Varkaine Brothers

Mirelah;

Murmurs increase as the last carriage remains shut, and I can't stop my brows from creasing. How is Father going to react to this? I look up at him again and find that he and King Damarion are already having a hushed conversation. He looks pissed. VERY pissed. Like he's ready to kill someone.

Is he that upset because Kealith is absent?? No. That makes no sense. He has been so excited about our kingdoms coming together, he even bought gifts he would send with Azra when she leaves with the Varkaines today. So, there's no way he would let Kealith's absence ruin his mood so much. What is King Damarion telling him?

My breath suddenly hitches as a horrible thought comes to mind. Is Darven not going to marry Azra!? Is that what King Damarion is telling Father!? Do they have their eyes on Veylira?

Oh, both my sisters are not going to like that!

It would break Azra's heart. She is madly in love with Darven... I could even say she's obsessed. If the Varkaines came here to ask for Veylira's hand in marriage, I would understand Father's anger. One of the things he hates the most in the world is disappointing Azra. 

I watch my Father glare at King Damarion for a while before suddenly forcing a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

He then moves away from him and turns to our people. He steps forward to address them, and through the stiffness in his steps, I can tell that he is annoyed. Fuming right under his skin. I know this because this is exactly how he was each time I flopped my self-defence classes. He was always so annoyed but held back because he didn't want to take the annoyance out on me.

I wonder how long he can keep it together. And for Azra's sake, I hope my suspicions are wrong.

"Precious people of Velmoria. Today, you will witness the first step of the union between the most powerful kingdoms of the realm. Our kingdom, and the imperial Blood Crescent empire. "Father begins, and despite the joy he is forcing into his voice… I know him too well to fall for it. 

"Today, one of the Varkaine sons will pick a bride amongst my beautiful single daughters. The chosen bride will go with the Varkaine family in preparation for the marriage according to the Blood Crescent festivals. Then, we would host the biggest celebration in the entire realm on the day we would come together, to watch an unbreakable union form between both lands!" Father announces, and our people begin to clap and cheer.

I glance at Azra, wondering if she's noticed anything odd—or if she even feels the tiniest bit anxious about leaving home to marry a stranger. But the dazed, lovesick smile on her face tells me everything I need to know.

Her gaze is glued to Darven, practically devouring him, and I suddenly feel bad for the poor guy. If she could, she'd gobble him up with her eyes. 

I doubt she's properly thought about this. About the fact that she won't just be marrying Darven. She'll be marrying into his family.

Into King Damarion's family.

If I had a father-in-law like him, I'd never sleep again. I'd always be on edge.

And let's not even talk about Queen Velnara. Her graceful perfection terrifies me. How can someone be so flawless? There has to be a catch…

Holding on to my thoughts, I look over at King Damarion and his wife, but freeze when I find both of them staring at me… Just… watching me. I quickly look away, and my skin begins to tingle. Fully aware of their gaze. It's even more intense then my people's.

Why are they gawking at me? I bet this is why King Damarion asked Father to let me come out unveiled today. They wanted to see what the flawed daughter of the Vaelarys' house looked like. Now that they've seen what I look like, can they stop gawking!?

"If you would be so gracious as to excuse us. Both families will meet in private to discuss, and in a few minutes, the chosen bride will be announced to you all, and we will send her off with music and celebration! "Father continues and our people cheer once again.

"Eat, and merry. We will be back soon. "Father concludes with a bow, and as he turns to us, his smile fades.

I watch him march into the palace, and King Damarion and his wife follow after. The Varkaine brothers soon walk up to us, and as they walk past, they bow in front of my sisters. When Darven gets to me, I curtsey, expecting him to bow in return, but he stops in front of me. Causing me to blink at him in confusion.

He flashes me a bright smile, and I stare at him with a raised brow. 

What is this weirdo doing?

 He reaches for my hand, and my eyes become wide saucers as he takes it up to his lips. He presses a soft kiss on the back of it as he bows to me, and then he walks off.

What. The. Hell??

I am yet to recover from the shock when Vaelor stands in front of me and does the same thing.

