The Chase : Volume One

Unintended Consequences Part Two

The breeze was clean with a sweet smell in the air. Taking down the  decorations from the ceremony the previous evening had increased the level of activity. The sounds of bodies and carts shuffling around softly permeated area. The courtyard was still empty. Only himself and Navaska were out this early attempting to avoid the public gaze of the other castle residents and guests. A small leaf tickled his left ear and he reflexively looked up in its direction. A figure moved away from the east tower window in the distance.  It was the only building that peaked over the edge of the garden wall.  Anyone who lived Zeneth enough knew who that was. Soter had before always tried not to concern himself their permanent guest. He had picked here today to meet her because in the past he knew no one would believe the words  Someone in his position couldn't afford to be looked at as associating with the spawn of a traitor. He sighed and looked back at the only person he truly cared about. "Perhaps you should head back to your suite." He brushed his finger down her jawline.

Navaska was more than beautiful, she was glorious. Her Djarrte,  was just as beautiful as her Savvadi. Her long blonde hair was pulled back to reveal her markings. Silvery snowflakes danced and mingled up her neck by her ears and across her hairline. A single pearl shape shone from the middle of her brow. Her eyes were a striking bright blue. She had plump cheeks and a wide jaw that made her slight cleft chin adorable. To have such an elegant physique and youthful mien – it drove him mad.

"Mars... Are you embarrassed to be with me?" Natalia smirked jutting her chin out at him. "You are acting like you don't want to be seen with me." She swayed  a little from side to side turning from him. "I am beginning to wonder if you really-"their lips met as she turned back to face him. Mars cuffed his arm around her back and pulled in her tight.

He slowly pulled away from the kiss. Her cheeks with flushed and she gazed up at him. "Don't pretend like you don't know what is at stake. There is no guarantee we will win each other. If too many know of us.... We could be purposefully separated... The whole point is to even the odds for lesser gons and agons – and you.... well there is no agon more beautiful and more elegant. As the next in line for Key marrying you would be more than advantageous. It is because I don't want to lose you." He whispered softly in her ear pulling her in close again. As he pulled away he noticed the devious smirk on her face. "You weren't being serious, were you?" He chuckled.

"I couldn't help it – you are always so serious... Are you upset?" She twirled away pulling up the train of her coat.

"No... Just... Nevermind that. Let's go." Soter took a glance around. The sun peeked over the edge of the east tower. The courtyard was already mostly decorated in preparation. The cobblestone had been swept and polished. The hedges that line the back wall of the castle and squared around the space had been trimmed. Red and gold lace was draped all around. Servants began to emerge with baskets and spread rose petals all around. The lanterns that were at each corner had more red and gold ribbon twinned from the top to the bottom. Any tribe would proudly represent their colors should their family hold the Center seat. It was expected. Still for Soter, it felt strange. He was only 8 the last time he live here. At first he could barely remember what it looked like. It had taken place during the W'eisi reign. His father held a post here.  The only real memory he had from then was meeting Navaska. He had never forgotten her, but he had only met her again 10 years ago. It didn't take long for their love to blossom and he had hoped their families would match them before the event. However, it seemed they were waiting on this. They didn't want to match him – they wanted to ruin him.

"Soteramose, are you okay?" Navaska asked, putting her hand on his forearm. She brushed his hair away from his face and gazed at him intently.  

Suddenly he saw her face go pale. She looked like she had seen something, so he looked behind them but there was nothing but a row of hedges.