Imperious Realm: Reign of the North Forest, Book 1 by Athene Z. Adam

Author:Athene Z. Adam
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Athene Z. Adam Publishing Inc.
Published: 2022-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

***

Before Arina had moved in with Sergen, the main floor of Erek’s house had been oddly arranged, the seating far from the most comfortable space in the house, the warm nook between the fireplace and bookcase. In a flush of enthusiasm, Arina had rearranged everything to place the seating near the hearth, and Sergen hated it. She couldn’t understand why he was so glum, until eventually he revealed that the cozy space she so prized was where Erek had most enjoyed beating his mother. Eventually they came to a compromise, installing an inviting loveseat near the fireplace. Guests found the arrangement charming, and never questioned why Sergen and Arina never sat there.

On this evening, Sergen and Arina were hosting another dinner party. Kale was standing to one side, perusing the bookshelves until he selected one he had read already and could enjoy passages at random. Sergen and Arina’s friends mingled happily and paid him no mind, which suited Kale just fine. He’d learned to stopped trying too hard on social occasions, allowing intermittent conversation to come to him. Actually, he half-wished somebody would pick an argument, but Antisenents tended to be less passionate than adults regarding politics.

Some vendors from the market took up the room’s centre, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and Arina’s signature drink, a tart berry juice that she sweetened with honey. The vendors were the loudest by far, practically shouting as they discussed the last football match, and Kale assumed they were just used to yelling from all the haggling they did in the market.

Erod sat with Sitara, Willem, and the baker boys Mateo and Leo in one corner near the window. While Erod was serious about politics, this evening he was relaxing, laughing raucously at the twins’ party tricks. In addition to their identical appearance, the baker boys shared the gift of being double-jointed, and they were contorting their arms into bizarre shapes. Kale couldn’t see Willem’s expression, but when Mateo bent his knuckles backwards, Sitara shrieked and hid her face behind Erod’s arm.

Arina was at the door greeting Kulon and his cousin Kainda, who arrived on the heels of a group of three guests Kale didn’t know. Kale didn’t particularly like parties, but he knew he should be visible to as many people as possible; in fact, he considered it his duty as a political leader. He also happened to be one of Sergen’s very close friends, and Sergen had told him repeatedly he needed to try harder to meet people outside of work. Friendships, Sergen argued, would help him at work. Kale didn’t necessarily agree, but Sergen was also one of his very few friends and there were only so many times Kale could refuse.

A few paragraphs later, a girl’s voice chimed, “You have a room full of people to talk to. Why are you reading?”

Kale considered her question a touch offensive, given that he was rather proud of himself for showing up tonight. He straightened and set down his book.

“I’m Sienna.”

“Kale.”

“We all know who you are, silly.

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