Chapter 6

A L I N A

“I apologise. I was delayed,” I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

Magnus, for his part, dips his head respectfully. “Lord Alinos. Lady Kaela.” His voice is as smooth as polished steel, courteous and respectful.

My mother offers a tight smile. “Magnus. It’s... a pleasure, as always.”

I can’t help but bristle at her tone. They’ve never been outright hostile toward him, but their dislike is written in every slight shift of posture, every overly polite word. It’s no secret they’d hoped for a suitor who would bring less trouble, less danger to my life. But Magnus Vorathiel is meant to be my mate, and no amount of subtle disapproval will change that.

“Please, sit,” my father says, gesturing to the chairs nearest him.

Before Magnus and I can respond, the sound of approaching footsteps draws our attention. The Vorathiels have arrived.

Lord Cassian Vorathiel strides into the hall, his presence as intimidating as ever. His dark blonde hair is neatly combed, his sharp blue eyes missing nothing as they sweep over the room. Behind him, his wife, the Lady Lenore, follows, the very image of poise and grace, her golden blonde hair gleaming like sunlight.

“Lord Alinos, Lady Kaela,” Cassian greets smoothly, his voice carrying the faintest edge of authority. “Thank you for hosting us.”

“We are honoured by your presence,” my father replies, his tone just as measured.

I glance between them, noting the subtle stiffness in their postures, the careful diplomacy in their words. The tension here is older, deeper than the unease between my parents and Magnus.

Lenore’s gaze finds me, and she offers a smile that feels almost genuine. “Alina darling, you look radiant, as always.”

“Thank you, Lady Lenore,” I reply, inclining my head.

“Magnus,” Cassian says, his tone sharp as his eyes settle on his son. “I trust you’ve been behaving yourself.”

Magnus’s lips twitch into a smirk. “Always, Father.”

Before the tension can thicken further, another figure enters the hall. Isalda Morvayne sweeps in with the grace of a dancer, her bright blonde hair catching the light like spun gold. Her emerald-green gown flows around her like liquid, and her olive eyes light up when she sees me.

“Alina!” she exclaims, crossing the room to clasp my hands. Her enthusiasm is almost overwhelming, but her warmth is genuine.

“Isalda,” I greet her, smiling despite myself as I finally reach her and wrap my arms around her. She’s always had a way of brightening a room, even one as fraught as this.

"It's so good to see you. You look gorgeous." She lets out just as she pulls back and holds my hands to stare down at me.

"Thank you, as do you..." I smile back at her just as she nods her head at me. Her attention then shifts to Magnus and I's parents, bowing before them respectfully as she acknowledges their presence. Finally, her gaze shifts to Magnus, and her smile softens into something more playful. “Magnus, it’s been too long.”

“Isalda, lovely to see you again” he replies, his tone cool but polite. As he answers I notice him step closer to me, placing a hand on my lower back and this gesture forces a blush to my cheeks. What exactly is he trying to say in front of everyone...

With everyone gathered, we take our seats at the table. The meal begins with an air of strained civility, the clinking of silverware and quiet conversation filling the space.

But soon, it is Cassian who breaks the veneer of politeness first.

“Alina, we hear your training earlier was…impressive,” Lord Cassian says, his voice smooth but sharp enough to cut. His gaze pins me like a hawk watching a rabbit.

“Thank you, Lord Cassian,” I reply, keeping my tone polite, my expression carefully neutral.

“And yet,” Lady Lenore chimes in, her voice light but dripping with condescension, “one wonders if such displays are necessary for a woman of your station. Surely there are better ways to secure alliances than through brute force.”

The backhanded comment lands like a slap, but before I can respond, my mother cuts in, her tone honeyed steel.

“My daughter’s strength is one of her greatest assets,” Kaela says, her voice calm yet firm. “In these uncertain times, it’s far better to be prepared than to rely solely on diplomacy.”

Magnus shifts slightly beside me, his hand brushing against mine under the table—a small, silent reassurance. His expression remains neutral, though I can see the faint tightening of his jaw.

The conversation moves on, though the tension in the room doesn’t dissipate. If anything, it deepens. Isalda watches it all with thinly veiled amusement, sipping her wine as though she’s enjoying a private performance.

“In other news... the royal family of Rhaelyor has been quiet of late. One would think there is more to be said from the Lycan King and Queen...” he says, his tone casual but his words loaded.

My father’s brow furrows slightly, though his expression remains carefully composed. “King Kalos has his reasons for maintaining a lower profile. The kingdom has faced its share of challenges.”

“Challenges, indeed,” Cassian replies, a hint of derision creeping into his voice. “One wonders how long the kingdom can thrive with no male heir. It’s been generations, hasn’t it? Daughters are all well and good, but they don’t inspire the same…stability in a kingdom.”

The comment hangs in the air like a loaded crossbow. My father’s eyes narrow, the intensity of his gaze settling heavily on Cassian.

“The daughters of House Rhaelyor are more than capable of ruling,” Alinos says, his tone clipped. “Queen Valena herself is proof enough of that.”

I can see how annoyed my father has become by Cassian's comments. House Xalveria and House Rhaelyor have been allies for centuries and my father himself is a good friend of the King.

Cassian’s lips curl into something that might be mistaken for a smile, but the sharpness in his eyes betrays his true feelings. “Of course, Lord Alinos. I meant no disrespect. Merely an observation.”