So yea, very few changes in this one. I really don't have anything else to say, except: Enjoy!


6- Market

"Kiara, would you be able to see anything?"

"At the Keep? No. It's designed to deter spies and enemies. One person would be able to guard almost the whole building from one location. And besides, I don't have to try to spy into the Keep to…" I whirl around and recognize a new face at the back of the market. Eleanor Lyssia. What's she doing here? "Excuse me a moment." I walk over to her and she smiles, recognizing me.

"Good morning, Kiara."

"Good morning, Eleanor. Is there a reason why you're here?" She nods.

"Yes actually. We just got word that the group with the Tuuli Thea and Shardae is returning early. Apparently, there was a…scandalous suggestion."

"And you came all the way here to say that? I assume that you're the 'eyes' that Zane mentioned once."

"Possibly. But I'm not the only ally he has in the Avian Court. I don't know them." I nod slowly.

"Well, if the peace talks end up working out, then we won't…hold that thought." I look over, across the market, and spot someone waving. "I'll be right back, Eleanor." She nods and I hurry over. "What is it?"

"A messenger from the Mistari just arrived and wants to speak with you and Matthew, Kiara." I nod and scan the market for Matthew. He comes over once I lock eyes with him.

"What's wrong?"

"A visitor from the Mistari wants to speak with us."

"Okay. Let's go then." I nod and we go to the reception hall. A sparrow messenger. She curtsies and I can tell that she's ruffled from a long flight.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. I was sent ahead of the Serpiente group. They're returning earlier than expected. The Tuuli Thea and her group left after the first night." I nod slowly, taking charge. Considering I was raised in an environment of being considered a royal, who had to take charge in a situation if needed, I'm more equipped for this than Matthew, and he's already said that I'm in charge and he'll support me.

"Thank you. We'll be prepared for their return. Fly with grace and care on your return." The girl nods and leaves the room. There must have been something really outrageous for them to leave early.

"I wonder what happened."

"Something about a 'scandalous suggestion'. But with Nacola, there's no telling what it was. She's one of those who think that the Serpiente and Avian Peoples can't live together. Despite the fact that I'm here."

"Well, we all know here that it's possible."

"But I'm different from the other Avians. I mean, it took a lot for me to…"

"All it took was for you to show that you were willing to put aside differences and help Zane the day you came. The simple fact that you, being part of the Tuuli Thea's family—if only by name—didn't care that Zane was a Serpiente, and you didn't even care that he was a Cobriana, and help him back here instead of either killing him or leaving him for the Avian Soldiers to find and kill, was enough to get the people to trust you." I sigh and lean into Matthew.

"Let's get back to the Market. It will be a little while before they get back, and someone will let us know when they arrive." He nods and we go back to the market. I look around and realize that Eleanor is gone. She must have been risking time by waiting. Oh well.

"Looking for someone?" I shake my head.

"No. I haven't been on that side of the market yet. Do you want to walk with me?" He nods and we walk through the market.

"Kia! Are you and Matthew together?" I laugh and nod once. "Well it's about stinking time! You two have been making goo-goo eyes at each other almost since you came here!" I cover my mouth and giggle.

"I never noticed. Is this new? I like the design." The person who was speaking is a seamstress. She's actually the person I go to for most of my clothes. There actually are only two seamstresses in this court, and both of them are very good.

"Yes! I'm glad you noticed! I actually pulled it from your clothes. See? If I turn it around…" She turns the dress I was looking at around, revealing an open back. "I've gotten a lot of compliments on your clothes and I figured I'd try to work that style into something else."

"It's absolutely amazing! Oh, I was going to talk to you the other day. Shortly after Zane and the others get back from the peace talks, Charis is planning for Zane's coronation. Rumor is that he'll be choosing a mate that day too."

"Wow…and you need a dress for that? I think I can whip something up pretty quick. You want anything specific?" I step closer to her stand and nod.

"Actually, could you work something out with this design? Maybe shorten the sleeves a bit? Actually, no. I like this design just how it is."

"What color?" I touch my chin.

"I think…I love that hunter green color that Irene likes to wear."

"I actually have some of that color at home. Are you busy right now? With you and Matthew standing in for Zane and all right now."

"Actually…yes. I should get going. But I'll come by tomorrow if you need to get my measurements."

"No. You don't seem to have gotten any taller. I think your last measurements will still be good." I nod, smiling, and leave the stand. Matthew and I continue through the market, listening to people talk about what's going on and rumors flying around.


"There you are! They're back." Matthew and I smile at the two people we were talking to.

"Sorry, but we have to go."

"It's quite all right." We hurry out of the market and to the meeting room. Zane looks rather pissed, Irene looks aggravated, and Charis is just plain enraged.

"What was their suggestion?"

"That Zane takes Danica as his mate!" I almost laugh at that. Matthew just bursts into uncontrollable peals of laughter. I sigh and hit him on the head.

"That's not really so bad. I mean, seriously. How bad could it be?"

"We didn't get a chance to discuss it with them further. Because Nacola pulled her group out before we could meet again. So there was no point in us staying." Well, that's what Zane's mad about. Irene and Charis are pissed about the suggestion, it seems.

"You three look tired. And it's late. You should go rest and then we'll talk and figure out something in the morning?" I end it as a question, but they all nod, treating it as a statement. Charis and Irene leave, as well as Adelina and Galen. Zane hangs back, watching and listening to make sure they're gone. "What, Zane?"

"I actually like the idea."

"We know." The three of us walk to the table and sit down.

"So? What exactly happened?"

"She's even more beautiful awake. I was actually shocked. And then when they suggested that I take her as my mate, it took me by surprise. You two would have laughed at how loud Adelina and the one guard that was with them protested."

"Really dark brown hair, black eyes? A guy about Matthew's height?" He nods. "Andreios. He's the commander of the Royal Flight. And the one most likely for Danica to name as her Alistair when she becomes Tuuli Thea. Naturally he would be one of the loudest protesters. What did you say about it?"

"Would you believe? I actually said that I thought it was an absurd idea." I laugh at that.

"Well, it is an absurd idea." Zane stares at me. "Under normal circumstances, there would be absolutely no possible way for something like that to work out. With the two people being so different, not only in personality, but also in lifestyles."

"What are you getting at, Kia?" I sigh.

"I'm saying that there is more to Dani than what is seen on the outside, in a public setting. There are only two people, currently, who know her beyond the avian reserve that hides them from everything and everyone. Myself and Andreios. And I can tell you that she is very compassionate, and loves her people as much as you do. And she would probably slit her own throat if it meant ending the war. And she is strong. She knows that she would be putting herself in direct danger, but as I said, she'd probably slit her own throat if that would end the war."

"Are you positive?" I nod once.

"I have a suggestion. They should already be back at the Keep by now. Tomorrow night, go and talk to Dani. If you wake her up, you'll see a little of her unreserved side."

"How do you…?"

"You know where her room is, and how to get there. If need be, I can fly you there tomorrow night."

"I've only told Matthew about that. How do you know?" I laugh.

"I overheard you telling Matthew. You were so shocked by her beauty, as I recall, you were nearly yelling your surprise and rage when you were confiding in him."

"You're horrible." I stand up and start for the door.

"Well, I don't know about either of you guys, but I personally have had quite a long day. I think I like being a dancer better than standing in for you, Zane." I wink and leave the room. It doesn't take long for Matthew to follow me and we head to the Nest.


AN: R&R and keep reading

Disclaimer: Not mine...only my characters TT