Deviant Fate

70 - The Dinner

-Gwen-

Time seemed to move slower as we neared the grand dining hall. My frustrations fueled into my determination. I still had nerves and worries, but I needed to end this. I was made priestess for a reason and I intended to live up to that.

Arowin's hand on my back shifted to my hand firmly.

"Tomorrow things will change, so tonight bear with me and don't take anything personally, I promise I will reward you." He grinned as he pecked my lips in an effort to thwart bad behavior.

"I think you have bigger problems to focus on tonight. Don't you worry about little-old me, I can handle myself." I joked, but my tone held no humor.

He eyed me suspiciously as I held his gaze stoically. The doors opened as he slowly tore his eyes away from mine and began walking into the now silent dining hall. My eyes searched immediately for Ameela.

She sat confidently, but I saw the frustration in her stiff body language. I shifted my eyes to Gerin who was flaming rage directly towards me.

I wasn't shocked to see Keerly sitting with Fran, but I was shocked to see Zinni. I had only seen her at the last dinner and she didn't speak a word. She was in a fragile state but unfortunately I couldn't focus on that right now.

The room was filled with hundreds of Zyconians. Long tables filled the main floor and at the front of the room on a platform was the royals tables. Keerly and Fran had their own table off to the left. Ameela, Gerin and Zinni sat at the table in the center and the table off to the right was where Arowin and I were headed.

I assumed the room was silent because of Arowin, but I noticed I was getting stares as well. I suppose from the outside we were quite the deadly couple. I'm sure most of those attending today's festivities witnessed my first entrance as well, so I didn't blame them for being weary of me.

As we took our seats I noticed the familiar guard sitting at one of the floor tables. He winked at me as he took a swig out of a very fancy gold cup. I glared at him before directing my attention to Fran.

She met my gaze with a worried expression as she eyed Arowin. They didn't know that he was back to himself. I sent her a slight nod, telling her that I was okay. I shifted to Keerly and he noticed the shift in Arowin's demeanor as well. I wish there would have been time to discuss everything with them before tonight.

Three loud bangs silenced the dining hall. Gerin had slammed his gold cup onto the table to get everyone's attention.

"Tonight we celebrate the transition of kings. From myself, to my first born son. May his reign be enriching and pure." He sneered as his eyes glared towards me.

I scoffed.

"With the new addition of a very useful toy, I'm sure his reign will be the most interesting yet!" He laughed sinisterly as he raised his cup to me.

The women in the room remained silent and only some of the men laughed along. The room was tense on all levels, and I was about to take it the highest of levels without regret.

Arowin sat unaffected by his father's comments. I wasn't sure if I was more pissed at Gerin's attempts to degrade me or the fact that Arowin didn't defend me. It's not like we've established boundaries or talked about healthy relationship goals, but I guess I assumed being his divine would invoke some sort of loyalty. Then again, whatever relationship we had wasn't even sustainable.

I simply smirked back at Gerin. He thought he had me pinned, but in a few moments he wouldn't even be breathing. Food had begun to be served to the royals tables and then the main tables preceded.