Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Eleven

Caelum stormed over to his fool of a friend. He put his hand firmly on Drayce's shoulder and interrupted Drayce's sentence.

"Will you excuse us for a moment? I can't wait a moment more to congratulate my brother." Caelum said. The others in the group nodded and Caelum hauled Drayce out of hearing distance.

"Why on earth are you flirting with other ladies at the party, when your betrothed is sitting there all by herself?" Caelum demanded.

"She didn't want to. I was just trying to be accommodating. Now leave me be Caelum. I'm expected to converse with the guests." Drayce responded.

"Drayce, have you even sat down and had a conversation with her? Do you know her likes, her dislikes? How about her past?"

"No." Drayce said shuffling uncomfortably.

"Why don't you go ask her then?" Caelum prodded.

"Caelum, I don't want to get into this. Just leave me be." Drayce said

"Non's name Drayce! She's going to be your wife!" Caelum exclaimed.

Drayce just shrugged. Caelum shook his head in disdain. "Fine I'll go talk to your betrothed since you won't."

Drayce looked unsure for a moment then shook his head and went back to the group he was in before.

Caelum turned and saw a woman walk away from Lillia. Caelum knew her, what was her name? That's right Lady Devtal. Oh no.

Caelum hurried over to Lillia and sat down. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Lady Devtal is known for being... exceedingly rude."

"Yes, I'm fine. She didn't say anything I don't already know. Besides, I think I put her in her place." Lillia said.

"I'm sure you did." Caelum said smiling. "By the way, I heard about that tongue lashing you gave Drayce the other night."

Lillia blushed. "Yeah. I thought if he heard it from me, he might listen."

Caelum barked a laugh "Drayce listens to who he wants to listen to. But we can all try."

Lillia smiled and nodded. "He has a thick skull that's for sure."

There was a moment in silence then Caelum said "Honestly, I don't know why so many ladies like Drayce."

Lillia knit her eyebrows together "Is there a particular reason?"

"Well I'm obviously the more attractive one." Caelum said a matter-of-factly.

Lillia tried to hide her smile "Is that so?"

"Yes! I mean check out my jawline! It could cut diamonds." Caelum said dramatically, jutting his jaw out towards her.

Lillia burst out laughing. "Absolutely" She said through her laughter "I can't understand why they wouldn't like you more."

"No really." Caelum laughed "Feel it. So sharp."

Lillia felt tears in her eyes. "Stop!" She grabbed his hand.

Caelum laughed too. Lillia glanced up and saw Drayce staring right at them. And he looked mad.

Lillia stopped laughing right away. She let go of Caelum. He looked confused then looked over and saw Drayce.

"Well serves him right. He refused to come over." Caelum said.

"He did?" Lillia asked looking at him. She had hurt evident in her green eyes.

Drayce excused himself from the people he was talking to with a nod and started walking over to them. Caelum rose from his seat.

"Drayce—" Caelum started

"What do you think you're doing?" Drayce demanded.

"You know exactly what I'm doing." Caelum said, "You refused to come and talk to Lillia, so I came over to cheer her up."

"You were flirting. I don't need an affair going on with my betrothed and best friend on top of everything!" Drayce said.

"That's not what was happening. Stop overreacting about everything! You need to figure out what you're about Drayce. I'm done cleaning up your messes." Caelum said.

"Then don't! I've already told you Caelum. I don't need you to!" Drayce half yelled.

"You would be basking in your own ruin if I didn't do half of the things I do for you!" Caelum said getting in Drayce's face.

Drayce shoved Caelum. Hard. Caelum fell backwards into the wall and suddenly Lillia's bangles flew off her wrist and hovered in the air for a split second before falling to the floor.

Lillia gasped. The people around them had silenced and stared at the commotion. If that was what Caelum thought it was, then they were about to be in deep trouble. By the shocked expression on Drayce's face, Caelum was right. What should he do? He searched his brain for an excuse.

"Drayce! Don't throw Lillia's bangles." He blurted "She doesn't need to be a part of this." It was awkward, but it was the best thing Caelum could think of in two seconds. Drayce nodded he knew what Caelum was doing.

"Very well. Sorry Lillia." Drayce said.

Whispers erupted around the room. "Mystic..."

"Did you see..."

"Highness Leroux and Lord Goladroth..."

Caelum shot to his feet. This was not good. Drayce looked at a lost. Lillia's eyes were wide with shock.

Then someone shouted from somewhere in the crowd. "I'll not have a Mystic on the Kamasian throne!" There were many shouts of agreement. Whispered exclaimations turned into shouts. They were going to have a full-on riot on their hands if they didn't leave now.

Lillia shot to her feet and hurried from the room. Drayce raked his hand through his hair. "Lillia!" He hustled after her.

Caelum exhaled sharply in frustration. Another mess to clean up. This time it was a political scandal.