I wasn’t sure what to expect of the breakfast at Anahate Manor, and as I entered the grand dining hall, my breath caught in my throat. A dazzling display of Anahate Sidhe feasting, mingling, and exchanging hugs, radiating the magic of Anahatean love and kindness. The plethora of Sidhe were draped in opulent emerald and sage attire, their hair a blend of sandy-blonde and mint strands. Their eyes shone with varying hues of sparkling green, hinting at a connection to the earth itself. It was becoming clear why Sorelle had insisted on dressing me in the finest attire for this gathering. The towering ceilings, adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers that bathed the room in a warm golden light, seemed to reach up to the heavens themselves. The walls, lined with expansive windows that showcased the breathtaking beauty of Anahate's rolling hills, whispered secrets of this enchanted land. The marble floors, a flawless blend of cream and sage, gleamed like moonstones underfoot, reflecting the mesmerizing light that danced through the room. And the tables, circular and accented by fluffy sage chairs, lavish bouquets of exquisite flowers, and glistening crystalware were a testament to the refined taste of the Anahate Sidhe. The breakfast feast was a sight to behold, a symphony of sights and smells that enchanted me. A long buffet-style table stretched out before the plethora of smaller tables, laden with every decadent treat imaginable. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked goods and my mouth watered at the sight of golden croissants and flaky danishes. Eggs cooked to perfection sat alongside stacks of fluffy pancakes and crisp waffles, while vibrant fruits, carved into intricate designs that seemed almost too beautiful to eat, were displayed like precious gems. My senses were overwhelmed by the sheer opulence of it all, and I could feel my stomach growling in anticipation as I took in the sparkling array of teas, coffees, and juices. Sorelle informed me that all Anahateans were invited to the manor's lavish breakfast each day. A highly anticipated gathering for any Anahatean who wanted to attend. As she led me through the crowded hall, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my heart at the sense of community that pulsed through the room. Every Anahatean I met was warm and welcoming, not one Sidhe looking at me like an outsider, their smiles genuine and eyes sparkling with kindness. My eyes caught Queen Amani, resplendent in her finery, gliding through the throngs of Sidhe. She embraced her fellow Anahateans as if they were beloved family. It was not a mere formality for her, but a sincere connection to her citizens. She knew them all by name and greeted them with warmth and familiarity, as though they were lifelong friends. I spotted Dilara and Hathai drifting off to join their friends, their laughter and chatter mingling with the gentle hum of conversation that filled the room. I had succumbed to sleep before the evening meal, and my stomach grumbled at the sight of the opulent feast spread out before me. Sorelle, ever the guide, led me to the buffet, where I loaded a plate with pancakes, yogurt, and fruit, my stomach growling in anticipation. Sorelle gestured towards their daily gathering spot, a circular table nestled beneath an archway, overlooking the rolling hills of Anahate. The towering opening offered a breathtaking view from the balcony, and I couldn't help but marvel at the sights before me. As we made our way to our table, I spotted Thadeus, his face alight with enthusiasm as he spoke to Valen and Kiah with exaggerated gestures, that had me smiling even from a distance. My gaze fell upon Zane, his broad back facing the room as he stood on the balcony, taking slow sips from a steaming mug while looking out over the sprawling hills of Anahate. As we approached the table, Thadeus boisterously welcomed us with an exaggerated greeting, declaring his unwavering affection for Sorelle. I couldn't stifle my laughter as I set down my plate of food. Then he seized my hand and spun me around, whistling and marveling at my transformation. As I whipped around to face the table once more, I caught Zane doing the same. His expression was carefully guarded, but I could have sworn there was a flicker of surprise in those piercing eyes as they locked onto mine. His penetrating gaze seemed to bore into my soul as if he could see right through me. I swallowed, gathering my composure as I took a seat. I couldn't help but feel nervous under his unyielding presence. His aura was powerful, yet shrouded in mystery and impossible to decipher. To add insult to injury, he took the seat directly opposite me, making it impossible to escape his piercing gaze. Amidst the cacophony of noise and enthusiasm, Zane had a talent for making me believe it was just the two of us, sharing stealthy looks in the midst of it all. Initially, I felt uneasy under his penetrating gaze. But as the moments passed and Thadeus made a fool of himself, or Valen flaunted his superiority, Zane would shoot me a sly grin or an exasperated eye-roll. It dawned on me then, amidst this group of new friends, that perhaps Zane saw me as a kindred spirit - an outsider in this foreign land just like himself. We both certainly looked the part of outsiders, with our similar features. I wasn’t sure how long he’d been in Anahate, but I knew he was far away from the comforts of home. Thadeus was regaling the table with a dramatic retelling of some theatrical performance or other when he winked at Sorelle, eliciting a playful eye-roll in return.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
When Thadeus finally took a breath leaving a break in conversation, Zane spoke up, "Ace, are you joining us for training today?"
But before I could respond, Kiah jumped in, her eyes softening when they met Zane’s gaze. "She won’t be joining dressed like that," Gesturing to my hair and gown.
Zane surveyed me, his eyes sweeping up and down my body before realizing the answer to his question was obvious. Kiah's watchful gaze caught him staring at me, her features shifting in a subtle yet significant way.
Sorelle joined in, "Perfect attire for the library though! Come and keep me company, I need someone to share my tedium with," linking my arm and resting her head on my shoulder.
Thadeus, never one to miss an opportunity, chimed in. "Ah, yes, the library. Where the only thing more well-bound than the books is my heart bound to you, Sorelle."
Valen chuckled, "I think her heart has been checked out, my friend."
Kiah chimed in with a laugh “Permanently off the shelf, Thadeus.”
Zane brushed off the playful chatter, his gaze never leaving my face. “Tomorrow then?”
Thadeus and Sorelle shared a knowing look, entertained by Zane's determination. Kiah's face slightly shifted into a somber mask as she observed Zane's curiosity in teaching me.
A laugh escaped me as I observed the group's dynamic. “How about training tomorrow, and the library today.”
Sorelle let out a delighted shriek and clapped her hands, excited at the prospect of having a companion other than Thadeus visit the library.
Thadius threw an arm around Zane, “We’ll bring you ladies lunch then!”
Sorelle gave me a sly smirk, her eyes hinting at the eagerness of Sidhe males that we had discussed earlier while we dressed for breakfast. I couldn't contain my laughter as Sorelle and I agreed, allowing the boys to fetch us lunch later. Their victorious grins stretched from ear to ear, pleased with themselves for earning such a favor. Something about that look Sorelle gave me made me feel like one of them. And as the last crumbs of breakfast were swept away, a sense of belonging settled over me like a warm ember, glowing softly in the depths of my chest. It was a feeling I'd thought lost to which I'd grown unaccustomed, but with Sorelle by my side, it began to stir, a gentle flame that flickered to life. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt the weight of my displacement lifting, the strangeness of this world slowly giving way to a sense of familiarity. The gratitude that swelled within me was a palpable thing, a living, breathing entity that wrapped itself around my heart, holding me close. In this moment, I felt a sense of normalcy that I'd thought lost to me, a sense of being a part of something greater than myself. And with Sorelle's quiet strength and gentle smile, I felt the world slowly, incrementally, begin to feel like home.