Hi guys! Chapters will be slower now that I'm back at university, so no idea when the next one will happen!
Hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think!
"Today's the day!" said Malea to herself in the mirror. "Today they will announce me as the Lismoth heir and I will establish a new alliance between my clan and theirs... while also accepting that I will have to kiss my old life goodbye! I can do this!"
More like she had to do this. It was her duty as a Hillax heir.
Her heir attire felt foreign and stiff next to her skin. Only ever brought out for the conferences and in person events. Soon the gray fabric will change from grey to light purple, and the Hillax fish symbol will transform into the Lismoth raindrop. It will be an awkward change - but worth it. Though it will take a while to get used too.
With a spring in her step, Malea made her way downstairs. A loving female voice fussing over her brother, warming her ears from the dining room.
"You need to look sharp!" said her mother while tightening her brother's collar. "It will affect how the other clans view your sister if we aren't dressed properly. Everything needs to be in order!"
"Mum! We haven't even had breakfast yet!" he yelped, trying to get away. Though Malea knew he loved the attention.
She stared at the scene while at the kitchen entrance. It had been three years since she last saw her mother before she came home yesterday, and now she just walked back into their lives. It was as if she had never left. Her dark fur was now a part of the furniture, just like the day she was forced to leave.
Her father walked over and placed an affectionate hand on her mother's back. "Let the boy eat, Paloma. Our Trica will get him ready in time."
"Fine," grumbled her mother, leaning into his touch. "But after this conference, I am strictly avoiding the city. I don't want to look at the Stanton compound for as long as I can help it... and I swear I'll throw you into the sea if I so much as hear someone hammering a nail into a wall."
Her father laughed, kissing her cheek and letting their tails curling around each other. "Alright, love."
Trying not to spoil the moment, Malea sneaked forward to the breakfast table. Taking her prospective seat as her parents made gaga eyes at each other and her brother choked on air. She sat into the cushion of her seat. This was... nice.
"It's good to see you up, dear. Did you sleep well?" said her mother, turning to face her with a frown. Malea's silent steps pointless. "You used to be a rattle of nerves before big events. Is it still a problem?"
"Of course," said her father. "She has just has gotten better at keeping a brave face."
Malea let out a nervous chuckle under the concerned gaze of her parents. No point in hiding anything from them.
She gave a nervous stretch and shrugged. "You know I'll behave during the conference and break down afterwards. Better than my tears making the news, right?"
Her mother frowned and walked over to fuss over Malea's uniform collar. "Don't push yourself too far, sweetheart. No one needs that kind of stress. Especially at your age! Heir or not!"
"Yes, mum..." grumbled Malea, moving her neck so she could breathe against her mother's antics. "I'll keep you all informed about my stress levels... if I can.."
"You will! I want you sleeping at least eight hours a night - every night. Lord Lismoth can talk to me if he wants you to do otherwise. I don't care if you are his leading heir. Your mental and physical health comes first. Screw the clans if they want otherwise!"
Her father laughed. "Good to see you have changed little in that regard."
"After what they did to us... I couldn't give a shit what either side wants. My children won't suffer for their petty rules and disagreements."
"Of course, dear," said her father, shaking his head with a smile.
There was a tapping at the table as her brother drummed his fingers against the wood.
"So... when are we eating?" he grumbled. "Or are we eating on the go like last month? I don't care so long as we avoid that weird burger joint on the border. That grease is still stuck on my tongue and I swear it made me gain 3kg in one day!"
A knock at the kitchen entrance answered his question. "Time for us to leave or you'll be late! You need time to mingle before the conference!" said Traca. Her eyes gazing over her glasses with a haze of disappointment. Malea noted that her bun was up higher today. Guess this conference affected everyone differently.
"Well, you heard the lady! Time to head out," said her father.
The heaviness returned to Malea's breathing. In less than three hours, the entire Lombax population will hear the announcement - where it will then make rounds on the holonet and be mentioned during tomorrow's news updates. She smiled, standing an inch taller, and prepared to keep appearances before following her family to the conference vehicle outside their home.
