Isadora wasn’t as hungry as she thought she was. The feast was the main part of the ceremony she had hoped to enjoy the most, the opportunity to enjoy various options of als and having a full stomach to enjoy the night.
Yet, with a full table of endless choices, she had lost her appetite, the als becoming rely decorations before her eyes.
Against her better judgnt, she kept sneaking glances at the high table where Lord Raven and his commanders sat like they were in their own world.
It showed just how exalted they were and their authority in the Court. She had spent so much ti with them, seeing them as nothing more but a passing nuisance.
She forgot they were important figures in the Raven Court and the respect they got from the Ravenites. And now? She could truly see it.
Her eyes followed Kraven’s movent, down to the last detail, when he took a drink from his cup, saying a few words to the others.
He ran his hand through his hair occasionally, the corner of his lips tipping in smiles, then grins.
Even though she wasn’t close and far away from that table she could tell his dimples were on full display.
Isadora swallowed hard, hating herself for eyeing him like he was the only person who existed in the hall.
She shouldn’t be doing this. What happened to building up forts to protect herself?
Her thoughts crumbled when Nyssa placed her hand on his broad shoulder to grab his attention. Slowly, she leaned closer, her bosom pressing against his biceps, her lips to his ear, whispering sothing to him.
Whatever she said caused the corner of his lips to tip in a wide smile, his eyes moving through the crowd, for a minute she thought his eyes would et hers, but they didn’t.
Whatever was of interest to him, caused Kraven to whisper back to Nyssa’s ear.
Watching this display made her uncomfortable, she had no idea why she felt that way. She had perceived Kraven as an isolated person who derived joy in unusual things.
Perhaps she knew nothing of him because the closeness displayed by Kraven and Nyssa was... pure.
"I know what you’re thinking," Cai said with a cheesy smile as he pointed his drumstick at Isadora.
Isadora blinked, moving her gaze to the boy beside her. "What do you an?"
"You’re thinking they look great together don’t you?"
A stung found her chest. Where did that sensation co from? She buried it back in whatever hole it crawled out from.
"It’s okay if you do, everyone does," Cai shrugged. "It’s not a new thing." He bit into the at.
"I see... she’s his disciple after all." The words were more disdainful than planned, and thankfully Cai didn’t notice.
"Not really."
Cai’s reply caused a frown on Isadora’s face.
"She calls him master as a way of asking for the opportunity," he explained. "It’s a great privilege to learn sword techniques from Lord Raven. He doesn’t just teach anyone."
Isadora’s pulse quickened. ’But he taught .’
"The only disciple Lord Raven has is Ekko, the Faceless."
"Ekko?" That na sounded familiar.
Then the realization struck her, the presence that spoke to her and showed her the door. He ntioned he was Ekko.
"Why do they call him the Faceless?"
"Hmm... I’m not familiar with the title, but I think the reason behind it is because he doesn’t show his face," Cai said, with a thoughtful expression.
Isadora nodded, her eyes moving back to the high table.
"Even though she isn’t his disciple they look close."
"Yes, she’s the only closest female to Lord Raven after all, they have known each other for many winters."
"I see," Isadora murmured, the words heavy in her mouth. Eyeing the wooden bottle in front of her she grabbed it and turned herself a drink.
She hated Fae ale after that unforgettable incident, but it was much needed, at the mont. Just a little wouldn’t hurt.
"Rumors say they are together. I wouldn’t be surprised if a wedding is held next winter."
Isadora choked on her drink.
Vanya quickly patted her back to ease her. "Are you alright?" she signed with other hand.
Isadora forced a smile and a nod. She grabbed the napkin to wipe the stain away, her eyes veering to the high table again.
This ti Kraven was laughing, he always had his amusent. Yet, seeing him amused, while Nyssa clung to him like a second skin, made her envious.
Kraven only desired to tornt her life and attempt to kill her on nurous occasions. But there he was... unburdened by any compulsion, he was enjoying himself.
Maybe he doesn’t want to kill Nyssa or anyone within his inner circle. She was just the girl he picked up from a brothel on a whim.
Like a new plaything that caught his attention.
Isadora swallowed a lump in her throat, as her mind placed unnatural pieces together, but the more she did the more it made sense.
He probably only trained her because he didn’t want his plaything to die quickly, his every action was to keep her alive for more tornt and entertainnt.
It was always about his entertainnt.
Three days ago, when she broke in front of him, crying after waking, pressured by her trapped mind and the thought of Vanya being dead.
He only watched.
Of course... Why had she expected him to do sothing? Like, hold her so she wouldn’t break. She did break and she placed her own pieces back together.
She had been such a fool.
"Excuse ." Isadora dropped the napkin on the table, rose to her feet, and strode away.
Vanya and Cai looked at each other with confused expressions.
Isadora made her way to the door, thankfully no attention was on her because of how engrossed everyone was with their feast.
The loud musical instrunts playing, drowned out the rest of the talks, laughter, and cheers.
She just wanted to get away from it all.
Isadora stepped out of the hall, the doors slamming shut behind her but suddenly a body blocked her, lifting her gaze, the body belonged to Dain.
Not having a mont to spare she attempted to walk past him but he grabbed her arm to stop her, leaning to her ear.
"Congratulations, Mannfae, you’re crowned."
Isadora struggled to get him off but his iron hold wouldn’t let her.
"You may think you amount to sothing but you don’t."
She turned her glassy eyes to him, furious.
"You never will."
She yanked her arm away from him and walked past him.
Dain chuckled. "I hope to see more of you, Mannfae." His smile faded. "I’m counting on it."
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