Bound Spirits

Chapter Seven

Spending time around the nobility was usually an exhausting experience for Zahari. They were simply so predictable in their behavior and conversations that he usually had to talk himself out of making things more exciting. And with Tsveta there, he knew he had to be especially careful. Although his sister didn't care much for them either, she was trying to keep the family in good standing.

Zahari didn't care what the others thought of him, but he knew Tsveta wanted her family to hold their title, and he wasn't going to sabotage that simply because he was bored. With any luck, he would be leaving the country again soon and would no longer have to put up with the irritations of Fiametti society.

This particular time, Alena kept things far more interesting. Her presence alone was enough to change their normal conversation, as they all wanted to know what a Shynian was doing in Fiamett. Instead of telling the truth, Alena spun a story about being the king's cousin and looking for a husband. That seemed to make the other single women jealous, and a few seemed to be trying to catch Zahari's attention.

"I don't know whether I'm amused or angry," Tsveta said once they were alone. "You knew the purpose of this visit, Zahari, and of course you just couldn't stand to be normal for three hours."

"I'm not looking to get married, Tsveta," Zahari said. "I don't even know how much longer I'm going to be here. I certainly don't want a wife tying me down. And if you're so concerned about your social standing, having Shynian royalty visiting can only help that."

"No one bought that story!" Tsveta snapped. "You probably insulted them by assuming they would!"

"At least I didn't have to use my sword," Alena said, patting her hip where her weapon was.

"You brought your sword?" Tsveta looked shocked at that revelation.

"You know, I think the two of us are going to disappear for a while," Zahari said.

"That's the best idea you've had all day," Tsveta said.

"Put on some normal clothes and meet me in the barn," Zahari said to Alena. To his surprise, she didn't argue and headed up the stairs. He followed her up, and when they got to her room, she stopped him.

"You mind undoing the lacing on this thing?" she asked.

"Um," Zahari managed to get out, not sure what to say to that. "Do you want me to find Mira for you?"

"Unless you're somehow incapable of doing it, why not do it yourself? Or are you just that lazy?"

"Right. I really don't care. Just get me out of this dress."

"Just as long as you don't punch me again," he said as he walked over to her. He hesitated before reaching for the laces. Very carefully, he untied and loosened them, being careful to not touch Alena on accident, sure that if he did, she'd get angry. Once it was loose, he quickly looked away from the small area of exposed skin and hurried to his own room.

Once he was safe in his own room, he quickly changed into his normal daily clothes. He didn't think it had taken him long to change, but when he made it to the barn, Alena was already waiting for him.