It was the most uncomfortable ride of her life, and it wasn't related to the greasy breakfast they had on the way.
...
The tall conference tower teased them in the morning glare as they made their way through its front doors. The simple, yet professional, layout of the entrance hall inviting them to leave their relaxed demeanors at home and to put on the face of the Hillax clan. They walked forward to the elevator, prepared to go up to the top towards the largest of the conference rooms. Only used when the leaders of all seventy-eight clans were present.
Malea stashed herself in the back corner, her brother on the other side and her father in the middle, as was the 'proper' entrance protocol. Making their father the center of attention as they made their way into the hall - as if the other clans would look their way to begin with.
She clutched her fingers close together. They'll be looking at them after today's announcement...
The elevator music began, humming like lifeless tinkering as the doors slid closed and they moved upwards. She gave one last gaze towards her brother, who was stretching out the nerves in his shoulders, before facing dead ahead. Straightening her back and pulling her head high. Trying to look the part of a Lismoth heir - even when so few were aware of the news.
As the doors opened, the music stopped and there was a moment of stillness in the seconds before her father's first step out of the elevator. They followed, leaving the last area of safety. The jungle of politics, social obligations, and petty upheavals lay before them.
Most of the head families had already arrived, just as their mother predicted, and were standing around in small groups - dictated by their alliances and trade deals. Each in the professional uniforms of their clans and sipping on the expensive champagne on offer. Malea noted the heirs behind their leaders, her current peers, and either future enemies or allies. Wholly dependent on the outcome of these monthly meetings.
There was a tightness between them all, and as Malea glanced around, she could see why - the Forrestier and Azalea clans had yet to arrive. Unusual, but also not surprising given the circumstances. Lear and Aquila probably had a lecture about conference protocol, and were waiting until the last minute to arrive provided less conference time for them to potentially muck up.
In the meantime, Malea and her brother could only grit their teeth, hidden behind perfectly manicured smiles and body language.
They stayed close to their father during his small talk rounds with the other leaders. Keeping silent as protocol usually dictated for heirs present at conferences. All just to buy time until the call sounded and the verbal battles began.
Last month, the focus was on the borderland dimensional anomalies and the resulting accusations. This month, it will most likely be heir announcements - with at least three planned. Perhaps even the Ventore's will be targeted - considering the clusterfuck embarrassment Humali's marriage alliance was to the smaller clans. There will be pressure on her to pick a side - whether that would happen this month... depended on how desperate the smaller clans were to gain the Ventore resources.
She looked around. Making note of her classmates scattered around the room, standing tense behind their parents and the handful of leading heirs acting relaxed in comparison. Her eyes contacted Calaris, who stood behind her father with a bored scowl as he talked to Lord Olividge. She blinked in Malea's direction and made a gesture to Lady Hexaton talking up Lord Ventore - the latter of which found the floor more interesting than whatever she was talking about. That's when Malea noticed what she was getting at.
Where was Humali?
A flurry of white sped to the older the Ventore Lombax - ears tinged pink and wearing an ear to ear smile. Her father finally looked up to pat her head, then diverted his attention back to Lady Hexaton, though his eyes didn't appear focused at all. Calaris narrowed her eyes in their direction. Having figured something out as she usually did.
Malea took in another breath. Today wasn't just a big day for her and the Hillax clan. The Forrestier and Azalea clans had massive announcements, and the smaller clans will vie to control the situation to the best of their ability. Not that they would get very far.
A chuckle of laughter brought her back to the conversation her father was having with old Lord Stanton and his son and heir, Lorvas, who stood tall and muscular behind him. As were most members of the construction clan.
"You would think Lord Forrestier would already be here showing off the lad. I'm surprised he's cutting it so close to time," said Lord Stanton pouting "Shame. I'm curious about how the old dimension is going. I used to be involved in building the Metropolis city halls and skyscrapers. Well, I suppose there is always a next time for these things... I'm also curious if Miss Aquila is handling the room temperature systems alright. Sargasso was humid on the best of days, so hopefully her skin isn't drying out with our air conditioning. "
"I was hoping to ask if they were considering attending the Lombax Academy," said Lorvas, his eyes alight with curiosity. "Would love to listen to a local speak Polarian. I'm also really curious about the different building designs between planets and racese. Hopefully, neither of them won't mind me asking."