Then Cassian.

Lucien, and the twins. Rhael and Sorin...

One by one, each of the Varkaine brothers kisses my hand and walks off. Leaving me in a daze.

I remain frozen with my hand still in the air as they walk past me to the palace with my brain scrambling to process what just happened. They didn't do that to any of my sisters. 

So… Why did they do it to me?

"What was that!? "

Azra's sharp and furious voice suddenly snaps in my head, and I jolt.

I tear my gaze away from the Varkaine brothers and realise that our people are staring at me again. Whispers ripple through the crowd, as they stare between me and my sisters. Also wondering what just happened.

I drop my hand, and nervously wipe my palms on my dress. 

"Will you move, Mirelah!? Standing here is making things weird. "Seraphina scolds in my head and I blink quickly as I push my chaotic thoughts to the back of my mind.

I gently pick up my dress and begin to move towards the palace. Azra, Veylira, and Seraphina follow. As soon as we get in, and the doors shut behind us, Azra grabs my arm.

"What the fuck was that!? "She growls under her breath and I stare at her jealous flaming eyes in alarm.

"I… I don't know. I'm just as confused as… "I begin but she cuts me off.

"Don't give me that! "She snaps, and I blink in response.

"Darven walked past me with nothing but a bow, and he kissed your hand!? You!? "She replies, and I grit my teeth as I glare at her for how demeaning she sounds. But that's just Azra. She's always like this. Mean, and degradtory.

"I know. You deliberately wore this dress to stand out and get their attention. Didn't you!? "She then accuses, and I scoff in bewilderment.

"You know I'm only wearing this 'cause you ruined my dress! "I retort, and Veylira cuts in.

"She what? "She questions, and I turn to her. Grateful for an ally.

"Yes. She spilt orange juice on my dress this morning. This was the only thing Meadow could find as a replacement! "I report, and Veylira turns to glare at Azra.

"Is that true? "She questions. Dangerously calm, and Azra huffs.

"It was an accident! And that didn't mean she had to wear a black dress! I'm telling you. She took advantage of the situation to gain attention! That's why they kissed her hand! "Azra then rants, and I clench my fists in annoyance.

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard! "I retort, and as she turns to me, Seraphina steps between us with a frown on her face.

"That's enough! Both of you. "She speaks with her voice as authoritative as usual.

"Now is not the time for another fight between you two. They're probably waiting for us in the conference hall. Get your acts together. Especially you, Azra. Nobody likes a sour maiden! "She scolds and I swallow. Grateful to her for saving me.

Azra scowls at me and then she points at me.

"If you mess this up for me, I'll make sure you regret your sorry existence! "She spits before storming off, and my jaw clenches as I watch her white hair sway dramatically as she storms away.

Veylira sighs like she's tired of us, before walking away, and I'm left with Seraphina. She turns to me, and I look away.

"Are you okay? "She questions, and I nod.

"Yes… Thank you. "I reply, and she eyes me for a moment.

"You need to do better at hiding your emotions. "She says, and I blink up at her in shame.

"Your panic and emotions were on full display out there. It was an awful sight. A princess should be like a blank book. Simple, but difficult to read. "She says. Giving me a brief lecture as usual, and I know it's no use telling her what the man said or trying to justify my actions.

She doesn't give me room to reply before placing her hands in front of her and walking off. I let out a breath and rest my head on the wall behind me. 

I don't care about whatever just happened. I only have one thought in my mind.

I stare down at the hand the Varkaine brothers kissed, and my heart slowly starts pounding in my chest.

Why did they do that??

"I'm sure you don't need a special invite to the hall. Why are you still standing there!? " Seraphina demands in my head, and I shudder back to reality.

"I'm coming… " I reply as I pull myself off the wall and begin to walk toward the conference hall. I catch up with her, but she doesn't spare me a glance as we approach the hall.

Oh goddess Nyzvara. I haven't asked you for anything in a very long time. But today, I want to ask for just one thing: Please… Please don't let any trouble come my way. Let the bride be taken by her groom and let everything go peacefully. Please.