Noble Nuptial: Guardians of Gaia Prequel

Chapter Seven

Nehari disappeared into the crowd if you blinked, blending in with the people laughing and listening to their stories. He sat at their tables, enjoying the appetizers for all instead of the royal delicacies at the main table.

Orion, at six foot five wearing a grimace after hearing rumors of his wife-to-be fawning over a new arrival at the palace. Orion bumped into people, glaring at them until they apologized, bulldozing his way to Demeter standing before the royal table. He bowed his head before motioning Demeter to come to him. Demeter politely excused herself from Catherine, holding her hand momentarily before leaving to join Orion.

Orion gathered, beginning to lead her out of the dining hall in the tower's corridors with a bit more privacy. Orion tugged Demeter in, kissing her and lifting her on the railing. Demeter quietly gave him what he wanted, letting him kiss all over her and fondle her breasts and butt. After Demeter yawned, Orion stood alert, growing pissed off and feeling like a fool.

"Are you tired already?" Orion growled.

"I'm sorry, it's been a very eventful day. How are you, my love?"

"I'm humiliated. The men say you were swooning over this Darkie from across the desert. Do you do all this for him? So the rumors are true?"

"I haven't heard any rumors? Maybe people are just trying to get in your head."

"Maybe you're a lying bitch trying to use me?" Orion accused.

Demeter sighed, "My father wants me to marry him, Ori. I told you I am performing my duty as a princess. You aren't going anywhere."

"But I won't be your husband either! I will not be the ruler of Maya and all our dreams of bringing Maya to the world stage. Was it bunk?"

"No, It's still my dream, but I can be Queen. If I marry the prince, there is still room for you."

"And what good would that do the world? A manipulative whore like you? Have you had sex with my comrades? You fucked the prince the first day you met him? Why would I want you? Who needs you as Queen!?"

"What!?" Demeter covered her mouth in shock.

"I haven't heard you deny anything yet! What the hell is going on, Demeter?" Orion shouted loud enough for others to hear.

Orion shot a glare of disdain, sending any passersby on their way as he turned to Demeter. Demeter rubbed his plated armor, kissing his cheek as she tried to calm him down.

"I must keep up morale when the men aren't busy training. It's not sex. It's a form of exercise for the men and bonding activity." Demeter gently explained.

"So you do not even deny it!? I thought you were mine?" Orion wailed, gripping his hair, unable to believe his ears.

"It's not like it's out of love. They take turns or go all at once, and then when done, it's right back to training. You're the one I love!"

Orion had a fire in his eyes as he shoved Demeter from the window seal. Demeter shrieked, screaming in horror as her body plummeted at least fifty feet below into the rock, missing the waters of the mote. Orion laughed as he headed from the dining hall to cover his bases and form his alibi.

Katara held her breath from behind the wall, paralyzed by shock as she watched the murder. Katara covered her mouth to stop screaming, prying herself away, rushing inside the dining hall from the east entrance to gather her thoughts and find Nehari. Once inside the dining hall, she moved by people bumping into drunk men trying to sneak a grope. Katara swatted their hands away, frantically searching for Nehari, who she found singing shanties and drinking from a mug of ale the size of his head.