"You won't know unless you try! Though I'm sure they'll appreciate any sort of friendly conversation," said her father with a chuckle. "They may even sign up for some sporting teams."
"Maybe I could get them interested in Farrow Ball," said Lorvas with an eager nod. "Hopefully it is exciting enough for them."
Lord Stanton laughed, patting his son on the back. "Let's see how it goes! Even I get nervous watching you play that darn sport! It will be a nightmare for their captains on game days..."
A small twinge of resentment curled up in Malea's chest as she listened. Of course, those two will attend the Lombax Academy to interact with peers and become enveloped in the culture of the leading clans. Keeping them separate was the best means to ensure that resources remained out of the smaller clan's reach for another generation.
And she won't deny it. Listening to the Stanton heir talk about playing Farrow Ball at the Academy while the HTA barely allowed the students to pick their own classes... It sucked. She had always wondered if it was a stress-free paradise beyond those walls.
She let out a quiet sigh. Such was the way of the world until they could change this dratted system. However many generations that took.
Just as Lorvas was about to add something, the first moment everyone was waiting for happened. Causing him to pause and glance up towards the entrance.
A small army of blue and orange guards marched forward from the entrance, followed by a a group of ten completely black guards. They took their posts around the room, moving past the other Lombaxes as if they weren't even there. Malea gritted her teeth along with all the other smaller clan heirs - she knew it was like this every conference, but the display of power still got under her skin.
Behind them - the big reveal. Lord Forrestier strolled in, chatting to his son, who was on his right side with their respective captains flanking them. All eyes turned to Lear. Wearing the crisp Forrestier heir uniform and chatting happily to his grumpy father. Not once looking away to glance at the other Lombaxes staring at him. He seemed stronger up close than he did on video. Defined muscular features made up the bulk of his figure - despite the cover from his uniform - and he stood taller, filled with a confidence that stressed his attractive features. Malea wondered if the guy was aware of how eye-catching his features were - or if he had any sense regarding Lombax attraction at all. Considering how oblivious he was to the staring, she doubted it.
He chuckled at something his father said, earning him an affectionate head rub from the older man. Lord Dexivier waved from the Dexivier corner and got up to join the conversation, shaking his head with a grin- which only caused Lear's chuckle to transform into a full-blown laugh.
Malea felt her hair stand on end at the sight. Only a leading heir would be comfortable enough to act like that during a full-blown clan conference. In front of every other leader. As if anyone would challenge his behavior in front of Lord Forrestier. Especially while he was fucking laughing. She clenched her fist.
Around her, she could feel the tension from the smaller clan heirs. It was clear Lear was getting on well with his new family - and that was problematic on multiple levels. More annoying still - unlike his father, Lear actually seemed somewhat friendly. Occasionally making gestures to various clan corners, as if he were asking questions, then laughing at whatever his grandfather said about them. He seemed approachable. Which meant the public was going to adore him once he had his interview...
Then another group of guards strutted in - this time all females decorated in the green and yellow Azalea armor. Behind them, Lady Azalea entered alongside her daughter - also speaking with her daughter. The ash-coloured Aquila was speaking back with a mischievous gleam in her blue eyes. She stretched her arms out - completely relaxed despite the event- causing all eyes to focus on the yellow prosthetic arm, which moved like normal flesh and blood. It's incredible engineering design very apparent up close. She glanced around the room, catching Lear's eye, and the two of them scrunched up their faces in good humor. Yep, definitely a sibling like bond. Perhaps that arm was made with Forrestier tech.
"Glad they're in good spirits," muttered her father. "They have had a eventful month. Hopefully, they'll be just as happy afterwards... They'll probably be targeted by everyone at this conference. Poor kids..."
Malea nodded. Unsure what to say in response. Beside her, her brother was attempting to keep a straight face, though his tense shoulders hinted a his true feelings regarding the heirs.
