Aren rises up on a thermal. Below him, people scuttle along like ants hemmed in between the close-packed buildings. Almost every single inch of the island which makes up the city of Avalon is built upon. Even the roofed bridge over to the mainland is lined with shops and spouts bolted-on homesteads, like a rash of toadstools.
Apparently, many claim it to be an architectural beauty, although he cannot see it. A shiver ripples through him at the thought of all those people living on top of each other, which is worsened by the lack of any greenery save for the window boxes.
Air caresses his feathers as he glides along the course of the river which glows like molten metal in the light of the setting sun. The area down river is not quite so built up as the island and some of the wealthier properties even have gardens running down to the water line, his hostelry included.
He alights before the handsome building where he is staying. The peacefulness of the flight evaporates almost as soon as his feet touch the ground and he smooths down his clothes, wishing to be presentable. They will be here soon.
The scents of roasting meats, fresh cut herbs and baking breads tease his nostrils, yet his stomach is uneasy. Tonight is the first time that he will see his cousin Tabbi since his fall from grace.
Rather than be cooped up inside, he chooses to wait in the gardens and takes a seat on a cast iron bench. A number of couples are already sat discretely in pairs, soaking up the romantic views and sipping glasses of chilled rose wine. It makes him feel all the more lonely.
A waiter in black tails and a stark, starchy shirt glides over holding a silver platter. "Your Highness, may I offer you an aperitif?"
The glistening bottle of wine looks mightily tempting and he could do with some liquid courage, however, he shakes his head. "I am waiting for my guests."
"Very well, sir." With a bow the man makes himself scarce.
Aren does not have too much time on his hands before two raptors swoop down. The black kite transforms into Drake while the red kite turns into Tabbi. He stands to greet them.
"Aren!" Tabbi's face breaks into a grin and she throws her arms around him.
His hands strokes her mass of curls and his voice crackles, "I am so heartened to see you. I was not sure that you would come."
Tabbi pulls back, a frown marring her pretty face. "Oh, goddess. I feel so rotten."
He takes both her hands in his. "I was a fool. But please, let us not dwell on the past. Would you prefer to dine inside or outside?"
"Oh, outside. The city looks so pretty from here."
Like a magician, the waiter appears and guides them to a candle-lit table right by the river bank. Silver cutlery lies like soldiers against the crisp white table cloth and crystal glasses glint in the light of the flames.
Tabbi slips her hand into Drake's. "We have to come back here again."
They look so happy together that it causes a pang in Aren's chest. He is not sure whether he will ever have what they do.
Over dinner, Tabbi tells him about all the goings on in Avalon and her words pour out like a babbling spring. Any anxiety he held melts away and he shares a grin with Drake.
"Aren, I was so worried earlier." Drakes gives a slightly hysterical laugh. "Kai arrived not long after you and I was terrified that you would run into each other."
The news is like a skewer, piercing into Aren. The visions Hades showed him of Kai and Elissa play across the inside of his head. No, I need to be stronger than that. If he is her future then I have to live with it.

YOU ARE READING
The Queen of Elysium
FantasyBook 2 (Complete) - A game of Queen's conquest is set to be played across Elysium and in the four corners stand Elissa's suitors: - The High King - he insists that they are a perfect match, but will she agree? - The Dark King - bound by blood...