A/N: So, here we go. You´re finally gonna meet 'the dreadful woman'. I am very nervous. Let´s see if I got this new character right. I want her to be dangerous with refined manners ;-) A bit like Hans Gruber from die hard *LOL*

Concerning the architecture, it was jaycest´s idea to have it glow with magic. All the cheesy parts are from me ;-) Sorry, guys, I know that the style might be a bit out of period, but I couldn´t resist the temptation of giving them the most pretentious houses I could think of.

Enjoy, hopefully

CHAPTER 3

Meeting the Head of the noble family Delvon

Sonea and Akkarin stepped out of the carriage after a servant had opened the door for them. With a mixture of awe and disgust did she take in the grand building that towered over her. The townhouse was old and vast.

It was a three-storey house build from the typical warm sandstone. The stones seemed to pulse with a faint glow from time to time. Like all the houses of the rich families it had been enhanced by magic. Decorative balconies covered the front and the entrance was guarded by two lion statues. The façade was dominated by huge glass windows. Glass was a very valuable construction material as it was very hard to manufacture. Each window shone with brilliant lights and velvety curtains could be seen from outside. The estate was fenced with a metal railing that shone in the afternoon sun. The neighbouring houses stood very close on both sides, but Sonea guessed that the estate reached far behind with a garden and maybe even a small pond with waterlilies or something like that.

Akkarin strode towards the building with an unfathomable expression on his face. Sonea shivered as she recognised the now so familiar signs of strain in his posture. Unconsciously he had straightened to emphasise his height and he had cloaked himself in cold dignity and aloof indifference again. He had offered her his arm and she could feel the tension in his muscles through the fabric of his robes.

When they reached the portal doors Sonea wished she had already graduated. At least she would be a full magician then and would be wearing full-length robes. The brown of her novice´s robes only accentuated the great social and educational difference between her and Akkarin. She heaved a sigh, but when her husband looked at her she nodded encouragingly. Akkarin, of course, was not fooled. His lip curled upward and he gently nudged her in the side with his elbow. This gesture was so unusual that Sonea had to laugh.

Akkarin led her through the door and into the parlour of his family´s home. A servant in a richly embroidered uniform bowed to them. "My Lady Sonea, my Lord Akkarin, welcome. The mistress bids me to show you to the Blue Salon. If you would care to follow me?"

Akkarin nodded shortly giving his assent. The servant bowed again. "This way then, my Lady, my Lord." Sonea found it irritating that they were being guided to a room in the very house Akkarin had grown up in, but she guessed that this was another of the strange customs of the nobles. She did not need to understand it, she decided.

Curiously she studied the interior of the hallway and adjoining corridors. Many exquisitely manufactured pieces of art and craftsmanship lined the wide staircase they now ascended. Portraits of noble-looking people hang on the walls looking down upon them their expressions stern and their gaze unwavering. These were Akkarin´s ancestors. Sonea shuddered. Their footsteps were silenced by a thick blue carpet that covered the whole length of the stairs. This alone must have cost a fortune. Involuntarily Sonea started assessing the worth of some of the displayed riches. An uneasy feeling settled on her when she thought about what just a little part of those would mean to a family in the slums. Stop this, she instructed herself. This does not help. You will only make yourself feel even more miserable – and guilty.

Finally they reached the top of the staircase. Another hallway opened before them. Small statues of dancing couples and bouquets of flowers gave it a perfectly-planned playful atmosphere. Sonea had to admit that this arrangement was a sign of an imaginative and considerate mind, disgustingly artifical, but artful nevertheless. She suddenly stopped when her eyes fell upon a small tableau that adorned a beautifully crafted sideboard. Hastily she stepped closer. Akkarin turned and looked at her questioningly. Then he saw what had caught her attention and he signed to the servant to wait.

Akkarin lightly laid his left hand on her shoulder and drew her nearer. "That is the beach where I learned to swim. See here? That is my family´s country home. My father used to go hunting there." His finger pointed at a tall, dark-haired man in the middle of the painting. His father´s expression was stern and commanding. Even though he had the typical Kyralian dark hair and fair skin, his features did not resemble Akkarin´s much. There was a certain similarity to his nose, but that was maybe just imagination. Next to the Head of family Delvon stood his children, two sons and one daughter. Though curiosity about Akkarin´s siblings stirred in her, Sonea´s eyes were fixed on the eldest child. Dark intelligent eyes looked out of a handsome face that wore a secretive smile that somehow gave the impression of an older soul residing in this young body. The boy´s long hair fell freely to his shoulders. The artist had captured the sun sparkling off the glossy waves. The boy stood straight, his hands on his hips daring the observer to do anything but smile at him. Sonea looked up at the older version of this boy and smiled. She ran her hands over Akkarin´s face, leaned in and whispered, "You really haven´t changed that much, you know."

