"The mountains doesn't mourn the weak..."
*Night Of The Banquet Dinner*
Eira stared at the woman sitting in her mirror, adorned generously in jewels and dressed in heavy silk fabric. She pulled her sleeve forward, frowning at how much larger the dress was. But just as Orelda had explained, her arrival was late, and there was no time for major amendments. Not to mention that Eira was far skinnier than they expected.
Her eyes darted to the black jar sitting on the dresser, after inspecting the gifts sent by Thalassa, this particular jar of scented oil stood out most.
"Lysára, I don't trust that woman's intention in the slightest, we should throw this out." Orelda huffed while brushing Eira's hair.
Lysette nodded, "I agree, her gifting you this just before the banquet can only spell trouble. I'm sure she has laced something in it to make you look bad." She said wiping Eira's feet.
Eira wanted to ask why it was these two and Lyra all seemed to think Thalassa was a viper, something must have happened and even if their words held any truth, then why was Thalassa still in the castle?
Reading her thoughts Lysette answered, "The Khthoní slithered her way into the castle, her cousin was originally chosen to join the harem but she somehow ended up stealing her spot."
Eira twisted her lips, 'And what happened to the cousin?'
Lysette replied, "She claimed she willingly gave her position up, but there are rumors she was forced out of it by their family. The Khthoní's father is a lieutenant to one of the four generals."
Orelda nodded, "It must've been a bruise to his ego when the niece he took in was selected in place of his daughter to join the imperial harem."
Eira could tell that this was a political strategy, as a lieutenant, Thalassa's father had much to gain if his daughter shot up the ranks in the harem. And if she ended up winning over the Lycan King completely, his social status would be unmatched.
Even in a world of savagery, power and politics waltzed the same tune.
"But don't worry, someone as silver tongued as that viper couldn't win over our Alpha. Not to mention the Aethoná has always been the greatest thorn in her side, even after two years of scheming she hasn't been able to beat her."
To Lysette she asked, 'Aethoná? Could she have been the same one who subdued Vynessa when she attacked?'
Lysette nodded, "Yes! The Aethoná, Lady Kaidaira, is the head of the imperial harem, her father is a general and she was formerly a warrior before she joined the harem." She explained getting up, she dashed for the shoes sitting on the princess' bed.
Eira pinched her chin.
A warrior turned concubine, something about that set-up made Eira feel uneasy about Aethoná's personality, and her feelings towards the Lycan King.
Thinking about him, Eira's thumb slid onto her lips, she could still feel his touch, still remembered his taste…
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on her doorstep. Lysette quickly went to answer, she opened the door half expecting to see Lyra, however her jaw dropped at the burly figure towering over her.
She swiftly fell to her knees, "Your majesty!" she cried announcing the Lycan King's presence.
All eyes fell to the copper haired outsider who came out of Ryker's tent carrying his scent all over her. More than that, everyone couldn't help but notice she wore a gown on her hips, like a skirt and wore Ryker's shirt underneath her coat.
An odd choice of fashion.
"You certainly know how to turn heads." A dulcet voice sounded from behind.
Adrianna looked over her shoulder at the smaller woman, shorter by a head smiling warmly. Her gaze landed on the basket of corn in her hands, her features dampened at the memory of her forced imprisonment.
"Thank you, I hadn't noticed." She gruffly responded then continued trudging her way to the breakfast area. She frowned as her boot slipped out once again as she walked, considering it wasn't hers it made sense, the leader of the rebels was nearly twice her size. Of course his boots would be this much larger.
She glanced at the cowering kids peeking from behind their scowling mothers. These weren't the sort of heads she had hoped to turn.
The brunette jogged over to her side, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that, it's just that you're so pretty and your skin is so fair, I'm sure you're used to this sort of treatment back at your hometown."
Adrianna shook her head, "I never left the pack, my father thought it too dangerous."
The woman scoffed, "Dangerous? You look like you can handle yourself, you should've stood your ground more. My father used to say, the mountain doesn't mourn the weak."
Adrianna's heart sunk. 'I'm the weak one yet I'm still alive. Eira should've been the one to jump out of that carriage.' She balled her numb fingers into a painful fist, her heart ridden with guilt.
"I guess my father was right, I'm not strong. I can't do anything on my own," she looked around the camp at the people sending judging looks her way. "No one wants me around!" she groaned, tears welling in her eyes.
"Hey, that's not true." She stood in front of her, "If our leader let you stay that means he wants you here." Hearing her say that Adrianna could not fight the blush that painted her cheeks.
But she swiftly wiped her grin off and kept a tight frown. "I doubt that." She muttered, she looked at the stranger who cared to come up and talk to her, a small smile played on her lips at her kindness.
Her companion went on, "And for the rest of us, well everyone is on edge these days, the river is freezing up and the fish are dying. The plants are all dying as well, so everyone's worried over an extra mouth to feed."
Adrianna's eyes softened, "I didn't know that."
"But we can't complaint, our leader saved all of us when we needed help, he's always been a kind person. However, we adults can tough it out, but the kids, they're already suffering because of the cold. If the hunger gets any worse…"
Worried she asked, "Is there any way to help? There has to be some food source somewhere right? We can't just sit on our hands!"
Her companion's lips lifted into a quick grin, one that Adrianna could not catch. "There is but…" She looked her head to toe, "It's too dangerous for someone like you."
Adrianna scoffed, "Dangerous I'm not that fragile. It's just like you said, I'm capable of taking care of myself, I can hold my own." Orion's words played in her mind. If she wanted the rebels to trust her, then she needed to make a bold move to earn it.
Her companion averted her eyes, "I don't know…"
Grabbing her by the shoulders she gave her a quick shake, "Come on! Please tell me, where can I find some food for these kids?"
In a low tone, she leaned in and whispered, "Alright, but you must swear to tell no one I told you…."