The Flames in the Horizon

12

Dinner is awkward, to say the least. The grand dining table stretches luxuriously before the assembled company. Eris and Tamlin sit at the ends of the table; Azriel's presence looms to Eris's left, while Millie, a whisper of out-of-place nervous energy, perches to Eris's right like a delicate bird on a wire. Eris gives her a look and she drops onto the cushion of the chair to sit normally. Sitting rigidly to Tamlin's right is Lucien. Elain is sitting next to the youngest Vanserra. She stares unseeingly at the food on her plate and is occasionally prompted to stab at a piece of broccoli with her fork. Lucien keeps shooting Azriel odd questioning gazes throughout the meal when he thinks the shadowsinger isn't looking; probably trying to figure out why Azriel is so close to Eris, and to his left nonetheless. The whirling of his mechanical eye can be heard over the soft clink of silverware against platter.

Tamlin growls in irritation as another grape moves at him that he bats away. Eris gives Millie a scathing glare and the next large purple grape headed for Tamlin drops from the air to roll harmlessly across the table. Millie slumps in her chair and grumbles about not being allowed to have any fun. The absence of her magic leaves a funny but not entirely unpleasant tang in the air.

Eris clears his throat and sets his fork and knife delicately on either side of his plate. His voice is a honeyed blade that cuts through the tension. "With my father gone I hope we can restore traditions between our courts. If I may be so bold, I propose a joined celebration for Calanmai this year."

Tamlin offers a nod of agreement while bringing a napkin to his mouth in a poised and delicate manner. "Yes, I do think that would be adequate to show our people and other courts that Spring and Autumn intend to become friends as we were centuries ago."

The two High Lords continue to converse as the other three at the table eat quietly. Lucien whispers soft words to the unseeing female at his side while Azriel watches Eris. He's been transfixed. He doesn't try to process the things Eris says, but he does observe the way his lips move to pronounce each individual word. Azriel studies the way Eris's throat bobs as he drinks from his glass of wine. He examines the way the male's lithe fingers pick up his fork, the way his tongue peaks out to touch the food before his lips encapsulate the savory meat. Azriel locks eyes with him every time Eris's sharp gaze strays to him as he speaks with Tamlin.

As the evening progresses, Eris rises from his chair and excuses himself and Azriel for the night. He is clear, leaving the shadowsinger no choice but to follow. The manor is still being rebuilt from the destruction Hybern's army caused which means that none of the usual guest rooms are suitable nor prepared for visitors. They would share a room for however long they remained welcome in Spring. Azriel does not like this arrangement one bit. He can hardly remain composed around Eris under the same roof, much less the same quarters.

"I hope Millie did not scare you during your walk in the gardens." Eris breaks the awkward silence as the two travel through the halls toward their room.

"No, not at all," Azriel replies calmly though he's sure his racing heart is giving him away.

He can't help but think of what almost happened the last time they shared a bed. Azriel cannot recall what came over him. He was a male possessed and all he wanted in that moment was to know the taste of Eris's lips. He looks at them now as the two walk side by side. His mouth is moving, but Azriel would not be able to parrot Eris's words under even the most brutal of torture. He watches a quick tongue sweep across pink lips and his own part just so. Each movement—each flicker of Eris's tongue across his lips, each soft tug of a smile—holds an almost hypnotic allure that draws Azriel's attention like a moth to a flame. The soft sheen left by saliva only heightens the temptation, making Eris's lips appear even more enticing, a silent invitation that tugs at Azriel's self-control.