Scales of Fate: The Chosen Prince by Shaidan Barnes

Author:Shaidan Barnes [Barnes, Shaidan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Family Feast

Lilliar guided Razzan from the bathing room, the air of intimacy diminishing as they exited. Serendipitously, Tanay and Uzzin emerged at the same time. Tanay, mildly amused, sauntered into the stairwell, with Uzzin trailing her. An unusual expression on Uzzin's muzzle hinted that something had transpired between them. Uzzin's face sported an unprecedented level of placid calmness.

Razzan approached the pair while Lilliar silently kept her post by the door.

Uzzin's attire, adorned with similar jewels and finery, was marked by golden hues and accented with blue gemstones. The alternating fabrics draped over his sturdy chest were white and blue. This contrast gave Razzan pause: why was he garbed in silver while his brother shone in gold? Uzzin's scales seemed glossier too. Razzan fought to suppress an unwelcome resentment, but the self-satisfied smirk on Uzzin's muzzle hinted the older male recognized the differences as well. Once again, Razzan had the urge to snap at his brother's insufferable snout.

Tanay was equally regal, though Razzan was not paying particular attention to her. Around her neck's base, she wore a bold gold band displaying a large, prominent ruby. White, translucent fabric cascaded from the band, wrapping around her back and flowing down her chest, giving her an ethereal appearance. She also wore gold bands around her ankles, a delicate chain spiraled around her neck, and her mane's thick scales were adorned with petite gold bands, though their placement appeared random. Gold was striking against her deep crimson scales. She smelled of lavender. In fact, they both did.

“Ready?” Tanay inquired; her question obviously directed at Razzan.

Razzan wrenched his glare from his brother; Tanay's raised brow and curved, scaled lips suggested she'd noticed his jealous stare. “Ready,” Razzan echoed.

“Clean up both rooms, then you may leave,” Tanay instructed Lilliar, speaking over Razzan's shoulder. “Apologies for the mess,” she added, her tone more patronizing than usual.

“Yes, Princess,” Lilliar replied, bowing deeply. She disappeared quickly into the room as the trio made their way toward the staircase, Tanay in the lead.

“What’s wrong, Brother?” Uzzin queried in an all too innocent tone. Tanay's crown of scales twitched in interest as they climbed the stairs.

“Nothing,” Razzan muttered.

Uzzin made an infuriating disappointed clicking noise. “Aw, your little servant didn’t satisfy you?” he probed.

Anger simmered in the pit of Razzan's stomach. The implication didn't bother him, but the disdainful use of the word ‘servant’ did. Razzan spun abruptly, causing Uzzin to sidestep. The stairwell, although not massive, provided barely enough space for them to face off. Razzan's snarl was fierce, teeth bared and a menacing growl resonating from his throat. His wings spread wide, his tail thrashing. Uzzin, too, adopted a combative stance, their mutual aggression filling the small area quickly.

The tension was abruptly shattered by a jet of flame darting between them. Startled, they pivoted to find Tanay, seated upright on the staircase above them, her stature imposing and her demeanor frosty. “Enough, both of you!” she commanded firmly. They complied, but not before checking the fabric around their chests. Normally they didn't wear anything flammable.

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