The Kings Sibyl

Chapter twenty-two

Regan met us at the door to the dining room, a smirk on his face. "Satisfied, brother?"
"Shut it. And stop looking at my woman like that."
A new satisfaction settled in me at hearing him call me his woman. His.
"Here, Syn. Fix your lips, and wipe yours off. Unless you want the entire council to know what took you so long. Not that they can't smell it on you." The anger in Regan's eyes surprised me, and I applied some more of the berry liquid reluctantly before helping Elric clean his face off. However he ruined it by pressing a hard kiss to my lips as soon as we stepped foot inside the dining hall. I noticed the curious glances and knowing looks sent our way and I couldn't stop the blush that spread across my cheeks.
"Mouse, do not give me that look or I will go back on my promise and take you right here and now. In front of everyone."
"Calm yourself, Goliath."
His answering groan made a laugh escape my lips. Regan followed us to the long dark mahogany table and sat to my left.
"Regan has opted to be your personal guard, my love. He is to be by your side every second of every day." Goliath explained as he pulled the seat out for me before sitting to my right. "Regan is the only man I trust to be next to you and not give in to temptation. He's the only one I trust to guard you with his life."
A frown found it's way onto my face, and I couldn't lift my mood after that. Especially when I glanced up and noticed my mother, father, and siblings sitting at the other end of the table.
A plate of lettuce was given out, with a rich fruit dressing that exploded on the tastebuds, followed by a potato soup. A pig was placed in the center of the table, carved, and passed around with something I had never seen before that had a very sour taste. Afterwards, pastries were put on the table and everyone picked at them while continuously conversing. I found myself silent during the whole affair, until Elric's mother grabbed my attention.
"Hello dear, my name is Ariel. Tell me, are you able to bear young?"
The wine in my mouth became heavy as I was swallowing and I nearly choked. Goliath's look of shock told me I wasn't the only one not expecting such a question.
"Mother-"
"Ari, leave her be." Elric's father cut in. "Kiel, it's nice to finally meet a woman worthy of my son. I can practically feel the power radiating off you."
"The pleasure is all mine, sir."
"Please, call me whatever you'd like. I can tell if my son has his way you'll be the woman everyone in the world looks up to."
"Thank you. As far as bearing a child, I have not had my menses is many a year. I'm afraid I've no clue if I'm able."
Ariel frowned, a pouting look on her face as she turned to Allison. "Then I suppose it's up to you to give me a grandchild. Sooner rather than later I hope, I suggest you get to work before I lose my patience. I've waited far too long."
Alli's face turned a deep purple while Edit laughed. It seemed he was used to his mothers urging.
"I for one am too young to be a grandmother."
Every head turned towards the woman at the end of the table. My mother.
"You're this beautiful creatures mother?" Ariel joked. "It's a wonder as to how she turned out so wonderful if you were the one raising her."
Mothers face turned as red as Allison's had, anger coming off her like steam.
My younger sister looked me in the eyes and gave me an apologetic look. As she turned her head I noticed her bandaged ears.
"Eliza. Come." I ordered. Our father gave me a sharp glare, hiding behind his white as Snow hair.
As though in a trance, Eliza stood from her chair and came to my side. Regan's questioning gaze did nothing but anger me further.
"Bring her a chair. Now." Elric demanded.
I turned to study my older brother, who sat in silence as usual. My older sister sat next to her husband, the clan warrior, with a sour look on her face. She was the only one allowed to keep her ears as she was expected to take over as leader. Father had never tried to clip hers. He had successfully shaped Ryan's, one of mine, and had apparently succeeded with Eliza as well.
"I missed you so much, sissy." Eliza whispered as she took a seat between Regan and I. "Don't tell mommy, she's very upset with you."
Elric snickered before ripping his pastry in half and taking a bite. He placed his hand back on my thigh, purposely pushing my dress out of the way to touch bare skin.
"Where have you been?"
"I've been busy,  do you remember I told you I had to go away for a while?" Mother and father had sent me away a few years ago when a major threat became apparent, and out of everyone, Eliza was the most heart broken. She had cried for days after I told her and refused to speak until it was time for goodbyes.
"Is the bad man gone?"
"No, he's not."
"Does that mean you have to go away again?" Eliza jumped into my lap, her arms wrapping around my neck as she began crying. "I don't want you to go!"
Elric's grip tightened on my thigh as he abruptly stood. He leaned over and unwrapped Eliza's arms before holding her to his chest.
"Do not worry, child. I'm here to protect your sister. Nothing will happen to her, and nothing will happen to you."