Promises (Book One of The Syrenka Series)

Chapter Eight

EIGHT

The packed memorial service on Friday felt cramped, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that our friends from Cotillion had made it to the event. Throughout the ceremony, I stole fleeting glances at Daniel, Lily, and Carissa who stayed interspersed amongst their clans throughout the back of the room. Vance and Brinsley had more freedom than the first year syrenkas, so they caught a few moments of our time for conversation. It sounded much like the other million exchanges I watched Kain go through. Everyone was sorry and they all wanted him to know that they were available to help in any way. Some were much more sincere than others. Considering Kain's new elevated status in our society, it was more difficult to determine who was really on his side and who just wanted to get into his good graces. 

I stood next to Kain as he stepped into his father's role that day. His mother acted stoic, yet quiet, allowing her son to represent their family with the grace and dignity that she strained to hold on to through her grief. She was an admirable woman and her total faith in Kain allowed me to see him in another light. Strong, confident, and capable; Kain had become an adult overnight. 

The Matthews didn't stay at our house. Secretly thankful for that, I tried not to let my emotions show. Just one more day to endure and then Brendan and I would be able to start our new life together.  

Although Kain and I had acted as a couple most of the day on Friday, we really hadn't had much of a chance to talk. So I was surprised when he knocked lightly on my open door just a few minutes before his appointment ceremony was slated to begin downstairs. 

"May I come in?" he asked bashfully. Always such a gentleman. 

Dressed in my gown, I just needed to put the final touches on my hair and makeup. Even though I was to be a bride the next day, my dress tonight was much more elegant than I would have ever dreamed I could wear. The blue silk fabric clung to my body like ocean waves wrapping me in an embrace. It had a drop waist line that pointed down toward my feet where layers upon layers of fabric fell stylishly to the floor to make it look like I was floating. The top of the dress stretched over my left shoulder and around my neck like a serpent. Gold highlights interlaced with the royal blue material and the matching gold tiara with sapphire jewels only emphasized the elegance of the design. I fashioned my hair up into a twist, allowing a few subtle curls to drape lightly around my face. 

I stood as Kain asked his question. "Yes, please come in." Even though I was sure he heard me, he didn't move. Almost a full minute passed before we said anything. "Are you okay?" I finally asked. 

Kain shook his head and smiled apologetically. "You look really beautiful, Eviana."  

He'd dressed in the formal leadership attire in the colors of his clan; royal blue and black. The jacket looked custom designed and fit his tall frame really well. The suit reminded me a bit of what a member of a human royal court would have worn centuries ago. Still admiring his presence, he stepped into the room and held out his hand toward me. Not knowing what he wanted, I laid my palm in his a little reluctantly.  

"I am a lucky guy," he said and lifted my hand to his mouth for a gentle and respectful kiss. 

My stomach knotted up instantly and guilt seared through my veins. I pulled my hand away and pretended to straighten out my dress. "Thanks," I replied with my head down to avoid his questioning look. "You clean up nicely too." 

He chuckled at that and walked further into the room, forcing me to take a few steps backward. I quickly glanced toward my closet where I had my bag packed and ready to go. It was as though I worried that he could see through the closed doors, but if he noticed my odd behavior, he didn't comment on it as we sat on the edge of my bed.