OUTCAST by J K

Author:J, K
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

Ori’s expression, in fact her whole body, radiated shyness when she joined Sev moments later. Sev almost expected Ori to drag her toe in circles on the grass and dart her gaze about. Adorable.

Sev, aware of eyes watching their every movement, reached for Ori’s hands, to bring her gaze back.

“That was beautiful, and yes, I know what the dance means.” She squeezed Ori’s fingers and released her hands. “Thank you.” The tender smile hovered between them.

“You’re welcome,” Ori said quietly, then flicked her eyes over Sev’s shoulder and delivered a low hum. “Hello, Mother.”

Sev whipped around. The Queen, wife to the King of the realm of Breula, and probably more importantly, Ori’s mum, stood not half a metre away, with a member of the Guard—all leather and straight eyebrows—outfitted with a bow, a quiver of arrows and a small sword in its scabbard, positioned at a respectful distance to the rear. The Queen was a slightly shorter, more regal version of Ori, but with the same long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was radiant.

Sev’s eyes widened.

“Mother, this is Sevich.” Ori inclined her head at Sev. “Sev, this is my Mother, Queen Sermeh Reytoris Breula.”

The elegant woman studied Sev with inquisitive eyes that sparkled with wit and mischief, and Sev felt compelled to deliver an awkward bow-curtsy combination which probably made her look like she was having a stroke.

“Sevich, dear, we do not stand on such ceremony here. Please, call me Sermeh Reytoris,” the Queen said in a beautifully melodious voice. “I rather like the informality. Orilaevar has been educating me on the speech patterns and conventions of your society.”

Sev caught Ori’s grimace and she bit her lip. Clearly, Queen Sermeh Reytoris wasn’t averse to teasing her daughter.

“I’m really pleased to meet you…” Sev paused as she worked around the idea of shortening the name of a member of the royal family. “Queen Sermeh Reytoris.” She couldn’t bring herself to drop the title. It felt wrong, even if she was really not a fan of royalty at all.

The townspeople flowing past gave the Queen a much wider berth than they did for her daughter, but still with the veneurative attitude; respectful smiles and nods and hands pressed to chests. Clearly the Queen was adored just as much as Ori. Sev wondered if the King inspired such devotion. Probably.

Turning to Ori, the Queen’s eyes sparkled again. “That was a beautiful dance tonight, darling. Ardent and passionate. Three months is such a brief period to rehearse those steps.”

“I only decided to—thank you, Mother,” Ori muttered, her eyes closing in resignation. The lantern above their heads highlighted the flush of pink on her cheeks, and Sev grinned. Oh yes, the Queen was full of mischief.

“It has not been included in the program since Tua Jur Breula almost five years ago,” the Queen continued. “His element is Dark which was an odd element for the Valwith but Ualwu Onsa Breula certainly appreciated it, judging by their union ceremony two months later.”

“At least with the Light element, I could see the movements,” Sev added.

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