Conniveo

Chapter VIII: Pathos

"Where did you go, Kana?"

I closed the door behind me and tried to come up with a reply. I couldn't think quickly enough. I was more concerned about Eugene's safety.

"I left for walk outside. I needed to think."

Mother's expression softened and she came over and held me in her arms. I prayed that Eugene was gone. If she decided that we needed to talk in the privacy of my bed chambers, it would not augur well for him.

"You need not be worried, Kana. I have told you already, you will be in excellent hands. Aris is rising steadily in the ranks of society, and you would be most fortunate to be his mate."

"I care nothing for society and its ranks. I only desire to be happily joined."

"As I am sure you will be in four weeks." She smiled. Perhaps she believed that I was eager to be joined with Aris. I had meant that I was only interested in being happy with my marriage, regardless of who I was joined to. I did not see such a prospect in Aris. Mother led me to the consult chambers and we sat together.

"I know it's difficult, Kana, but you must endure. The wait must be tiresome for you."

"I do not mind waiting, Mother."

"Good. Patience is a quality you must acquire if you wish for your marriage to be a successful one." 

"I-" My objection was incomplete as the door opened to reveal an irritable-looking Arye. I wondered how he had fared with his training. The qualification races were to be held in a week and he had been put through a rigorous agility regime to improve his chances at the Impediment Track. He had already prepared extensively for the Accelerant Track after he came third at the Anto Games - though his position was from his poorer performance at the Rubble Course, the Anto's version of the Impediment Track. He had come second at the Gyro Course - an accelerant track - by losing the lead with 0.04-second margin.

"What happened? Did all go well at training?" He looked at me with the same irritated eyes with which he had entered and then nodded backwards. I looked behind him and saw Aris. I could understand his mood; I probably felt a hundred fold what he was feeling. Arye walked towards mother and held her hand fondly, then ran his hand through my hair. I scowled. I hated when he did that. Aris walked in with a smile on his face. I did not know what we had done to amuse him. Mother smiled back at him.

"Aris, I thought you were out of town for business."

"I would leave tonight. I just thought to spend a few moments with my fiancée before I left."

"Oh," Mother said, and she smiled awkwardly. I looked at the ceiling with exasperation. Mother excused herself to give us privacy, but Arye stood beside me.

"Was that the best you could come up with?"

"I do not know what you speak of, Arye. I wanted to share parting moments with Kana, my future mate." There was something about the way he said the last words that sounded a little too possessive, like he was trying to fight Arye for me. I thought it was ridiculous. I would never be mated with Arye. Arye seemed to glare at him before walking off. His knee buckled slightly as he headed for his room and I stood up in reflex.

"Arye, you are hurt!"

"No, just sprained in my left knee. I should recover soon."

"Let me come and take care of you." I needed a reason to be gone from Aris's presence. I felt no desire to share any moments with him. I knew we were going to be joined soon, but I preferred to have my freedom while it was still mine. 

"Let him be. Arye is strong and free to exercise his talents. As I am sure you have been."

I looked at him. I did not think he was interested in my pex manipulation. Arye left us alone and Aris stared at me. His gaze had gone from amused to frighteningly serious.