Serpent's Claim (Serpent's Touch 2)

AMIRA

Being around too many people had never been easy for me. Finding myself in the center of everyone’s attention as Kyllen and I arrived at dinner was torture. Being able to see every detail of tonight’s festivities, though important, didn’t make it easier at all.

The only thing that kept panic at bay was the warm sensation of Kyllen’s hand in mine. I held on to him with the desperation of a drowning woman clinging on to a lifesaver and kept my gaze straight ahead.

We entered onto a large open platform located high between the branches of the giant palace tree. Illuminated by the clusters of soft, yellow lights suspended in the leaves above, the place was filled with people. They mingled around a long table set in the middle. Rows of smaller, round tables stretched along the edges of the platform.

Slow music floated between the branches. I searched for the musicians but couldn’t find any. They remained out of sight, making it appear as if the tree itself emitted the music.

The High Lord sat at the head of the long table, conversing with courtiers who congregated around his high-backed chair.

Despite having spent a few days at the palace already, I couldn’t recognize anyone other than the High Lord. And even him I knew only because of his position in the chair and the extra attention he received. I couldn’t even guess which one of the beautifully dressed ladies was Lady Igaed. I’d had a conversation with her, but I’d never seen her.

People rushed to us, eager to greet Kyllen and gawk at me. With a polite greeting and a nod here and there, Kyllen masterfully maneuvered us through the crowd, laying a course toward the main table.

As revealing as my dress appeared to me at first, the outfits of the others could be considered outright scandalous by how little they concealed. And that applied to both men and women.

Even Kyllen wore no shirt. Instead, he had a wide scarf draped over one shoulder. The front end of the scarf was tucked under a bejeweled belt around his hips. The other end flowed freely behind him like a long, embroidered cape.

“Brother.” Kyllen bowed his head to the High Lord, getting his attention. “What a lovely evening.”

“Kyllen. You’re back!” Udren perked up.

It was hard to believe this was the young boy whom Kyllen had saved from the bracks, risking his life and losing his freedom. The man in the chair looked so much older than Kyllen.

Most of Udren’s body was concealed by a long robe, leaving only his head and hands exposed. The beige tone of his skin had been almost entirely taken over by the dark green. The diamond pattern had spread from his senties onto his head and face, leaving just small patches of skin clear. His hands were entirely covered by it, making them look as if the High Lord was wearing textured mesh gloves.

It reminded me of Kyllen’s hands when he was in the crate, suffering from severe dehydration. Something similar was happening to the High Lord. He was drying out, dehydrated, even as he was surrounded by water and surely had enough of it to drink.

“Where have you been?” the High Lord demanded from Kyllen.

“Shopping. After five centuries of being absent, I found myself in need of a few things. Thank you for asking, my lord.” Kyllen bent his head in a bow that I couldn’t help but think was more mocking than respectful.

A woman in an outfit made of black-and-silver chains, tulle, and gemstones fingered the end of my veil.

“Oh, how lovely,” she said, and I recognized Lady Igaed’s voice. “He went to get you this, didn’t he?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

The High Lord paid us little attention, speaking to Kyllen. “They said you took but one man to accompany you. Why didn’t you ask for more?”

“More would’ve slowed me down.” Kyllen shrugged. “I would’ve been late for dinner tonight. It’d be awkward if I didn’t show up for my own celebration, don’t you think?”

“It’s hardly safe to travel with so little escort,” Lady Igaed intervened.

Her light, pearly-gray skin glowed softly. Some of the glow was natural, like that of all fae. But some came from the golden powder she had generously applied to her cheeks, collarbones, and her breasts, concealed only by the cascading silver chains and black beads. Other than the clusters of jewels and chains, her outfit consisted of a long, puffy skirt that shrouded her legs like a black cloud.

Kyllen slightly inclined his head her way. “I’m fully aware of the perils of travel, my lady.”

He didn’t elaborate on his reasons to travel light. But maybe he didn’t bring more people along and hadn’t told anyone where he was going—not even me—because he truly didn’t trust anyone. And maybe it was wise to be cautious.

Kyllen’s family appeared happy to see him after the long absence. His brother was giving this lavish dinner in celebration of his return. But not all was as smooth and cheerful as it appeared on the surface.

“Well, let us all sit down.” Udren waved both hands, summoning everyone to the table. “Bherlon.” He gestured to the right of his own chair. “Kyllen.” He gestured to the left.

The place at the table must hold a meaning. Bherlon smirked, taking the seat to the right of his father. The coloring of Kyllen’s nephew looked remarkably like his uncle’s. He also had tan-colored skin with a dark-green pattern on his senties and back. Except that Bherlon’s eyes were lighter—lemon-yellow like Udren’s instead of Kyllen’s dark gold.

Kyllen’s jaw muscles flexed as he sat down on the left of the High Lord. Lady Igaed confidently strolled to the chair on the other side of her husband’s.

I hesitated, wishing there’d be place cards or a sitting map indicating my place. Meanwhile, a woman with a dark-orange pattern on her senties took a step toward the seat on Kyllen’s left.

He draped an arm over the back of the chair and gestured for me. “Amira.”