Page 147 of Serpent In White
Lauris watches people too, but I haven’t spoken to her much, since she’s obviously Darian’s right-hand girl. She speaks to him more than the others, and he speaks back, though their interactions aren’t affectionate. He doesn’t act like a husband to any of the five, and not for their lack of trying. Kiara and Alissa,the hot onesas I call them, are constantly vying for his attention, which they don’t get.
Honestly, I have no clue how anyone hasn’t picked up on how gay he is. I’m not talking stereotypical gay. He doesn’t sing show tunes and paint his nails or anything, but he’s just solidly not interested in females.
Most of the guys I’ve met here have checked me out at least once. Not all, but many. And I’m not saying this to brag on myself. It’s just something women are used to. It happens. Sometimes it’s flattering, sometimes it’s annoying, but it’s a part of life outsideThe Principality, and apparently, people here aren’t shy with their sexual interests either.
Except Darian.
I know he doesn’t like me, but still. Not once has he ever looked at me in any sort of studious way revolving around my looks. He’s flat out not interested, and it reminds me of the time I went to a gay club with a friend of mine from school. I was the only vagina in a sea of penises, and I’d never felt more invisible.
That’s how Darian reacts around me, only worse, because he’s jealous. I think he sees Abdiel as his property, a possession of his I’m flying a little too close to. And he ain’t having it.
My thoughts are shifted aside when I give Emithel a polite smile and a wave. I’d like to make at least one friend here, besides Abdiel. Em’s probably my best bet.
“Good morning.” She smiles.
“Same to you.” I gaze out over the lake. “This view is spectacular.”
“Isn’t it?” She sighs. “I come out here every morning, just to enjoy the beauty.”
We stand in quiet comfort for a moment before I ask, “Were you born into The Principality? Like Abdiel?”
She nods. “Yes. My parents have been here since almost the start.”
“What do they do?”
“My father is a carpenter, and my mother is the registrar for classes. She’s like the head teacher.”
“That’s amazing. What sorts of classes have you taken?”
“Well, I finished the high school equivalency and after that it was all about art.” She grins.
I saw some of her paintings inside Darian’s house last night. She’s incredibly talented, and it’s obvious she has a great passion for art.
“Have you ever thought about selling your paintings?” I ask without thinking, and she turns her face to give me a peculiar look. “I mean, at least online…? You don’t have to go to a gallery or anything.”
Her eyes narrow a bit in confusion. “We have no use for money…”
“It’s not about the money,” I tell her. “It could be about recognition. Or bringing your art to people who might enjoy it.”
“I have all the attention I could ever need right here.” Her tone is quietly peaceful.
It reminds me of one of the Manson girls.
Okay, maybe that’s an extreme example of brainwashing, but it’s just so strange to be around people who have no desire to travel, to see new places, explore new things. They have no earthly want to leave this forest, and it’s bizarre to me.
“So Darian… he’s justitfor you, huh?” I peer at her. She starts chewing on her lower lip. “I mean, till death do you part, right?”
“No marriage is without its challenges,” she mumbles, awkwardly twirling a strand of dark hair around her fingertip. “Sacrifice is a huge part of the transformation.”
“Even if you’re sacrificing your own happiness?” I tilt my face toward her. “You’re so young, Emithel. Don’t you want to experience true love for yourself?”
Her face springs in my direction, eyes widening as if what I’m saying is illegal, and we could be shot for even talking about this. “Idolove him…” Her voice is mousy, timid. Unsure.
“I’m sure you do…” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “I’ll see you in a bit.” This debate is pointless, and I have things to do.
I squeeze her shoulder before spinning away and walking toward the path. I can’t deal with the robotic conversations right now. I want to go speak to the only person who seems to tell it like it is around here…
The Serpent.