The High Lord chuckled. "Either you are flattering me or you are telling me that I looked old even then." Sonea was about to answer with a little jest when Akkarin´s expression suddenly turned somber. He sighed, lines of worry and grief showing around his eyes. "I was so carefree and naive then. Everything was still as it was supposed to be." He snorted disgustedly. "I do not like to see me like that. It reminds me too much of what is lost. I am but a shadow of what I was then."

It pained her to hear him talking like that. She had not meant to hurt him. How could he speak about himself like this? He was still the most loveable and caring man she knew and she loved him with all her heart. Was he oblivious to the effect he had on others? No, she knew that he often toyed with this.

"I do not understand, Akkarin − shadow of what you were?"

"Ah, I apologise. I was just thinking aloud. Forget it, won´t you? See, Alia was only five when mother had that picture painted. She is so lovely. I miss her very much. She was always so friendly and easy-going." Akkarin sighed and Sonea tightened her grip on his arm. Alia had died at eight from an illness that not even the Healers had been able to cure.

"Aril was eight years old. That look on his face, I think I remember that he had lost his favourite wooden sword that day. He was devastated." Akkarin´s eyes flickered back to his own image once again. "I was ten. Riding and swimming were my favourite activities then. It was two years later that a friend of the family, Lord Riatin, tested Aril and me. He found that I had very strong latent powers, whereas Aril had none at all. My father was displeased. As eldest I was meant to take over from him. However, Lord Riatin was afraid that my powers might surface on their own. He convinced my parents to let me enter the Guild at fifteen. Aril had to take over my duties as heir and I cannot say that I envy him."

The servant shuffled a few steps nearer coughing politely. Akkarin turned towards him. "Well, we should not keep my mother waiting. Come along, Sonea."

The High Lord guided her away from the painting. Sonea found that her thoughts still lingered on their short conversation when the servant opened a door and bowed them inside. "My Lady, my Lord, if you would please take a seat. Refreshments are to be found on the table to your right. Is there any way I might be of further service?"

"Thank you, Rijand. Please tell the Lady that we have arrived."

"Immediately, my Lord." A soft click told Sonea that the old man had left silently to hurry to his mistress.

She took some steps into the room and gasped. Everything was decorated in blue and gold, ornate chandeliers and some magically lighted globe lamps illuminated the grandeur of this room. An assembly of luxurious armchairs sat before a blazing fire. A small table was laden with fruits and sweets. Another carried a selection of exquisite wine bottles and crystalline glasses.

Sonea turned around and faced her husband, a helpless expression on her face. Akkarin smiled and pointed at the group of chairs. "Sit down, please." Sonea obeyed hesitantly.

From that perspective she became aware of an immense genealogical chart that covered the wall opposite of her. The crest of family Delvon crowned the impressive tree of noble names. Sonea narrowed her eyes and asked her husband in a cold voice, "Does your mother usually receive her guests in this room?"

Akkarin looked at her surprised. "No, she does not. I would not have thought you would notice this."

His wife snorted. "If her intention was to make me feel as unwelcome as possible she has succeeded."

"How so?"

"Look around you. This room suffocates from all the reminders of just who you are. This chart over there, the carpets and the little crests imprinted on the wallpaper. Everything here is blue and gold like your house colours. Really, she should have added a sign that says 'We are rich and influential' just in case anyone missed the point."

Annoyance crept into Akkarin´s gaze. "Sonea, I think you are misunderstanding this. As I have said before, my status within the family is not yet decided. She could not receive us in her private rooms. This is the room for formal meetings. Her choice does not surprise me."

Sonea nodded. She was not in the mood to argue with him and she had promised to trust him in this.

"Thank you." Akkarin leaned forward and took her hand into his. They smiled at each other, their eyes locked. Unconsciously Akkarin drifted slowly towards her. Their lips nearly touched when the door was opened again. The High Lord pulled back hastily and released Sonea´s hand. They both rose from their chairs and turned to the door.

