The chairs around them filled in as more guests entered the impromptu dining hall. She looked at each person quickly and with confusion. Bo spoke confidently to a dwarf that sat next to him about the local fishing spots. Mira anxiously stared at the empty plate in front of her and tried to drown out all the noise.
“Lady Mira,” An older dwarf cleared his throat, “Would you care to pick one of us to speak to with?”
She looked at the small group that formed across the table from her.
“Oh, sorry,” She spoke softly and stood, “Yes, please, sit.”
“I only need a quick word,” A woman in a simple dress stepped forward, “Thank you, for saving my son.”
“Your son?” She titled her head.
“Yes, Reggie,” The woman stepped nervously from side to side, “I told him he was too young to join the tournament. He ran off with our savings to join this morning. I saw that you carried him to the healers. I looked for you after but couldn’t find you.”
“Is he well?”
“The healer say he may not awake for a few days, but he’s at the temple and with the best care,” She played with the hems of her sleeves, “Thank you for saving him. Then, you gave him the gold needed for further healing. I do not know how to repay you.”
“Your son is young and brave,” Mira smiled and placed her hand on the mother’s shoulder, “I once had a friend that was the same way. You do not need to repay me. Worry only about Reggie’s health and hope he knows better going forward.”
“Thank you, Lady Mira,” The woman curtsied, “I heard you were kind. I am glad it is true.”
A dwarf man bowed and motioned to Mira’s other side. She politely accepted his intention to sit. She was only a head taller than the stout man, but that wasn’t an issue for his ego.
“I hear you may be betrothed to the captain,” He looked over a Bo, “Is that true?”
“Relationships in Agrowl have different standards than here in Zrud,” She stated coldly, “We are connected, in a way. To call us engaged could do damage his tribe’s reputation.”
“Ah yes. So, you’ve claimed him as a lover, then?”
“It isn’t official until we return.”
“Well, even if there is a chance you bare his child, I am searching for a strong woman to be my son’s wife,” The man cleared his throat, “I mean no offense, Lady Mira. I have just heard the rumors.”
“I have also heard the rumors,” Her eyes turned an icy white.
“Then, if you decide to stay in Zrud, please come to the Agathen manor and I would be happy to include you in our family.”
“Lord Agathen, I presume?” She waited for him to confirm, “Do you know anything about me besides my affiliation to the Cauldronbone tribe?”
“That you are a powerful mage, Lady Mira.”
“And that is enough?” She raised an eyebrow, “Or are you worried about your textile trade being affected from the lack of support from the Sword Serpents?”
“What?” His eyes widened, “No. I would never suggest –”
“And yet,” Mira dug the heel of her shoe into his foot, “You’ve asked the woman, you do not know anything about, if she would be interested in marrying your son. Only hours after your warehouse was visited by a close associate of mine. On top of that, you insulted my reputation based on rumors.”
“I did not mean to offend, Lady Mira,” He whispered, “But yes. I want to come to an agreement. My son is what I am willing to offer.”
“I do not need a husband, Lord Agathen,” She smiled wickedly, “Especially not one that has a taste for men.”
His grey face turned dark red, “How dare you—”
“Goodbye,” Mira leaned into whisper maliciously, “Tell your wife to hide her journal in a more secure place. It’s almost as easy as finding your mistress’s letters.”
He huffed and left as the next person approached. Mira knew that having Val, Yetta, and Amethyst scour the city for information and gossip would benefit her. Val and Yetta seemed to enjoy it too. They briefed her with notes while Ravenna dressed her up. If anyone had business with the wraith, they would most likely approach her now.
Many more people came to discuss her talents, her fighting abilities, her intentions in Hangral, and other mundane things. She kept as quiet and soft-spoken as possible to keep the conversations dry. After the table filled with seemingly dull men and women that wanted to speak to only Bobabano, she relaxed.
“Lady Mira,” The man bowed deeply, “I am Vernent. I’m another competitor moving into the second round. May I have this last chair?”
Something felt off about him, but she couldn’t place it. He seemed familiar to her. He was dressed as extravagantly as anyone else at the dinner, but didn’t have an affiliation with a group, much like the others. The short top hat and silky black suit showed he was from money, but she couldn’t place wear.
“It is empty.”
“You know,” The man brushed back his thick brown hair with his hand, “My father really hates you. It’s almost astonishing.”
“And who might he be?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, Vernent Reiner. Grand Knight Reiner’s son. I apologize, most people know me by the name around here.”
