Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 46

The violins hum distantly in the background, playing a sweet, continuous tune as the great hall floods with people that I don't even know. I sit in the upper story, looking down below as time almost seems to stand still. Women in large gowns fill the space, pouring over into the expansive hallways and courtyards. 

The violins are a request of mine, for at my coronation, I felt as though I was about to be fed to wolves, considering the noise of the crowd outside. 

I'm alone, completely alone, on what should be one of the highlights of one's life. With my warlord now free to do as he pleases, his job to guard me came at a distance. He was doing perimeter checks, no doubt, looking for any weakness in my guard. 

 My friends are either in various places or dead; it's one of the few times I've pined for the company of Haryek. 

While he couldn't be trusted, he was lovely to have at a party and could at least break the ice. Instead, I'm up here, hiding in a corner booth while I watch everyone enjoy the festivities at my wedding. 

I sip on a glass of wine; I'd rather be drunk.

"Your Grace." A servant bows before me. "Lady Ana has arrived." The name makes me perk, and I turn on my heel to see my friend whom I've missed so dearly. She curtsies, her flowing dress various shades of green that accent her thick dark hair. 

I nearly drop my glass, but opt to down it instead as I go to her and kiss her cheek, unable to hug her due to the impracticality of her dress and the prestige of a King hugging a lady other than his wife. I'm mindful not to step on the frills around her feet. 

"Ana! I think you were the last person I expected to be here."

"I wouldn't miss it!" She smiles so sweetly, I notice she has Helen with her much to my dismay. The white-haired girl is wearing a much slimmer, pale blue dress that accentuates her startling eyes, evoking a dark thought about who offered her the gown and why she was even invited. 

I had hardly seen hide or hair of Helen, considering I pretty much gave her to Fillipa. 

Keeping her away from Verando and preventing that connection was not my most shining moment, but trust had not necessarily blossomed between me and this young wench. I almost want to send her away, but I decide against it. I'm just so happy not to have to go through this alone that even a pale, meager girl would do. 

I take Ana's hands in mine, squeezing them firmly. She beams back at me, exuding all the radiance of a woman happy with her lot in life. "I brought you a present, Your Grace. Helen, would you mind?" She gestures to Helen, who quickly departs, much like a mouse, I muse. "You look so handsome."

Do I? 

I took in my outfit; I hadn't even looked at it. It's more typical of our people than the frills and suede of a French officer. A play on my solomonari robes, white with studded rubies and emeralds to make up the embroidery on the hems of my jacket, opening to a cream-colored waistcoat and white pants with tall boots.

 A reminder of my days when I was in white robes and a simple monk, "I feel like I was dropped in a coin purse; this is a bit much. I don't think the school would approve of the gems." 

"It's perfect. It's exactly how I pictured you'd look; France has been good to you. You look healthy." She practically giggles, and I wonder what's gotten her so excited. 

Perhaps everyone is this happy at weddings? 

Ignoring her comment on my health, I try to take it as a compliment rather than a reminder that I've gained some weight. "You look well, how did Reid feel to be left behind?"