Daidra of family Delvon, Head of House Velan, exuded a commanding presence. Though she was of average height and slim, willowy build she seemed to stand very tall. Intelligent, sharp eyes in the colour of black opals dominated a beautiful Kyralian face. She had very fair skin and lustrous black hair with a few grey streaks that was pinned up into an elaborate headdress. Her wide mouth and high cheekbones immediately reminded of her eldest son. She moved in an unhurried, regal way. Her beautiful silk dress cascaded from her narrow waist in waves of a deep royal blue. A collar of sapphires and diamonds lay against her throat. A great signil ring adorned her ring finger. Her voice was clear and strong when she spoke in a warm soprano.

"Akkarin, welcome to my house."

Her son stepped forward and bowed. "Thank you, Daidra. I am honoured to be made welcome in this house."

His mother looked satisfied at this formal greeting. She gracefully accepted his offered hand.

Sonea sighed inwardly. They were really doing this, weren't they? Acting like strangers when they were in truth mother and son.

The High Lord led his mother to Sonea who bowed and forced herself to smile demurely.

"Daidra, this is my wife, Sonea." For the first time, their gazes met and Sonea found that she had difficulties holding it. Akkarin´s mother stepped towards her and smiled – a smile, Sonea noticed, that did not reach her eyes.

"Sonea, welcome to my house."

"Thank you, Lady Daidra. I am honoured to be made welcome in this house", she repeated the formal greeting. Daidra of Delvon inclined her head her sapphire earrings sparkling in the light of the numerous candles.

With an elegant unfurling of her wrist she made them sit down again. "Please be seated. Feel free to select from these sweets and fruits. I have had them imported from Elyne. They are said to be the most savoury of their kind. I´d be delighted to hear your opinions about them. Might I offer some wine?"

Akkarin chuckled and narrowed his eyes at his mother in mock outrage. "You know I will be tempted, Daidra."

His mother laughed affectionately. "It will be a glass of Anuren Dark then?"

"You know me far too well, I think", the High Lord replied gallantly. They laughed together.

The ball of ice returned to Sonea´s stomach. She could not understand what those two were playing at. If this woman had not been his mother, Sonea would have said Akkarin flirted with her. However, he had not once touched her in an intimate gesture or addressed her by anything else than her name. Daidra on the other hand showed off how close they were, but did not acknowledge their true relationship either. That was exasperating. She would have liked to shout at them and tell them that they should stop behaving like two well-dressed idiots. That, however, was not possible, of course.

"Sonea, dear?" Daidra lifted a questioning eyebrow in a way that reminded her so much of Akkarin that she had to swallow twice before she could shake her head. "Thank you, Lady Daidra, I do not want to drink any wine. Thank you for the gracious offer."

The other woman´s gaze dropped to her belly and she gave Sonea a speculative glance that could have been called insulting had it lingered a moment longer. Akkarin´s mother smiled nonchalantly. "Of course, dear, of course. Will it be water instead?"

Without waiting for her reply Daidra swirled around and glided to another table. She poured a crystalline glass of water and handed it to Sonea with a benign smile that only just managed not to be condescending. Then she settled into the chair opposite them and sipped on her wine – she had chosen Anuren Dark, too.

"May I compliment you on your new dress, Daidra? It truly becomes you very well. You look sublime."

"Why, Akkarin, you flatter me. This is indeed a new gown I had ordered from my tailor only last week. Can you imagine that the Vindos have once again raised the price of their silks in the last few months. Greedy folk. The quality of their silk is the best and they know this quite well." She sighed and fingered the brilliantly blue waves that spread around her like a cascade of spring water. "Nothing compares to the smooth weaving of Vindo silks, wouldn´t you agree, Sonea?"

Daidra looked at her with widely opened eyes and a companionable smile. It was clear that she expected Sonea to be included in this conversation. She was about to comply and murmur something about how she understood Daidra´s annoyance when she realised that this was a trap. Her eyes locked with those of the other woman and she was sure that a hint of cold amusement showed in them. The noblewoman´s mouth twitched slightly at the corner. No doubt she was proud of how she had played the stupid slum girl, Sonea thought bitterly. However, Daidra of House Delvon was not finished.

"Sonea, dear?"

"I am sorry, Lady Daidra. I would not know of this. I have never worn Vindo silks myself."

The noblewoman´s hand flew to her mouth in feigned shock. "Oh, but forgive me, Sonea dear, how inconsiderate of me. Of course you would not have come across these in the slums, now, would you?" She looked at her son apologetically and battered her eyelashes in fake embarrassment. "Oh, Akkarin, forgive me. Here I go boring you two with womanish talk of clothes."