“I see,” She twirled a strand of hair between her fingers as if uninterested.
“You aren’t as scary as most people think,” He chuckled, “You’re all talk.”
“If you truly felt that way, then you wouldn’t be here,” She narrowed her eyes with a sly smirk, “Would you?”
“I saw some of your neat party tricks today. The orcs really put on a show for you. Rest assured, if we meet in battle, I will win,” He laughed, “It’s better to stop now before you get yourself hurt.”
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She scoffed.
“I’d hate to break that pretty face,” He sighed dramatically and reached for her face, “It’s all your good for, after all. Even then, it’s not that great.”
Anger filled her body. Her nostrils flared as she remained calm enough to keep the dark mist from flowing from her. She clicked her tongue at him.
Encante snorted, “It is his pathetic attempt to anger you.”
She drummed her fingers against the table, “What makes you say that?”
“You’re just a woman who slept her way out of enthrallment. It’s happened before and will again,” He smirked, “After, I win the tournament, I’ll get you in my bed too.”
“Really?” Her flat voice dared him to keep speaking.
“A thrall to a whore? That’s not a large step,” He shrugged, “I won’t even make you do my washing. I’m sure I can purchase you from—”
“What did you just say?”
Mira smiled when she saw Bo standing menacingly over the man. She delicately batted her eyes at him as Bo placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. Her sad expression caused his fingers to dig into the dwarf.
“What did you just call my woman?” He growled under his breath.
“What else would you call her?” Vernent scoffed, “All Hangral knows you’ve had your way with her after you bought her from her master. That’s what you people are known for. We might not be able to see her brand, but I’m sure you know exactly where it is. Don’t you? I bet it’s right next to her –”
Bo couldn’t stop himself before his fist connected to the man’s jaw, “You will not speak to her that way.”
The partygoers around them gasped as Bobabano’s fist slammed into him again. Mira stood over him and stopped to stop the orc from beating the man.
“Bo,” Mira grabbed his arm, “He’s trying to cause issues.”
“He has,” The orc spat angrily at the man, “Do not disrespect her again.”
“What’s happening over here?” The Grand Knight hustled over, “Why are you attacking my son?”
“Your son is about to cause an international incident,” His new fisherman friend stood, “Captain Bobabano is offended by the incredibly insulting way Vernent spoke to and about Lady Mira.
“I would have done the same thing if he spoke to my wife like that!” Another called.
“It’s fine,” Mira wrapped her hands around his arm.
Mira took a few seconds to soften her expression and force a tremble to her voice. The forced hurt spread through the air. She watched Bo carefully as his anger boiled.
“I’m used to… things like that,” She sniffled lightly and wiped at her eyes, “Please, just drop it. It’s fine.”
“It is not fine!” Bo’s voice boomed through the room to grab the attention of everyone around him, “You are aquellan to my tribe, to be my woman. What he was saying –”
“—was unacceptable,” She placed a hand on his chest to calm him down. “I only feel sorry for Vernent should I be paired to fight against him. You do not need to beat the man to death in the throne room.”
“I would be more scared of the orc,” He mocked, “At least I know what he punches like.”
“That is enough, Vernent!” Reiner glared at the man before he turned back to them, “Please, ignore my son. It seems he forgot his manners.”
“I do not act in anger as easily as my Bobabano,” Mira started at the father and son, “But that does not mean I will not get offended. I expect better from the Grand Knight’s son.”
“I completely agree, Lady Mira,” He stared down at his son on the floor, “It was highly inappropriate. He will be dealt with accordingly.”
“What will his punishment be?” Bo’s nostrils flared, “I would have him beheaded in Agrowl. There’s no reason to speak to –”
“Bo, we’ve talked about you being too aggressive,” She cupped his face with her hand to pull his attention away from them, “You’re temper is getting the best of you Please, let the Grand Knight handle it. This is already public enough.”
Bo looked into her pleading eyes that begged him to stop. The entire room stared at them. He knew she did not want this attention. He took a deep breath then nodded. He bashfully lowered his head to her.
“If I hear your son speaking to her like that again, I will kill him,” Bobabano grabbed her hand and kissed it gently, “Come, my mermiana. If you still have the appetite, we can eat.”
Vernet snickered as he father pulled him away from the table. Mira wondered exactly what that was about. Bobabano stewed in anger at her nonchalant behavior.
“Why didn’t you let me handle it?” He grumbled.
“I let you get a few punches in,” She smirked and lifted her goblet to allow the server to pour wine into it, “Besides, I do not know his motives.”
