A quiet knock finally broke the silence that'd reigned for the last several minutes in Kyra's suite. Kyra was rather surprised when—before she could rise to answer it—Zane stood to open the door. Danica appeared equally shocked since her mouth formed a small "o" before smoothing out once more. The fact that Eleanor was standing behind her looking vaguely amused didn't escape Kyra.
"I'm Danica. Sorry I didn't get the chance to meet you sooner but Mother . . ."
"I understand," he replied softly as he followed her into the room. "I'm sure you're aware that I'm Zane."
"What did you need to speak to us about, Dani?" Kyra asked, gesturing for the two newcomers to sit on the couch opposite her and Zane.
"Just ironing out some logistics for the ceremony. First, Rei is going to officiate your bonding and then my swearing in. After that is said and done, I'll say something—I'll figure out what, exactly, as I say it probably—to lift the ban on you taking off that circlet or shifting. I assume that you'll want to say something after that?"
Kyra nodded. "Absolutely. The people need to know that we are serious about this peace and about the way our mother has been treating one of her own daughters."
"I agree completely. Okay, do you two have any idea what you want to wear since we haven't had the chance to discuss this with all that has been going on?" Eleanor said quickly, wanting to try her hand at dressing the . . . unique . . . couple.
"Don't you need to measure Zane?" Danica asked.
"I've known Eleanor for years, Danica. I'm sure it won't surprise you, but we've had spies in your ranks for years just like you've done to us. Eleanor would never have gone against you, but when I brought up the idea of peace, she agreed to help." Zane explained. "She was actually the genius behind a few parts of my wardrobe."
That earned a head shake of exasperation from Kyra. She really should have guessed that he would have an in with Eleanor. "Whatever, why I didn't expect that, I don't know, but no matter. Eleanor, we're going to be switching our people's usual styles. Anything else is up to you past that."
Eleanor squeaked happily, clapping her hands excitedly as she bounced up and down. "That's awesome! Kyra, you have no idea how long I've wanted to dress you in Serpiente attire. It fits you so much better than what we've got around here. I'll be back in a bit!"
No one had time to say anything to her as she bolted out the door in her rush of enthusiasm.
Zane laughed quietly. "That girl is one interesting character."
Author's note: Yeah, sorry it's taken so long to get this out, guys. It's been a bitch of a semester, and I've had no motivation to work on this. Plus, my lovely co-author and I have picked back up working on our actual book, so yeah . . . Sorry this is so short, I'll try to get some more up soon I promise.