Akkarin held up his hand. "Not at all, Daidra, not at all."

What? Sonea very nearly blurted. Not at all? This woman has just managed to insult me and that´s all you have to say? Stop, she reprimanded herself. That is exactly what she intends. She wants you to loose your nerves in front of him. Simmering with silent fury Sonea kept on smiling and sipped on her water. Then she nibbled one of the sweets exaggerating the process of slowly devouring it in blissful peace. When she had finished she exclaimed, "Lady Daidra, you were right indeed. These sweets are delicious. How ever did you come by them? They are from Elyne you said?" There, I can make pleasant conversation, as well.

"How delightful to hear that the sweets are to your satisfaction, Sonea. Yes, I had them imported from Elyne. My family maintains strong connections with some of the merchant families there. These are from the Siriands."

"They are indeed the most talented chocolatiers in Elyne." Akkarin explained to Sonea. "I loved their chocolates. We used to visit there in summer."

Daidra chuckled. "I remember your wide-eyed astonishment when you first entered their shop. You truly were a lovely boy. All those ladies fell in love with you immediately and besieged you with sweets. He´s always been a favourite of the Ladies, you know." The Head of House Velan winked at Sonea knowingly. Sonea stiffened slightly which was not missed by her husband.

Akkarin lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. "There is only one Lady I seek to impress these days, Daidra." His dark gaze met Sonea´s and suddenly his mother seemed to cease existing – at least for a short while.

"And under the light of the stars I will find thee and hold thee, thine white hand will I claim and make you mine forever", Akkarin´s mother quoted from the work of a famous Kyralian poet, her flawless voice lending it a warm and subtle quality.

The High Lord did not move his intent gaze away from his wife´s face when he continued in a low and musical voice, "And under the light of the moon I will keep thee and praise thee, thine red lips will I claim and make you mine forever." He smiled at her and the look of sincere love in his capturing, dark eyes made her heart beat faster.

—I love you, Sonea, he sent through their linked hands.

—I love you, too, she answered truthfully. Sonea could have sworn that he was about to kiss her when Daidra of Delvon heaved a loud sigh.

"I remember how it was when my husband was still alive. He used to read poetry to me in that same deep, melodious voice that you now possess, Akkarin. You remind me of him so much."

True pain emenated from the noblewoman´s voice and Sonea found herself wondering if maybe her first impression of the Head of House Velan had been wrong. Akkarin tore his gaze away from hers and walked over to his mother. He sat down in a chair next to her and took hold of her hand. When they looked at each other the High Lord´s expression grew serious and at the same time a silent challenge could be read in the defiant set of his mouth.

"I miss him, too, Mother."

Daidra stiffened visibly at this intimate address, but she did not withdraw her hand. Silently mother and son regarded each other. For an unbearable long time they remained locked in this quiet struggle. Sonea watched fascinated. Now that her husband and his mother sat facing each other, the similarity between them was unmistakable. The same elegant hands, the same expressive eyebrows, the same dark eyes and generous mouths, the same fair and smooth skin, the same unwavering stares. They looked like two exquisite marble statues condemned to eternal fighting. Then again, she sensed that both Delvons craved for each other´s understanding and acceptance. In spite of their foolish formal behaviour, Sonea recognised true affection in their desperate game.

She came to a decision. She might not like Daidra, but she would try to regain the woman´s approval for Akkarin´s sake.

Finally Daidra smiled thinly and withdrew her hand. "Akkarin, I think we have urgent matters to discuss. Sonea, my dear, I would not want to bore or distress you with politics. Akkarin, would you please go down and inform the driver that the Lady will leave. You may use my carriage later."

The dismissal in her words could not have been more explicit. Akkarin´s expression turned to one of alarmed caution and he hesitatingly got up. When he made to move towards her, Sonea smiled at him shortly then turned to the noblewoman.

"I thank you, my Lady, for your kind and generous hospitality. If I might be excused?" She rose from her chair and stepped towards her husband.

"Of course, my dear, but, please, be welcome to wait here until the carriage has arrived. The parlour is much less comfortable, would you not agree?"

A sinking feeling in her stomach Sonea nodded smiling politely and stepped back from Akkarin´s side, the distance between them acutely tangible. Daidra raised a stern eyebrow. "Well, Akkarin, will you let your wife wait any longer?"

The black-robed man bowed to them both. "Of course not. Sonea, I will fetch you when the carriage has arrived."

