Veridia

Chapter 2

Aethiria, present

Trumpets sounded with the glaring noise of cold sunlight, and King Dominic Leon swept into the room.

And whatever Aleksander was expecting, it wasn't this.

The foreign King was the picture of ease. His suit was pure white and hemmed with amber, matching the peculiar color of his eyes. Aleksander couldn't help but feel that he'd seen that exact shade before, but now was not the time to stress over deja-vu. The King's hair was sun-bleached, light brown and tousled. A light smattering of freckles scattered across his cheeks, across a straight and regal nose. His skin was tanned and olive toned, very out of place in the pale Aethirian court. A confident grin rested on his face, a golden pendant hanging around his neck and two gold and amber rings on the second and third fingers his right hand. His ring finger was noticeably unadorned.

And he was young, his face clean-shaven and crown settled lopsidedly on his hair, as if he had forgotten to adjust it in his haste.

Somehow, his casual manner was more intimidating than if he had been solemn.

"You are Aleksander?"

King Leon's voice held a cheerful mirth that again took Aleksander completely by surprise. He didn't seem brooding or troubled at all, even with his kingdom swaying on the edge of mutiny. The off-handed use of his name made Aleksander stiffen, deciding in his head if he should react to it or not.

"Prince Aleksander Volkov of Aethiria, yes."

The Andalucian King laughed, pearly white teeth flashing.

"The Aethirian Castle is lovely. I hope to spend many a beautiful day here."

The King chuckled again, sliding into the seat pulled out for him.

"I am very much looking forward to this season, Aleksander. We both have much to gain."

Liar. He has much to gain, not me.

Aleksander breathed deeply, counting in his head three heartbeats to steady himself.

"I'm sure we do. Let us begin, shall we? Lest the food go cold." Aleksander clapped his hands, and servants flooded in with trays and trays of Aethirian delicacies, enough to feed an entire village.

Rows of assorted vegetable and meat dishes, seven different kinds of soup, and most importantly, the mountains of dessert. But what was most eye-catching were the beautiful towers of crystal glasses, each filled with only a thimbleful of the finest Aethirian liquor. The spirit was as clear as ice, scented with herbs, roses, and sugar, catching the late afternoon light like a prism.

Aleksander noted with some satisfaction King Leon's eyes widening the slightest of a fraction in wonder.

"I heard the Laurasian princess arrived?"

"Yes. But as per custom, I- we, are forbidden to meet all debutantes until the First Evening."

Aleksander winced inwardly at the stutter, again revealing how new he was in the realm of sweet talk and fake smiled.

"Very well."

"There will be training, for all debutantes, about Aethirian customs. We are expected to attend some of them. If you need... accommodations, do ask."

King Dominic smiled, but this was not the same easy smile he had before. It was like a mask, hiding a viper underneath.

"Don't worry, I will."

He picked up a glass of liquor and drained it.

"And who might this lovely lady be?"

King Leon smiled at Geneva, who had not spoken a word. Unease prickled underneath Aleksander's skin as he watched her reaction closely.