The Ties That Bind
POV: Alexandra
Lucien had just told us that the next event for the Queen competition was going to be a diplomatic gathering with the Seely realm. He informed us that he wasn’t sure who was going to be sent from Queen Reine’s court but we knew for certain it was going to be nobility of the Seely realm. I would imagine many of the girls that still want to win this competition would be gunning for Jess since she not only was the daughter of a diplomat, she has been on a few missions as part of a convoy. Jess whispered to me, “I feel like Melody will not be pleased when she hears of this since you and I have been known to have gone on diplomacy missions.” I had forgotten my time with the general and president to help out with the talks between the Kingdom of Vellum and the United States. It was an experience that made me so nervous that I was willing to never go through that again. It must’ve shown on my face because Jess spoke again, “I don’t think it will be nearly as nerve-wracking. While this could affect the balance of peace between Vellum and Seely, this isn’t really a matter of life or death. This should be more laid back. Usually, diplomacy events are a cocktail hour and formal dinner.” I nodded and looked at Lucien, “So would it be sort of like a party?” He nodded, “One thing our realm and theirs can agree on is that a more laid-back environment is best for better relationship and diplomacy.” Alesha asked, “So do we know if they will send a woman?” Blake interjected before Lucien spoke, “They believe women hold all the power as the bringers of life so it is likely they will send a woman. It isn’t unheard of to send a man but they prefer women.”
Lucien looked at me with a worried look in his face, “I didn’t realize that this may cause you stress Alexandra but I didn’t want it to be sprung on you ladies when we got back and you would have less time prepare.” I shook my head, “I’m surprisingly not stressed anymore since I now know it will be more laid back than I had the chance to be on the last diplomatic mission you sent me on.” He laughed, “You know? I almost forgot about that, it felt so long ago. I guess you and Jess will have a leg up now.” Meldon laughed, “Oh my sister is going to be sooo pissed. I’m here for it.” I widened my eyes and looked at him and he smiled back, “Alexandra, you thought I had her back huh?” I shrugged, “I just assumed but this is really the first conversation you and I have really had.” He sighed, “That’s because I’m not allowed to socialize with you or your friends. Technically, we have a few friends in common so that would really be impossible. I couldn’t care less if my brat of sister won the throne. She’s the reason I’m not able to speak to certain members in our company here.” I knew instantly he was talking about Alesha which confused me, “Wait, you said that you were able to come because you told your family that Alesha’s family invited you out.” He nodded, “That’s right, it is different to get in another noble family’s good graces but they won’t allow me to speak to Alesha while she’s around you which is essentially for every public event. I hate the rules but I have to abide by them.” I nodded, “That makes sense now.”
He sighed, “You would think being close to the one family other than, Blake and Lucien’s family, that is the most powerful in Vellum but my father has never been a fan of House Batiste. He maintains a level of civility with your grandfather but he only does it to keep himself out of complete power. House Maigny has always been power hungry.” Blake regarded him for a bit and then spoke, “And you aren’t?” He shook his head, “I’m more about maintaining the relationships that I want to maintain regardless of power. My sister is stereotypically a Maigny and I am the black sheep. If had it my way, we all here would be friends. I know Derek is a fan of yours Lex and he’s my best friend so I feel like I should be your friend. I’m about relationships above all else.” Blake laughed, “You sound more like a member of House Batiste. Perhaps you can join them via sangre.” He sighed, “Honestly, if only I was. I think I would fit in there better than the power greedy members of my own house. If I ever get cast out of House Maigny, I would probably ask Reginald to perform a sangre with me.” I shrugged, “I think you mean that in jest Meldon but honestly, knowing my family, he would take you in. It’s always been the way of House Batiste to bring those who are lost into our family. It’s how we got Vanessa and apparently Mordred.”
Alesha dropped her fork and bolted forward, “Wait, you mean Mordred le Fey?” I nodded, “Do you know of him?” She enthusiastically nodded, “I am a huge fan. He has been behind many of the major discoveries of Vellum. We wouldn’t have known about the Mesha stones’ abilities without him. He also was the one to invent the very first magical tool. I read that he is the wisest wizards out there. I would love to just sit and chat with him to just get his wisdom just through being around him.” I shrugged, “I’m sure that he would be willing to have a chat with anyone who is willing to listen. I notice that he really loves to talk. He’s been a huge help to take some of my stresses away.” Alesha smiled at me, “Do you think you could figure out a way for us to meet him?” I thought for a little while, “I could host a welcome home tea party for Mordred. He could get reacquainted with the society of Vellum.” Lucien nodded, “I think that would be nice, if you send an invitation to the royalty and the other ladies, we could all attend.” I smiled at him, “Sounds like a plan.” He rose from his seat, “Well it looks like everyone is done with their dinner. Would anyone like to join me in the springs tonight?” I rose to my feet, “I’m in, just let me go change.” Blake got up, “I am also in, I need the soak plus if Alexandra is there then I am there too.” Derek and Jess got up but Jess spoke, “Since Xan is going, I think we must as well but I think we both would have gone anyways.” All the others were in too and we all agreed to meet out there after changing into our own bathing suits.
A changing into my bathing suit later and an attempt and fail at looking for a towel, I emerged from the back door of my room. It wasn’t really a graceful exit either. Since the door that led out to the spring was a sliding door, I had not thought to pick up my feet and I had slightly stumbled forward. I caught myself by shifting my balance, I had wondered if that reflex was the benefit of pyrio blood. I looked over to one of the sides of the spring to find a rack full of towels and I let out an exasperated sigh. Behind me, Lucien spoke, “What’s wrong?” I turned to look at his well toned body in a pair of swim trunks with his hair tied behind his head but a long strand draped over his shoulder. He was a very beautiful sight especially under lantern light and the nearly full moon. I smiled, “Oh I just kind of felt like an idiot for looking diligently for a towel in my room when there’s a whole rack full out here.” He laughed, “Oh well, there should have been towels in your bathroom too. I will have a servant come by with some for you in case you want a private soak in the bath tub later.” Our eyes were locked with each other for a while in the silence of the night, the only sound was the movement of the small water fountain cascading into the spring. I was blushing but I didn’t feel anything for this man even though I knew somewhere in the back of my mind that I should. I had silently wondered where everyone was so that I could be shaken from my thoughts of having staring at this pair of green eyes. Why was I compelled to stare into them unflinchingly and with wonder? I imagined he had the same thoughts as me, not wanting to tear his gaze away from he as I had been unwilling to tear mine away from him. He closed in on me slowly and placed his hands on the sides of my arms. He started to lean forward and parted his lips and as his face inched closer to mine. I knew in that moment that he was intending to kiss me.
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