Arventh looked from Rivex to the woman, whose gaze was downcast. His jaw stiffened. He pressed a finger against his lips – a gesture to which the general reluctantly nodded his acknowledgement. Rivex was not to interfere in Arventh's dealings with Alaeca. Waving away the thickening atmosphere, the king stepped into the hall and shut the door behind him.
Though Alaeca's head was lowered, her silver eyes were burnt into his memory. Arventh stopped less than a meter from her, certain that he would be in her view. He motioned for her to raise her head. Alaeca's breath hitched a few seconds before she abided.
Arventh frowned. She refused to look at him. "Alaeca."
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Her gentle voice was steady, but failed to mask the anxiety plain in her posture.
"Why did Rivex call for you?" Arventh asked, keeping his tone direct. He noticed Rivex move forward from the corner of his eye, and shot him a glance. The general froze mid-step and pressed his lips together. Alaeca's stance relaxed slightly, and she looked straight at him before responding, "He offered to show me around your palace."
Even in the dimness, her eyes were bright and divine.
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Arventh, you – " Rivex cut in angrily. Arventh's hand shot up, forcing Rivex to bite his lip in frustration.
She paused. "I refused. The general's consideration of me could prove questionable to some."
He smiled, letting the tension drop from the air. Knowing he was liberated from Arventh's orders, Rivex sighed. "I thought you were going to be with Lenthorn until tomorrow."
"His mother's ill. I dismissed him an hour ago." Surprise flitted across Alaeca's features, gone within a second and replaced with neutrality. None of her slight reactions could pass unnoticed under his watch no matter how hard she tried. Arventh held out a hand in front of her, softening his voice when he spoke, "You're feeling better today."
She nodded lightly, and inched her own hand towards his. Arventh reached forward, locking his fingers around her wrist with ease. He pressed her fingers against his lips before letting go. Instead of hovering, Alaeca's arm dropped back at her side. He caught a glimpse of her trembling fingers before they were concealed behind the hem of her dress.
"Follow me."
He didn't turn around to check that she obeyed.
-
Arventh led the younger woman to his study. Many had watched them with surprise, bowing their heads seconds later than usual in response to the king's appearance. He pushed open the door with one hand, moving aside to let Alaeca in.
Her footsteps were light, holding no trace of the uncertainty that lined every contour of her face. Arventh was unsurprised by her prudence around him. His presence could provoke hesitation in men with greater mental fortitude. Though it was not usually intended, Arventh had become accustomed to the fear of others.
"You can sit anywhere." He shut the door behind him, turning the key until he heard the click. He was certain that any interruptions would unnecessarily put Alaeca on edge. The woman settled in the stiff wooden chair in front of his ebony desk. She rested both hands atop her knees and lowered her shoulders in a flair of elegance.
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Dissonance
RomantizmArventh Seirr is the young and absolute monarch of Xindin. Blessed with fertile land and a powerful military, Xindin stands contentedly above its neighbours. Despite this, Arventh harbours a broken soul, having never recovered from his father's sudd...