Page 81 of A Crown Without Mercy

The only difference between him and his brother’s outfits was that Riordan was wearing a silver crown and had an intricately designed silver brooch attached to the leather strap in the center of his chest. Although the crown wasn’t as opulent as one would expect, it was impeccably detailed none the less. However, standing there looking at him, it was merely a symbolic formality. The power and authority clearly resided within Riordan, not the crown.

Riordan placed his hands on Nicolai’s and Kieran’s shoulders and addressed Sylvana. “It’s time for us to formally introduce you to the court.”

Although she was feeling anxious and self-conscious, she also appreciated their generosity. “I would like to thank you for the dress and the hospitality you have shown me.”

“We are just getting started.” Riordan winked.

“Shall we?” Nicolai said as he and Kieran held out their elbows.

Sylvana took a deep breath. “I suppose.”

Kieran looked at her with a half-cocked grin. “Do not be nervous. We will be with you for the duration of the evening.”

Nicolai, Sylvana, and Kieran walked arm in arm as they followed Riordan into the main castle. Once they reached the top of the expansive staircase, the exuberant crowd turned their attention to them.

Sylvana scanned the grand hall and was stunned by how impeccably decorated it was. Bouquets of every size and shape filled large containers while floral garland made of fresh flowers were wrapped around the marble pillars, draped on the walls, and hung from the stone railings lining the upper hallways. On the walls hung long intricate tapestries, each telling a story of their own. From the enormous, black iron chandlers, having been filled with hundreds of candles, came a radiant arc of golden light being cast across the entire hall. The guests’ clothing was fashioned from exotic fabrics with brilliant colors, while bracelets, pendants, and rings complimented their outfits. All the while, musicians, poets, and jesters were entertaining the guests. Armed guards who were wearing intricately designed, leather vests with their specific clan’s emblem over their hearts flanked the entire hall.

Sylvana glanced at Nicolai and Kieran, and they looked down at her and smiled. Kieran placed his hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Relax.”

Riordan stepped forward and held out his arms. “Lords and ladies,” he hollered. “Tonight we are here to celebrate the bond between Tobias Severn Acheron and Lenora Isadora Phelan!”

The crowd erupted into cheers and chants, and Riordan looked to his right and bent his left arm behind his back and nodded. Tobias and Lenora made their way over and stood next to him.

He placed his hand on Tobias’s shoulder and whispered in his ear; Tobias dropped his head and laughed, and Riordan patted his shoulder and turned his attention back to the spirited crowd.

“If there is one amongst you feeling queasy or apprehensive at the thought of what lies ahead, I assume it is Tobias, who has now formed a lifetime bond with a lady of court!”

The crowd burst into a round of wholesome laughter, after which Riordan held up his hand.

“Tobias should know how fortunate he is. He has acquired a beautiful mate, a kind heart, and someone who will keep his bed warm, and his desires fulfilled. As for Lenora, she has acquired a beautiful gown!”

Tobias grasped Riordan’s shoulder and let out a belly laugh while Lenora placed her hand across her stomach and her mouth parted with laughter.

After a few minutes Riordan held up his hand once again.. “The Guild of Entente has accepted the blood bond. And on behalf of myself, Nicolai, and Kieran Acheron, it is our honor to welcome Lenora Isadora Acheron as the newest member of our clan.”

“Aru—Aru—Aru!” the males shouted in agreement.

Vispera leaned against the wall next to one of the numerous windows in her bedchamber and ran her hands over her arms, feeling a chill in the air when a shadow cast over. She looked toward the door, having heard the sounds of footsteps. “Salve, darling,” she said as Dronve walked in.

He strode over and wrapped his arms around her. “Greetings, my love.”

“You appear solemn. What are you thinking?” he asked.

“About our choices,” she replied.

“Limited, they are,” he acknowledged.

“I fear this may be thy end of Estraxath. The shadows within thy veil grow stronger with each passing moon and thy Acherons beyond thy veil have proven undefeatable.”

He kissed her cheek and held her tighter. “Thy Ascelins are thy key to our survival.”

“Can Ranan be trusted?” Vispera asked.

Dronve looked at himself in the clear panes and reflected on his own doubt for Ranan. “He’s always had ulterior motives, and I’m afraid if we allow him into Estraxath, we will only encourage his tendency to demand more.”

Vispera took a sip of her briar wine. “Your words are not hollow. He knows much and shares only what is in his best interest.”

“He approached me earlier and has taken a mate whom he believes has a connection to thy Ascelin.”

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