"Thank you, Akkarin." Sonea smile faltered a bit when the High Lord turned and strode out of the room. When she turned around again, she found that his mother was staring at her with unconcealed hatred.

"How far along are you?" Daidra of Delvon asked.

"Excuse me, my Lady?"

"Answer my question, girl." So, no pretending anymore? Fine.

"I don´t have the slightest idea what you are talking about, my Lady." Sonea emphasised the title just a little bit mockingly.

Daidra swept over and slapped her in the face. She was surprisingly strong for a woman. "Don´t you dare be cheeky with me, slum girl. Now answer my question."

Sonea was completely dumbstruck. She had not expected that. In spite of the raging urge to snap back and teach this dreadful woman a lesson, she forced herself to remain polite. She would not give Daidra the satisfaction of disgracing herself in front of her. That would be perfect for the noblewoman, telling all her noble, arrogant, gossipy friends how the dirty slum dweller had lost her countenance.

"I am not with child, Daidra." she said simply.

The other woman´s eyes narrowed. She assessed Sonea speculatively then nodded. "I see. Good, that will make it easier to annulate this ridiculous marriage."

Sonea tensed. "Annulate the marriage?" she gasped. The Head of House Velan spun around and stared at her with such revulsion and hatred that she involuntarily took a step back. Then she reminded herself that she was a very strong magician and that she was married to one of the most powerful men in the country. She straightened and tilted her head so that her gaze was level with that of her mother-in-law.

"I will not leave him, Daidra, and I will not give my assent to an annulment of our marriage." And then she added in a strong and emotional voice. "I love him."

"I expected you to, my dear. Akkarin never had much difficulty to inspire this feeling in womens´ hearts. Did you think you were the first to confess your love for him to me?" Akkarin´s mother snorted disgustedly. "No matter, your feelings are of no consequence to me. I am the Head of my House and family and my sole concern is the welfare of the members of this family. You are an irksome inconvenience, but this will be settled as everything else."

Sonea smiled at the other woman. "We´ll see, my Lady."

Daidra fixed her with a strange expression on her face. "I have to confess you are cleverer than I would have expected and somehow you really seem to have gotten my son besotted with you. Congratulations." Her tone was very cold.

"Thank you, Daidra", Sonea replied in the same icy tone. Both women stared at each other. The High Lord´s mother was the first to break the silence.

"I expect that my son has told you about the importance of my –eh – continued courtesy towards him?"

"Yes, he has. Also, I think he truly loves you, my Lady."

Surprise at this admission flitted across Daidra´s features before her arrogant mask settled over them again. She mockingly inclined her head and accepted Sonea´s gesture.

"Indeed, he does. So, if you want your husband to stay in my favour I suggest that you comply with what I tell you now."

Sonea simply nodded.

"I will have to think about how to deal with you, girl. In the meantime you will make certain that you won´t get pregnant, understood? I know that there are ways magicians can prevent it." She looked disgusted once again, certainly at the thought that her beloved son bedded a dirty slum dweller like herself, Sonea thought grimly.

"You will be expected to visit me regularly from now on, so that I might give you new instructions. Should you consider telling my son about this, I advise you to reassess. You might be ignorant to politics, but he is not. Ask him how important my favour is, if you doubt that my threat carries any weight." Daidra of House Delvon laughed mirthlessly. She stepped very close and roughly pulled up Sonea´s face to hers so that her dark, merciless eyes bored into the magician´s.

"I will not let you destroy my son or my family", she whispered menacingly.

Right then both women heard quick footsteps approaching. The door opened and Akkarin strode into the room. Daidra released her hold on Sonea´s chin and hugged her, a false smile playing around her lips.

"Well", she said in a sickeningly sweet voice, "as I said, I will expect to see you again on your next Freeday, my dear."

Sonea locked eyes with the other woman then bowed her head. "That is an invitation I simply cannot decline, Lady Daidra."

"Akkarin, has the carriage been readied for your wife?"

"Yes, come along, Sonea. I´ll show you to it."

Akkarin laid his arm around her shoulder and after another bow to the Head of House Velan, Sonea was finally released from her presence. She kept up appearance for her husband´s sake. Silently they descended the stairs and left through the huge doors. The High Lord offered his hand and helped her inside the carriage. He smiled quickly.

"I´ll see you at dinner, Sonea."

As soon as the door of the carriage closed she hugged herself and cried from sheer fury and frustration. How she hated his mother. That this person dared to treat her like this.

However, even then she knew that she would not tell Akkarin about what had happened until she knew that it would be safe.