A sound rang out above them, causing everyone to halt their conversation. It was time to start the conference.
They all made their way to their clans respective sections around the table. Her brother taking the spot directly behind her father while Malea took a step back. Lord Lismoth was only a few seats away, as per usual, but it felt like a mile during this conference.
Malea raised an eyebrow when Lord Ventore went to his assigned seat - next to the Forrestier corner. Quite the substantial change from last month. Humali and Lear made a breath moment of eye contact before standing behind their fathers and staring straight ahead like the rest of the heirs.
Each leader settled into their seats, and after a moment of quiet, another call sounded. 'Let the conference begin."
The silence remained as the leaders eyed each other all over the room. Some gazes more friendly than others.
"Well..." began Lord Lismoth - his age offering the most immunity to the tension, he hunched over the table. "It has been a busy month."
"That's an understatement..." grumbled Lord Azimuth, sending a glare towards the smaller clan leaders. "The size of my paper work pile has doubled. Wonder why? Street crime has been at an all-time low."
"It's been fantastic on our end. Met quotas... designed a few new ships... lots of family time... Literally has nothing to complain about," said Lord Dexivier. He leaned forward and winked in Lear's direction.
"Same on our end," said Lord Forrestier. "Quotas met... new designs submitted for various industries... even found a new ore vein on the northern front. It's been a decent month on the production side of things."
"Indeed," nodded Lord Stanton. "All the clan reports look good this month. Definitely an improvement from this time last year."
Malea's stomach churned as they spoke. The productivity is no doubt related to increased morale.
"All the leading clans, you mean," said Lord Olividge, his body stiffening. "Can't say the same about ourselves. We can only produce with what we are given, and unfortunately that has led to another month where over half the smaller clans could not meet their designated quotas."
"It is unfortunate. Considering how much you are producing yourselves..." muttered Lady Hexaton. Her eyes made aim at Lord Forrestier. "It would be easier if we had more resources so we could match production."
"Shame I can't trust you with such resources..." muttered Lord Forrestier, leaning back in his seat with his expression going steely. "Almost fifteen attempted attacks in two weeks. Handing you resources would be the equivalent of putting a target on my son's head. At least, until I can trust that the metals we mine will not be used against him."
"I agree. I wonder which clans have caused an increase in my clan's workload. It's limited our ability to react to emergency calls," said Lord Azimuth, who stared back at the smaller clan leaders, daring them to speak. "Each attack requires an investigation - and I can't even get mad at the new kids. They have done nothing to warrant the attacks, unlike what usually happens with the heirs - where attacks follow a stupid or humiliating decision. Giving me way too many headaches..."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Lord Polivier, his head barely over the table. "Hopefully, the new heirs are not too traumatised by the experience."
All eyes glanced between the two heirs, neither reacting to the statement. Lear stretching out his neck, and Aquila shifted her feet with a bored expression.
"Well, let's just say that until the attacks stop we won't be helping much until the assassinations stop. I don't want to be supporting any clan who wishes to harm my Aquila," said Lady Azalea, shaking her head towards the smaller clans. "I only got to hold her a month ago. You think we'll risk losing her again so soon? You need a reality check."
"What about our responsibilities to the Lombaxes as a whole, not just the heirs? Each of us must meet our monthly exports for the sake of the public... and, of course, our social duties influence the entire dimension," said Lady Hexaton, her voice softening at the last statement.
"What are you on about now?" grumbled Lord Azimuth. He was leaning on his wrist as if it was already time to pack up and leave.
"I'm talking about our responsibilities. In particular, yours, Lord Ventore. For the sake of all the clans..." said Lady Hexaton, narrowing her gaze as she targeted the Ventore corner and ignored Lord Azimuth. "Are you certain you and your clan have met all your social obligations? I'm pretty sure there is one is particular you need to sort out. Almost half the dimension is on the edge of their seats to hear the outcome."
