Daevari -II-

Chapter 4.4: Honeyed Wine

"Oh, well this is quite a surprise," a familiar female voice rang out from down the hall, breaking them apart.

"A pleasure, as always, to see your radiance," the woman continued, bowing her head. Ari could not tell if it was in mockery or admiration.

When she raised her head once more, Ari recognized her. It was Zaiza, the woman from before. Her silver curls bounced around her shoulders, a shade darker than her liquid gray eyes, which sparkled with amusement and mischief.

"To think I would see the day you were with someone other than Vin. Quite a surprise, really. Although, knowing the history he shares with him, it should not be."

Ari recoiled at the thought of others knowing what transpired between them. He felt naked and exposed. Noticing his discomfort, Cyrus glared at her. "What do you want?"

"Cold and callous as always. Some things never change."

"You still have not answered my question."

"The meeting was dismissed shortly after his arrival," she pointed to Ari and continued. "I was leaving just as you did. Believe me, I am not one of your admirers." She eyed them one last time before sidestepping past them.

Cyrus wore a complicated expression, which unnerved Ari. Something was at play here. How could he have forgotten so soon? He must be more careful. He did not want to bring trouble to Cyrus. Inviting him to his bed so soon... would that not cause strife with Auovin? He did not want that.

"I have brought you trouble," Ari mumbled. "I should go."

"There is trouble everywhere, especially in these times. You worry for nothing." Cyrus nudged Ari, beckoning him to follow. "Let us continue. There is somewhere I would like to show you."

Silence fell between them, but it was a comfortable silence, letting Ari bask in Cyrus' presence and the opulence surrounding them. Day and night mixed together here; Ari could never be sure which it was. Heavy maroon curtains shrouded the windows, blocking any flicker of light. Only the lit candles adorning the walls gave them light. It mattered not, though. They could see nearly as clearly at night. Ari gravitated closer to Cyrus, wanting to be as close to him.

"The woman from before, she seemed hostile towards you. Why is that?" Ari asked.

"Auovin and Nis do not see eye-to-eye on many things here. Factions arose. She supports Nis."

"I see... What are the main issues they disagree on?"

"Many issues and many things."

"Cyrus, do not be like this. I am no child that needs coddling. I will find out, eventually. Whether it is from you or not, it will not matter, so tell me."

Cyrus opened a door leading outside. It was littered with lanterns and vegetation. Flowers of all colors blossomed across the expanse, distracting Ari from his questioning. It was quite beautiful, not quite as beautiful as Cyrus. Cyrus' beauty was incomparable. However, he could not help but think of him as he continued gazing at the large variety of flowers.

There was a path of cobblestone beneath their feet that led to the center of the garden where a grandiose water fountain stood. It was carved in the form of two demons, lovers by the way they clung to one another. Water ebbed beneath their feet as one brought the other into a heated embrace, lips locked. In one of their hands, a large glass spilled with water. The words "Honeyed Wine" were etched onto the bottom of the statue where the water pooled. Ari could feel Cyrus' gaze upon him as he stared at the statue, consumed with thoughts best placed elsewhere.

"The waking of a great demon," Cyrus said.

"Waking... They are asleep?" Ari thumbed his lip in thought. He understood when they said sleep, it was not quite the same as human sleep. It seemed dangerous and unwanted for greater demons. He could not help but think of it as imprisonment of some kind. He would have to ask Kaval.