June 19th - Afternoon - Lord Alecai's Fury

After Kylara and Mr.- Duke Aston left, Pharon returned his attention to the females' performances. While most were quite good, they lacked the energy and pure warmth of Cutler is singing.

'If I do have to claim her, at least she could sing for me.' Pharon thought.

Then immediately, he shook his head. He didn't want to claim her! He didn't want her to be a husk, but he didn't want her to as his mate either.

Belatedly, Pharon realized he should be clapping for the fifth group of females. He hastened to do so.

As the performances went on, Pharon began to feel heavy, malicious gaze on his back. He tried to ignore it but before long cold sweat had crawled over his skin.

When he couldn't stand it any longer, Pharon looked over his shoulder. Lord Alecais eyes were boring into him. Pharon forced to smile at Lord Alecai, then turned back around.

When the final two performers had gone, Pharon got up and stepped onto the stage.

"Thank you all for the wonderful performances." he said with a smile as he studiously avoided looking at Lord Alecai. "I would briefly like to take a moment to remind you all of the Midsummer ball that we will be having in two weeks. Ladies, if you wish to assist in the planning please speak to my mother. She will gladly welcome your help. And Gentlemen, please speak to your preferred females' guardians to get your names down on their dance cards. Thank you."

Pharon finally glanced at Lord Alecai. Lord Alecai smiled coldly at him as Pharon stepped from the stage.

Lord Alecai had distanced himself from the rest of the participants and was standing a little way away from them next to a vase of flowers along the side wall of the room. Pharon walked over to him with another forced smile.

"Is something wrong, Lord Alecai?" Pharon asked as he stopped beside Lord Alecai. "Don't you have an appointment with the Cow? I saw you talking with her earlier."

"Tell me: why shouldn't I kill you right now?" Lord Alecai drawled. He fished a silver flash from his jacket pocket and took a long drink. He gazed at Pharon over the slightly steaming liquid.

Pharon forced his face into a picture of innocence, "Kill me? Why would you do that? Have I offended you in some way?"

"The Cow is the earth child and you knew she'd reject me, if I approached her like that." Lord Alecai snarled.

Pharon paled, 'how did he figure it out?'

"I- I don't- the cow is a human-elf half breed." Pharon protested.

Lord Alecai's fists clenched, "She is the earth child! That song she sang word perfect was in their language. It was the Earthchild Waking Song. You knew I wanted her and now, thanks to you, she hates me!" Lord Alecai's voice was strong and several participants turned to look at them in confusion.

"I humbly apologize." Pharon said lowering his head, "I just didn't want her to become a husk."

Lord Alecai's lip curled, "You honestly think I would make an Earthchild a husk? I've heard you were the smart one."

"Then, what do you intend to do with her?" Pharon asked. He had a bad feeling in his gut.

Lord Alecai smiled darkly, "That is none of your concern, Pharon. Relax," He said clapping Pharon on the shoulder lightly. "I have every intention of helping you out and taking her off your hands." Pharon felt warmth spread through his body at Lord Alecai's touch.

Lord Alecai continued, "After all, the situation is not unreconcilable. You will give her to me as my partner from now on and tell me everything you know about her. If I find your assistance lacking, we will revisit my original question, your Highness. This is just a taste of what your end would be like."

Pharon shivered at Lord Alecia's last sentence. He watched Lord Alecai walk away. Pharon's eyes fell on Lady Vivian standing by his brother. Her smile was radiant as she gazed back at him.

Suddenly, Pharon felt pain shoot through his legs. Then his vision went white as he felt most of his bones explode. He collapsed and felt more pain as hitting the floor caused his shattered bones to puncture his skin and insides, though those wounds he couldn't feel.

Pharon would have screamed but it took all his concentration to stay awake despite his numerous arterial bleeds. He knew if he fell asleep, he was dead. Dazedly, he looked up into Lady Brook's pale face as he felt the warmth of her magic settle around and in his heart to keep it beating.

Pharon let out a sigh of relief as his consciousness faded. His last thought was that he wouldn't die after all.