"All the Ventore clinics were open 24/7 and have not been affected at all this past month," said Lord Ventore, pushing his glasses up his nose as he checked over another report. "So I don't know what responsibilities you are talking about? Emergency room wait time is even down 15% - a record for this time of year. Three medical devices and two new drugs are also now in the final stage of clinical trials. I believe we are more than fulfilling the duties of our clan. Unless you expect me to burnout my clansmen, that is."
Lord Polivier stared dangerously at Humali, who sweated behind her father and now stared at the walls instead of the leaders. "And what of your daughter's responsibilities? She failed miserably at the last I checked. Didn't even make it through a week before her stage one partner felt the need to pull her in line. Shame... They were well suited to each other."
Next to Humali, in the Forrestier corner, Lear squared his shoulders - though his expression remained neutral. Malea noticed Calaris raising an eyebrow at the movement, but said nothing.
"Last I checked..." interjected Lord Azimuth, leaning on his arm and staring into the table, bored. "Mr. Tarvi shouldn't have been 'pulling her in line' to begin with. In fact he's lucky he didn't land a hit, otherwise he wouldn't be an heir anymore. Leave the legal shit to my clan, Polivier, and reflect on your choice of a potential groom for the girl. They weren't 'well-suited' at all. In fact, I'm curious how they even became a match. Apparently, they never spent much time together at the HTA nor do their interests line up - heck, even their personality tests came back with negative compatibility! What were you all thinking?"
"Oh, we have reflected," said Lady Hexaton, ignoring the latter part of his comment, causing Lord Azimuth to narrow his eyes. "So we found a more suitable match. I offer up my son, Orion. I believe his engineering interests and high intelligence would be more suited to Miss Humali. What say you, Lord Ventore?"
Orion Hexaton stood a little taller behind his mother - though he appeared uncomfortable. Malea felt her stomach shrink as she stared at him. His gaze flicking ever so slightly towards Calaris and not the Ventore heir. Almost in shame.
Lord Ventore kept his head down while continuing through the reports. Not even glancing up at the Hexaton corner. "I say that you need to ask my daughter. It's her life, Lady Hexaton. After what happened last time, I no longer trust my judgement on the matter. I would rather she have a love match like I did, but if she thinks differently, then so be it."
Lady Hexaton turned her head to the side. "Obviously. Either she accepts her fate and chooses an appropriate candidate - or your clan dissolves after your term, Lord Ventore. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to save those who rely on you! Please consider it wisely."
"Humali..." said Lord Ventore, putting down the reports to turn and stare at his daughter with a stern expression. "Do you agree to this? It's your future at stake. I won't force you..."
She stared low for a second before glancing across to Lord Forrestier - or rather, to the attractive heir behind him.
Lear offered her a soft smile, then nodded. Catching the attention of the leaders who could see him. Lord Dexivier made a calculated grin - a reaction that caused Lord Forrestier, who couldn't see his son behind him, to smile as well.
The contents of Malea's greasy breakfast threatened to make an appearance as she released what was going to happen. Oh, shit...
Humali's head rose, more confident as she stared straight at the smaller clan leaders, her usually soft and intelligent eyes transforming into something as equally vicious as a deathworm glare. "I'm afraid I have my sights set on another eligible candidate, and therefore will not be considering others at this point in time. Also... the choice of my potential marriage candidates does not belong to the council. It belongs to me. Do not force my hand again. I am not a pawn in your schemes."
Next to her, Lear beamed, his smile growing wider. The guy wasn't even trying to hide his influence.
Lady Hexaton rested back into her seat. Her expression is the definition of insulted. "I see... and who is this... 'eligible' candidate? We are privy to that information. Heir marriages can affect how the economy functions between our clans, after all. "
Humali's ears tainted pink, and she glanced over at Lear. Malea could hear a quiet snicker from the Azalea corner, wondering how many other clansmen actually knew about the romantic plot besides the Leaders involved in Humali's marriage arrangements. She glanced around and frowned, judging by the confused expressions across the room, especially amongst her fellow heirs - most of them must have been dumber than Tarvi.
"There isn't anyone is there..." said Lady Hexaton. Twisting her fingers in the air before clenching her fist and resting it on the table. "Just a ploy to buy time, correct? A veiled attempt to maintain your freedom so you can work on those useless projects of yours..."
