The Siege of Shadows: Book one

Tooth and Blood (32)

Kael was waiting for me at the dining hall doors.

He stood tall and imposing, a dark figure against the opulent backdrop of the castle's golden sconces and high-arched doorways. His crimson eyes caught mine the moment I appeared, and for a fleeting second, something softened in his gaze. The slight tilt of his head—subtle, almost imperceptible—spoke volumes. He hadn't expected this. He hadn't expected me.

"Kitten," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. It wasn't teasing this time. There was a weight to the word, an unspoken something I couldn't name.

I wasn't sure if it was the emerald gown, the way it hugged my figure and shimmered like forest leaves in sunlight, or the cascade of my newly styled hair, but Kael seemed... stunned. It wasn't the reaction I'd anticipated from anyone, let alone him. And yet, the intensity in his gaze made my cheeks warm, despite everything.

"You look..." He hesitated, searching for the right word before settling on, "beautiful."

I blinked, startled by the sincerity in his voice. Before I could respond, his hand extended toward me. "Come," he said, his tone shifting back to its usual command. "Let's get this over with."

I took his arm, and we entered together.

The dining hall was as grand as I'd imagined it would be. Crystal chandeliers cast warm, flickering light over an endless table adorned with gold and silver. Fae lords and ladies, draped in silk and glittering jewels, were already seated, their laughter and low conversations filling the air. At the head of the table sat the king, his cold blue eyes scanning the room with a predator's precision.

Kael guided me to the far end of the table, away from the king and his inner circle. As we settled into our seats, I noticed Kael's posture—rigid, alert, like a coiled spring ready to snap. I tried to mirror his quiet composure, though my hands trembled slightly as I reached for the goblet of water in front of me.

Food was brought out almost immediately: roasted meats, fragrant breads, and vibrant fruits arranged on gleaming platters. My plate was filled with a modest selection of food, but Kael declined any for himself.

"You're not eating?" I whispered, glancing at him.

He leaned slightly closer, his voice quiet. "Not tonight." He didn't elaborate, but I understood. Eating with the helmet on would be awkward at best, humiliating at worst. My chest tightened with a pang of sympathy, but I said nothing more.

The meal began peacefully enough. I focused on the food in front of me, ignoring the occasional curious glances cast my way. Kael remained silent, his presence a shield against the unfamiliar and unnerving atmosphere.

But peace was fleeting in the king's court.

As the meal progressed and the wine flowed more freely, the king's voice grew louder, his laughter more raucous. It wasn't long before his sharp gaze landed on Kael, his lips curling into a sneer.

"Theros !" he called, his voice cutting through the murmur of the hall. The room fell silent. "Why so quiet at my table? Come, join me."

Kael's jaw tightened, but he rose without protest, his movements measured as he strode to the king's end of the table. I watched, my heart pounding in my chest, as Kael stopped a few paces from the king and inclined his head. "Your Majesty."

The king's grin widened, malicious glee lighting his face. "Tell me, General, do you not like the feast I've provided? Or is Fae food too refined for a beast like you?"

A low murmur of laughter rippled through the gathered nobles. My grip on the edge of the table tightened, my nails digging into the wood.

Kael didn't respond. He stood still as a statue, his hands clasped behind his back.