Page 11 of Wings of Snow
Curiosity again getting the better of me, I joined him at the counter as he pulled white fish from the same small jar that Sabreeny had used and began dispersing it onto three plates. The delicate meat was stored in a salty-smelling liquid, and surprisingly, the scent wasn’t bad even though I’d never been fond of sustenance from the sea.
“Surely, there are some Lochen fae with the same name, perhaps named the same by accident?” I asked.
Tylen placed slices of fish on the plate, then grabbed a large black-skinned fruit from the counter. He cut through it with a sharp knife, revealing the same purple flesh and black seeds that Sabreeny had prepared for the king.
“No, nobody shares a name in our culture. When a babe is born, they’re brought to Vemil Brasea, where the parents present them, along with the name they’ve chosen, to the palace’s scribe. If that name is already in existence in our records, the request is denied and the parents must choose a new name. Until they do, the babe remains nameless.”
“Where’s Vemil Brasea?” I asked as he gestured to the table and chairs near the far wall.
“It’s beneath the waves in the Adriastic Sea. Vemil Brasea is our capital.”
Cailis and I both shared a fascinated look and pulled out chairs to sit beside Tylen. As we sipped on tea and ate the sweet purple fruit, nutty bread, and flaky fish that was surprisingly tasty, we asked Tylen relentless questions. It helped that he was so willing to answer, something that I found not only perplexing but unusual. Normally, fae of the different races weren’t welcoming nor willing to appease guests on their continents or islands. Sabreeny’s reaction to me was more on par with what I would expect. Not Tylen’s easy smiles and open responses.
Of course, halfway through our conversation, Sabreeny’s moans began again, and the house shuddered from time to time with Drachu’s power. Doing my best to ignore the carnal sounds coming from down the hall, I concentrated on everything Tylen was saying.
“So, since Drachu has so many children, there are over one hundred princes and princesses vying for his throne?” I asked as I popped the last bite of bread into my mouth.
“No,” Tylen replied. “Just because I was sired by Drachu does not make me in line for the throne, nor does his oldest child automatically wear the crown when my father steps down. Even the ‘legitimate’ children, as you call them, those born by the queen, aren’t in line for the throne. Our king is chosen by the Lochen, not by who births them.”
My jaw dropped until it felt as though it hit the floor. “You’re telling me that when Drachu steps down,anyLochen fairy may become the next king? But how? How can that possibly be?”
An amused smile tilted his lips as he began to clear the dishes. It wasn’t lost on me that there were no servants here despite the king being in residence. “The Lochen fae value strength, courage, and a cunning mind. Just because I was born from a male who possesses such traits doesn’t mean that I’ll bear them as well. So, to keep our kingdom strong, an election is held when each king passes or steps down. Those placed on the ballot are chosen based upon whether or not they’re of good health, how they’ve acted in battles, the deeds they’ve done that show they possess the wit and cleverness to lead such a mighty race, and so forth.”
Cailis looked as bewildered as me when she asked, “So any male can be king?”
“Correct, and any female can be queen. We aren’t exclusive to genders. If a female possesses those characteristics above a male, she may rule our race.”
My shock was so complete that for a moment, I couldn’t speak. My sister seemed to be in a similar state because she gaped like a fish.
“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” I finally said.
Tylen shrugged. “I’m not surprised. We don’t often have other fae races venture to our shores. Our way of life is too difficult for the land-dwellers. Besides, you wouldn’t survive the journey to our oceanic cities as you cannot breathe under water.”
I shrugged. “True, but?—”
“Ah, I see that you’re all awake.” Drachu strode into the kitchen, a loose robe covering his body. It was partially draped open, revealing his strong muscular chest beneath. “Tylen, have you informed them of what we’ll be doing today?”
Tylen shook his head and leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. His blond hair shone like gold in the sun. “Not yet. We became caught up in questions about our culture.”
Sabreeny sauntered into the room behind Drachu, her hips swaying provocatively. Mussed hair trailed around her shoulders, and her lips appeared swollen as she placed a hand possessively on Drachu’s shoulder. Daggers practically shot from her eyes when she glared at me and Cailis.
“Sabreeny, fetch me my shoes, will you?” The king ran a hand along her plump bottom and squeezed.
She nipped his ear, her tongue sliding out to graze the skin before she purred, “As you wish, my king.”
She flounced down the hall, and I glanced warily toward where the salivarhad disappeared to.
“So, what are your plans today?” I asked the king as I began to contemplate what Cailis and I would do from here. Regardless of what Drachu and Tylen were planning, I needed to find a way to recover my affinities, with or without their help.
“We’re venturing to the Adrall Temple,” Drachu replied.
“May I ask why you’re going to a temple?” Cailis’s eyebrows rose.
“Not just Tylen and me are going.Allof us will venture there.” Drachu smiled. “And we’re going there to help Ilara. You do want your affinities freed, correct?” He gave me a pointed look.
My brow furrowed. “Yes, that’s of utmost importance, but how is a temple going to help that?”
Drachu smiled, his canines glinting in the sun. “Because at the Adrall Temple, we can call upon the gods. If God Zorifel will heed our plea, I believe he may help with unlocking your magic.”