Dominant’s POV

It had already been hours since the event. Talent actually apologized without being told to, which would have been strange enough on its own if he hadn’t also offered to help with the healing process.

Dominant didn’t think he needed the help. He was healing just fine, as far as he could tell and he’d just won the fight; accepting healing from Talent now would only dampen his victory. He finally felt dominant—like his name actually fithim and he wasn’t about to lose that feeling by accepting help from the entitled ass he’d just beat.

Still, Talent seemed to have changed his attitude and Dominant couldn’t help but to feel a little hopeful. Perhaps he could finally have a normal, non-hostile relationship with the other boy. Maybe he could even get Talent to teach him a thing or two. Maybe, but Talent had a lot of wasted potential. It might be better to keep learning from Mila when he could.

“Ouch,” Dominant yelped as Mila reached up to adjust his bow tie. She’d stepped on his foot, but stepped back quickly,offering a quick sorry.

Dominant shook his head, waving off the apology. The whole ordeal was taking far too long. He wasn’t sure why she was helping him in the first place. He’d been getting dressed on his own ever since he came here. Although, he’d never worn something so…gaudy and formal.

The high lord had apparently deemed it necessary for Dominant to be at Talent’s celebration and this was the attire everyone would be wearing. Mila even had to help fix his hair so that he didn’t look like, “…a mangy rat.”

It was a bit frustrating that she had such a low opinion of his grooming abilities. He’d been keeping himself clean, hadn’t he? Even if not, he couldn’t be blamed for lacking skills he was never taught.

Mila tucked his shirt tight, then tried to slide on his belt, but Dominant took it from her saying, “I can do that myself.”

Mila smiled, letting him take the belt, then said, “I know you probably think all of this is silly, but you should know that this event is kind of like a test that determines your place in society.” She gave him a pointed look, her smile turning playful, “So try to be on your best behavior, okay?”

Dominant was confused. He thought that test was done at birth and he’d already failed it, but now he was here. He didn’t understand what his behavior had to do with it or how a party could be a test. “Will they scan me again? It always comes back blank; the high lord knows that…”

Dominant trailed off as he saw the concern in Mika’s eyes. She looked at him the way might look at a new runner struggling to find their way around the pit. He realized there must have been more to words, something he simply didn’t understand. “What are you talking about Mila?”

The girl shrugged and shook her head. “It’s hard to explain… but everyone will want to know who you are and this will be your first impression. Tonight is about Talent though, so maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you’ll be fine.” She didn’t sound convinced but Dominant wasn’t sure why. He didn’t understand what was so complicated about it.

He would just be himself. That’s all he could be.

Dominant was about to ask why she was so concerned, but as soon as he opened his mouth, the door opened.

Talent stood in the gap, his hand still holding the door as his mouth moved wordlessly for several moments. Finally he said, “You’ve never helped me prepare for an event, why are you coddling him?”

The words were clearly meant for Mila, so Dominant ignored them. Instead, he focused on fastening his belt as Milareplied, “Because I was asked to, and it’s not like Dominant has had the training or the experience to do it himself.” She turned back to him, adjusting his collar, then said to Talent, “I can baby you next time if you like, all you have to do is ask.”

Talent’s jaw clenched but he didn’t respond to the provocation. After clearing his throat he said, “It’s starting. All the guests have arrived and we’re expected to enter together.”

Mila nodded, taking Dominant’s arm in hers and following Talent out of the room.

Talent led them to the main hall. A set of large doors had been opened, revealing the foyer and a large ball room that was filled to bursting with people and all eyes turned to watch them.

Dominant had never been so intimidated by a crowd, but the only crowds he was used to were miners, too tired and overworked to give him any real attention. These men and women were all well dressed in vibrant colored suits and flowing dresses, each adorned with rings and necklaces and various other trinkets. They were the kind of people that demanded attention and respect, the kind of people whose disapproving gaze was as sharp and deadly as a sword. They were magistrates, or other important people whose roles and titles he did not understand, and they were looking at him, weighing his worth, and he felt he was found to be wanting.

He wanted to run, but Mila’s hand on his arm kept him moving. She whispered, “I’ll stay with you as much as I can. Don’t worry, just smile and if anyone talks to you, just nod and say ‘interesting.”

Dominant wasn’t sure how that would help, but he did not have time to ask. Mila guided him to the center of the room, where the high lord stood with a glass in one hand, his other arm extended to greet his son.

“Tonight,” the high lord said, his voice carrying easily to every corner of the room, “We gather to celebrate the return of my son and heir, Talent.”

A cheer rose from the crowd and Dominant was relieved that the attention was no longer on him.

“But also, there is another son we must welcome back tonight. My dear boy, Dominant, had been hidden and kept from me by his bitch of a mother; I did not even know of his existence until he found his way here all on his own. He is a resourceful boy and a powerful one. I am sure he will bring Krellestine great prosperity, just as Talent will, so tonight is a celebration to both of them. My sons, Talent, the heir, and Dominant.”

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Dominant did his best to follow Mila’s instructions and just smile and nod as the room erupted with cheers. Some of the magistrates were smiling and clapping while others watched with scowls and grumbling expressions, and still others stared at him with a sort of blank expression that made Dominant’s skin crawl. His stomach twisted into knots and he had to fight the urge to vomit. He couldn’t tell who was happy for him and who wasn’t, even those cheering he suspected were faking.

Dominant was already aware that many felt he did not belong. Even the servants, in their jealousy, despised him. He had known that there were few in the estate who were unaware of his origins and those few were the only ones willing to talk with him. Still, Dominant had felt content, he felt this could be his home. Now that feeling of comfort and acceptance was ripped away from him as he realized how precarious his position was. All of the eyes in the room were trained on him, each of the men and women present were judging him.

