Disclaimers:As stated in Chapter 1.
Author's Notes:In which the High Sevalle removes the cause of the Lady Holder's *great* discomfort...
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"Really, Crimson, I'm quite aware the Lady Ravella is considered a tasty morsel, but surely you needn't look like you'd enjoy eating her whole and entire." Scarface sketched a low bow before Lady Ravella, his cinnamon eyes glinting with amusement. "What on earth could she have said, to put that thundercloud in your face?"
Up in the branches, Shavra blinked and bit down a nervous giggle. Though still trapped above the little group, her heart sang upon Scarface Vy Low's appearance, and the feeling that all would indeed be well coursed through her blood. For indeed, though the 57th sevalle could tease Shavra to distraction on everything from her manners to her devotion to Dias Ragu, Scarface was as much her champion as the Black Wing.
To her credit, Lady Ravella recovered quickly, her lovely dark eyes flashing in response to Scarface's light words. "I was merely teasing my Lord Crimson about certain rumors connecting him with the Lady Holder of Fort Ly'valle."
//What a mercy it is that Faulstis is not here to see that look on Ravella's face,// was the instant bespoken comment of Shavra to the tree which continued to shelter her presence with its verdant foliage, //Else even my lord sevalles would be hard put to avert bloodshed. How *could* she, and my lord Scarface betrothed!//
Crimson replied, "I then felt it wise to caution the Lady Ravella on the wisdom choosing her sources of information at Court with extreme care."
"You must forgive his manners, m'lady. Our 56th sevalle is the keeper of all things proper in Kuruda." Scarface's voice was silky-smooth, considering that he had come upon the pair just as Crimson was delivering his cautionary words in the voice of smoky velvet that normally presaged a throw from one of his daggers. "Having known the Lady Holder of Fort Ly'valle since she was a babe in her mother's arms, she is a particularly tender spot in his armor of righteousness."
"Very well, my Lord Scarface," purred Lady Ravella sweetly, "I will indeed do as you say."
//One can only hope that you will take Kai-sama's advice to heart as well, and cease from idle gossip/
Lady Ravella continued to eye Scarface in that manner which gave him cause to be grateful that he was pledged both in word and truth to Faulstis of Juliannes. Again the young woman purred, "I am truly fortunate, to be in the company of two such distinguished gentlemen."
//Fortunate you are indeed. What a pity I cannot say the same of the "distinguished gentlemen".// As if in reply, a determined little breeze gusted through the leaves of the tree, and the resulting rustling of the leaves covered Shavra's soft snort of utter disdain.
Scarface chuckled dryly, his cinnamon eyes meeting the cobalt gaze of Crimson.
"Alas, my dear Lady Ravella, I regret that neither Crimson or I can bear you company for much longer," he drawled. Indicating the palace with a nod of his head, his next sentence was directed to the 56th sevalle.
"The King requires our presence at the soonest possible time, Crimson. New dispatches have come in from Suluothan and His Majesty is anxious to discuss them with us."
Crimson gave Scarface a considering look, which the High Sevalle returned steadily. Shavra's heart thumped as she saw the younger man square his shoulders imperceptibly, and remembered how it was that the High Sevalle had come about his fighting name. After a long moment, Crimson grunted softly and extended his hand to Lady Ravella.
"My dear Lady Ravella, it would seem that our little interlude must come to an end. Will you be returning to the palace with us, Scarface?"
"His Majesty suggested that I give you sufficient time to escort the Lady Ravella back to her rooms, Kai," murmured Scarface, as Lady Ravella rose gracefully from the swing and slipped her arm through Crimson's. "I am quite sure you will not need my presence for that. I also assured His Majesty that we would present ourselves at his private study within the span of half an hour."
Crimson leveled another considering look at Scarface, and shrugged. The High Sevalle's face was, when he wanted it to be, totally unreadable. On this occasion, however, despite the blandness of his expression, Scarface somehow managed to project the air of a cat who had found a bowl of cream on the kitchen floor. Still, there would be ample time later to get to the bottom of the mystery.
"In half an hour then," agreed Crimson, and Scarface nodded, his cinnamon eyes carefully watching the handsome pair proceed down the pathway back to the palace. Once ascertaining that they were well and truly gone, Scarface moved back to the tree and looked upwards - straight into Shavra's wide-eyed amethyst gaze.
end part six