“Vernent is rather well known for getting on the nerves of people he’s worried will best him,” A woman at the table scoffed, “He bullied my daughter for years because she rejected him. It finally ended when her husband came back from a work trip to see the man banging on his door.”
“You don’t know what he’s doing, Bo,” Mira licked her thumb casually and rubbed the small drop of blood from his cheek, “I’m sure it is to make you look unstable and aggressive. If it was that, it worked.”
He crossed his arms and shook his head, “You’re too smart and calculating.”
Mira knew the charade had to continue and batted her eyelashes at him. She ran her hand lovingly down his arm and placed it over his.
“That’s why you love me, isn’t it?” She squeezed his hand.
“Among other things,” He took her hand and kissed her wrist.
She giggled flirtatiously, “Bo, we have to mingle with the queen’s guest. Please stop trying to distract me.”
“But I want to distract you,” He chuckled, “I want all your attention on me.”
“Young love!” A woman at their table clasped her hands sighed dramatically, “How did you meet? Please, tell us the story!”
“We met once a long time ago. When we saw each other again, I didn’t know what to think of her,” His hand cupped her face and his thumb gently brushed against her skin, “Then, my beautiful mermaid pulled me from the sea and saved my life.”
“Stop it,” Mira batted him playfully, “You’re exaggerating.”
“I knew I had to have her after,” He smirked, “I’m still trying to convince her to have me.”
Now, the next phase of their public relationship needed to spread. The rehearsed words would make those around them more sympathetic to the couple. Mira planned to use that to her advantage when needed.
“I just don’t think you should leave your family – your people behind for me, Bo,” She placed her head under his chin and nuzzled against his neck, “They need you more than me.”
“Why would he have to do that?” Another at the table asked.
“You heard, I’m sure. It’s true my mermiana was a thrall. My aunt would never allow her to claim me. My tribe would disown me. I would have to give all of it up my home, my people, and anything else my status got me,” He cupped her face in his hands, “I would gladly give away everything for you, love. Let me take to you a temple right away.”
He pulled away and grabbed her hand in his. He kissed her hand with a sly smile that tempted her to argue.
“It wouldn’t matter if any other tribe would accept you. But Queen Yteva would likely declare war,” She pouted, “He’d be forced to kill his own family.”
“If I just left everything –the land, the ships, the title, the money –left everything but the clothes off my back, then my family would be safe,” He tsked, “I gladly would but she won’t let me.”
“Aw,” The woman sniffled, “That’s so romantic.”
“That’s what I said,” Bo grinned, “But Lady Mira will not be accepted unless she can prove herself worthy.”
“I’m trying,” She blushed, “I did good today, didn’t I?”
“You exploded another man’s weapon!” Another dwarf at the table gawked, “How is that not good?”
Jonen glared how Bobabano wrapped his arms around Mira without a care in the world. The playful giggles and public affection bothered him. Jealousy scorched his heart. Ravenna pulled up in the chair next to him and patted his shoulder.
“Hello, Sir Jonen,” She smiled, “May I suggest turning away from them?”
“I just don’t understand,” He shook his head and looked at her, “The Mira I know would hate this.”
“They are trying to make a reputation for her, for when we return to Agrowl,” Ravenna shrugged and fiddled with the jewels on her necklace, “If she came off as cold, how would that look?”
“What?” He blinked, “She’s leaving?”
“I’m sure she will tell you more when she can,” Ravenna waved the thought away, “For now, let’s discuss something else. Tell me, why did you join the Travel Knights? Mother has discussed getting some stationed in the Falzon but has so far decided against it.”
“The capital doesn’t have a Knights Hall?” He blinked, “I wouldn’t have thought that.”
“Mother is against outside influence,” Ravenna chuckled, “In fact –”
“Ladies, gentlemen, all else in between and outside of,” A tall elf with slick white hair bowed between the thrones, “If I may have your attention?!”
Ravenna squealed excitedly, “I heard they were here. I didn’t know they were here!”
“What, who?”
“Mysterious Magnificent Em!” She pushed her glasses up her nose, “I haven’t seen them since I was a child!”
As the elf stood between the queen and prince, their immaculate, emerald eyes sparkled brilliantly in the dimly lit room.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation, Em,” Queen Azalea clapped, “Your shows are always a spectacle to behold.”
“Of course, dearest Queen Azalea,” The elf flipped the hat back onto their head, “Now, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone outside and in between, I would love to begin your dinner with a show!”