Aether Beasts

Chapter 238

[Let's try and move up in the power rankings this week ;)]

The Umbrin Clan welcomed Sandra with open arms and though most seemed nervous, there wasn't any malice or hatred to be seen which was a bit of a surprise but then again it wasn't like I knew how many of them were friends with Kai or affiliated with him or if he even had told them to do anything, not that I thought he would. It was like Zirani had said, he knew what would happen if he acted up.

"What first?" I asked.

"I want to go speak with Lucy," Sandra said. "Clear up a few things then most likely meet with the representatives. You want to tag along."

I thought about it before shaking my head. "I'll have a look around."

I had an idea of what she wanted to talk about with Lucy and there wasnt really much of a reason for me to tag along. If I got curious later then I'd ask her.

Sandra nodded and called over a nearby armored arcanist who quickly approached and bowed. After saying what she need, the guard bowed once more before leading her away. Sandra had posed it more as a request but the guard had taken it as a command which was something Sandra was going to have to get used to. After all, she wasn't just some average arcanist. She was a daughter of the main family of a powerful and well-known clan.

I was about to start looking around and seeing if I could find Pate when a feminine voice called out to me.

"Well, I didn't expect to see you here all alone."

I turned and found the beautiful woman that I'd seen in the arena standing a few feet away, a smile on her face. She was dressed in what was a mix between a black dress and white robe that accentuated many of her features, but none matched her face which was stunning to put it simply.

"I was with company a moment ago," I replied. "But you already knew that, and were just waiting."

I had sensed her approach and Sandra probably had as well but had ignored it as she had Lucy to deal with. The fact she had waited for Sandra to go meant she wanted to speak to me alone for whatever reason.

"Smart," she said, walking closer. "And correct. Would you mind indulging my curiosity for a few minutes?"

I raised an eyebrow as she stopped inches away. "Are you sure Kai would like that…?"

She blinked, clearly surprised. "Ashala and how did you…"

I smiled. "I saw the glances he was giving you and while you did return them, I'm sensing there's something there."

"Correct again," she said, moving a hand to my cheek. "But Kai and I are nothing but friends, and maybe more in the future. This is not the future, this is the present, and he does not dictate whom I can spend my time with. There is also the fact that on this trip he has had dalliances with several of the other women. I don't care much for it, but if he were to grow angry at me doing the same then he is a hypocrite and not the one for me."

"Fair enough," I said, moving her hand from my cheek and planting a kiss on its back. "Would you like to speak here or somewhere more private?"

She smiled. "Private is best. My vehicle will do."

I followed behind her and as we moved, several pairs of eyes followed us, mostly me, and I had no doubt rumors were going to start. I sighed and sent a quick message to Sandra who sent back amusement, but also to be careful. I knew what she meant as this could very well be Ashala making a move to get closer to me and in turn closer to Sandra and Zirani, but I was confident I would be able to see through anything. I may not have liked mind games and things of this nature, but that didn't mean I didn't understand them. I did and was improving as I would need to know how these games were played.

Her vehicle was much like those of the green court, though a bit longer and a more angular design, like an arrow as opposed to a rectangle. It was pitch black and blended very well into the dark. In fact, I found it a bit hard to see as the Umbrin clan area had the fewest lights. Soon I would need to come up with a technique that would allow me to see in the dark. I did have one already, but it wasn't really that effective. It was something to do later.

We entered the vehicle and I held back a whistle.

The inside looked like a cross between an opulent bedroom and a living area. The walls were of gold and black as most everything was, though there was also silver and some white here and there. It was all heavily enchanted, and Ashala pressed something on a table that caused a jug and two glasses to appear.

I didn't spend long examining it as she motioned me to sit at the other chair as she took her own seat. She snapped her fingers and the jug floated up and poured into both glasses.

I really was going to have to get used to the difference in technology between the plains and the lands beyond the scar. This was arcane tech that had been placed into a vehicle and was owned by a branch family. What would Zirani's homes and higher-end places have at their disposal?

She picked up her glass and I did the same, taking a whiff. It had a very strong and dark aroma to it. A sip was all I managed before wincing. It was spiced wine, but very strong and potent. My throat burned for a few seconds, but once it was done, it left a very pleasant warm feeling in my stomach.

Ashala giggled. "Heartfire wine, a common spiced wine, but very popular."

"And powerful," I said.

"That's because your drinking the version meant for those of my level," Ashala said. "If we were drinking the wine meant for your level then you wouldn't be having such problems, though you seemed to take this one pretty well. I thought you could handle it."

I placed the cup down. "Maybe, but I think I'm done with wine."

"Then let us proceed to why I wish to talk to you," Ashala said.

"I thought it was to indulge your curiosities," I replied. "Or was that a lie?"

"Both truth and lie." She smiled. "I simply wish to know more and for another, I might have used tricks and deception, but you seem smart and one wrong move will get me in the trouble with both princesses. I'd rather not risk it."

"So you try for honesty," I said, glancing up and down her body before coughing once. "And charm."

"Glad you noticed," she purred. "But I don't think we'll be getting too intimate today. I simply wish to talk. I want to know more about you."

I leaned back and considered her. I could tell her a few things, but I would have to be very careful as all it would take was one misstep and she would have a secret or leverage, though my instincts were not telling me she was dinner which could very well be because my libido was muddling with them.

I sent a message to Zirani who replied after a long moment.

"It's up to you," Zirani said. "But take care, and keep things vague. No details and think before you speak, and Aiden is this just to get in her pants?"

I held back a blush, but Zirani read my thoughts. "I don't really care if you do want that, Aiden. I know you love me, I always know thanks to our bond and I also know how insatiable you can be. Just don't let your lust muddle your mind or blind you to danger. Also, most people of the green court are far more flexible when it comes to relationships."

The idea of Zirani with another man came to mind and a burst of rage and the urge to puke almost overwhelmed me.

"Not that, Never that," Zirani said. "You know I and the others would not, which is sort of hypocritical, but we don't care. It only you who shall ever hold us in passion."

I relaxed. I knew they would never do such a thing, it was just paranoia and the idea which didn't sit well.

"I'll be careful, Zirani," I sent back and then turned to Ashala who had been waiting patiently.

"Done with the princess?"

I wasn't surprised since my eyes tended to unfocus when I was in deep conversation through my bonds unless I was trying to focus on both which took my effort but was possible due to my being at the third level and superhuman.

"I am, and I believe we can speak," I said with a smile. "Thought you might be disappointed."

"Maybe." She took another sip of the wine. "Maybe not."

As I began to speak I remembered a saying I had once read in one of my aunt's old-world books. A rose with thorns.

I needed to be careful not to get pricked.