If this was truly some test like Mila had said, he would fail and then what would happen to him?

“Drink, feast, enjoy.” The high lord finally finished, his words drawing Dominant back from his thoughts and panic. As the crowd dispersed to do as they were told, the high lord approached him. The man was still a giant to him and his piercing eyes seemed to stare right through him. For a moment, Dominant thought the high lord had sensed his fear and was displeased.

However, the high lord spoke with a jovial tone that belied the severity of his eyes. “Don’t let them bother you. They’re like hyena, all of them looking for the slightest weakness, but you don’t have to worry. None of them can defy your strong will.” The words rang with pride and affection as he patted Dominant’s head then walked away. He was stopped repeatedly by guests that wished to speak with him and soon the high lord was surrounded by an adoring crowd.

Talent scoffed from Dominant’s side and said, “Giants have no need to defy ants. They need only to crush them.” Then the young man walked away leaving Dominant with Mila.

She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t let him bother you either. He’s just jealous.”

Dominant shook his head. “I don’t care about him.” He said, but it wasn’t the truth. He felt he should not care, but the truth was, Talent had nearly killed him today. If he had not managed to command stop, Dominant would be dead. That was something he could not forget.

The two of them made their way toward a large buffet, but before they could get there a woman approached. Her hair was a light shade of purple that was pulled back in a bun. Her eyes were a deep blue and her face was round, but stern. “You’ve got quite the story, and the explanations we all have…I trust you won’t disappoint.” she said. Her dress was a simple blue thing that hung loosely and was tied at the waist with a thin black ribbon.

She smiled, apparently waiting for some reply, but Dominant had no idea what she wanted. He wasn’t even sure she was talking to him, so he did as he was told. He smiled and nodded, but as he opened his mouth to speak, Mila pointed at someone, a bald man in a brown suit, and said, “Mr. Tagrot, it’s good to see you here.”

The woman rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You’ll have to excuse us, Lady Irenath. We simply must speak with Mr. Targot before he’s swarmed by his admirers.”

The lady huffed. “That boy? I’m sure he has nothing of importance to say.” She waved dismissively. “Well go on then, and try not to get lost on your way back.”

As they hurried away Mila leaned in close to whisper, “Lady Irenath is the commerce minister over most of Krell. She doesn’t really have any authority here, but she can make it hard for people to do business if she wants to, as such she wields a great deal of influence with everyone here. You need to stay on her good side.” Mila smiled as she finished, but the expression was not one of joy or amusement, it was a nervous smile.

Dominant could understand why, though he did not share her concerns. He was not interested in doing business or politics.

As they came close to Mr. Targot, the bald man turned to face them. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was soft and kind as he asked, “Are you enjoying yourselves tonight?”

Mila nodded and replied, “We are. It is a lovely party, and you, Mr. Targot?”

The man smiled and shrugged, his lips pursed. “It’s as lively as ever, but I am getting a bit old to enjoy such things.”

Mila chuckled, “You aren’t old yet, Mr. Targot.”

“Please dear, just call me Darrick,” the man said, his smile turning playful. Then he turned to face Dominant and his expression fell to a more serious one as he asked, “And how are you fairing?”

Dominant smiled and said, “It’s interesting.”

The man raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure it is. Be careful and stay safe.” The man seemed to be trying to tell him something, but Dominant could not imagine what.

Already Mr. Targot looked exhausted, his face sagging and his eyes half closed. Dominant hadn’t noticed at first, but now he thought he could see a faint glow on the man’s skin and wondered if it was a spell he was using.

Before he had the chance to ask, a man in a red suit and a woman in a matching red dress approached. Darrick retreated quickly, vanishing in the crowd. Though he was taller than most, his bald head seemed to fade away the further he moved from them.

“Mila, dear! You look beautiful as ever.” The woman called. Her voice was sweet and gentle and her eyes were kind, but Dominant could feel the tension between them and the air seemed to thicken as Mila replied, “Thank you, and you are as stunning as always.” Her words were forced and there was no smile on her face.

Mila took Dominant by the arm, guiding him to a table that had several empty chairs. She sat and motioned for Dominant to sit beside her, so he did, but he felt a bit lost. He had the sense that Mila wanted to protect him, but from what he was not sure.

As the night went on, the two of them ate and drank, and occasionally they were visited by various magistrates and merchants and their families, all of which were trying to learn about Dominant. They asked all sorts of questions about what he’d been doing before making his way to the capital, how long he’d known he was Lord Kastin’s son, and even why he hadn’t returned home sooner.

It seemed many were suspicious even if they wouldn’t admit it aloud.

As the evening went on, and the guests began to leave, a young boy and his father approached. Dominant wanted nothing more than to run away, but he knew he could not.

The boy spoke first, “Lord Kastin, I heard someone say that you were a miner. Is that true?”

Dominant was taken aback by the boy’s bluntness and had no idea how to respond. Fortunately, his father stepped in to save the day. “Of course it isn’t.” He answered, smacking the boy’s back. “How could a judge be mistaken for a number?” The question hung in the air for several moments, unanswered by either Mila or Dominant, then the man said, “Ahem. Well, I just wanted to come and say that it was an honor to meet you and I look forward to seeing what you will do for Krell.” He nodded then guided his son away.

Mila smiled at Dominant, but the expression was one of exhaustion and relief. She was clearly glad that the ordeal was finally coming to an end.

As the last of the guests left, she led him back to his room. He was glad to be able to remove the fancy clothes and return to his bed, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was all a waste. He didn’t know why Lord Kastin was so determined to present him as his son, but he wished it could be over with. He only wanted to be left alone. Perhaps Kasin’algrade wasn’t the best place for him.

Perhaps he should leave.

Dominant wasn’t sure what he should do.