entranced. I have never seen you like that. And...it did scare me a little bit. Do not get carried away, brother. He may be dangerous. Fatally so. Do not treat this as one of your flings.'

Dangerous? There didn't seem to be anything Izer could gain from harming Sivan. If being the Heir of the Obsidian Crystal was all he wanted, he had already achieved it.

'I appreciate your concern, dear sister,' Sivan said, trying hard to keep the moving tone out of his voice. 'I shall be on my guard.'

Sylvia stared at him for a few seconds before she nodded and rose to her feet. 'I will also have you know, I will be betting on Spade.'