"Actually, that 'eligible candidate' would be me, Lady Hexaton," said Lear with a smile, causing all the Leaders to jump at his sudden input. Out loud his voice held a clear, but authoritative, accent which Malea couldn't place. "Miss Humali is trying to keep me out of trouble. Apparently, I need to be announced to the council before we can make it official... or some other weird rule you lot have here. Quite pointless and inconvenient - but it is what it is. Also, for the record, her projects are far from useless. Which you are aware of, considering you have bought several of them in the past."
Movement fluttered from behind the leaders. All the heirs shifting at his accusatory tone. Lady Hexaton narrowed her eyes in his direction, but didn't speak back. Confirming his words and daring not to try to embarrass Humali further.
Malea found her mouth hanging open - never had she witnessed an heir call out a leader's bullshit and get away with it. Surely it wouldn't go ignored. Though by the smirk on Lord Forrestier's face, it just might. She gritted her teeth. Confidence came with power. Of course nothing would happen - and it seemed Lord Forrestier was encouraging Lear to throw his weight around. No one would dare counter the Forrestier heir.
"You haven't even been here a month!" started Lord Polivier, his wiry hands flayed in the air towards the Forrestier corner. "And you're already on the marriage market? Are you stating that your relationship is official?"
"Most definitely!" said Lear, sharing a grin with Humali. Her pale ears turned an even darker shade of pink as she frantically nodded. Confirming his words.
A sway of movement flurried across the table, some stiff with nerves and others relaxing into their seats. Most notably tighter in the corners, featuring smaller clans.
"Who coerced you? Your father? Grandfather?" yelled out Lord Cortex, his shoulders tense. "Mr. Lear, you can not have us believe you pursued a marriage alliance of your own accord after less than a month. You barely know the girl! And the alliance offers nothing to your clan."
The smaller clan leaders voiced in agreement, their glares stating all the accusatory thoughts rifling through their heads. Lord Polivier was now standing on his seat, almost ready to leap across the table to strangle him, although, arguably, it only made him seem as if he were the same height as the rest of the leaders.
Lear simply shook his head, as if oblivious to the hostility. "No one coerced me. I pursued Miss Humali myself. If anything, we were asked to slow down. Unfortunately, that's not something I've ever been capable of... And of course the union offers 'something'. Injuries are common in the mines and it would help to set up a move advanced medical centre for workers - and the Ventore's get extra resources for their research." He shrugged his shoulders, not even mildly guilty.
"It's true," muttered Lord Dexivier on the other side of the table. "How he romanced her, we'll never know, but they've practically been at Stage 1 since Lear's first week here. Took her out on the town and everything... I'm sure Mr. Tarvi remembers it fondly." he looked over at Tarvi, standing behind Lord Polivier. The guy somehow shrinking even smaller at the attention. "How's your wrist? I hope it's healed up..."
Lord Polivier stood up, eyes bulging out of his head. "That was your boy? How dare he touch my son!"
"How dare he attempt to harm Miss Humali," said Lord Dexivier with a shrug. Mimicking his grandson's cool attitude. "What can I say? Men protect women where Lear is from and old habits die hard. He still gets grumpy when other people do his laundry, so it's not as if we're going to making progress on social fronts any time soon."
"And where are you from, exactly, lad?" said Lord Lismoth. Raising an eyebrow and sounding impressed. Lord Forrestier, sitting in silence, waved a hand giving Lear permission to answer.
Lear nodded towards Lord Lismoth. "Veldin, Solana. Sir."
From across the room, Malea watched as Cal's eyes narrowed at the statment, her gaze fixated on Lord Forrestier. She must have figured another thing out, though Malea wondered if they would even have the chance to chat about it once the announcements were made.
"The Solana galaxy? You weren't brought up in Polaris?" hissed Lady Hexaton.
"Wouldn't be here if I was, Mam," said Lear with another shrug. "Tachyon runs around in Polaris... So you can connect the dots. Babies can't exactly run or fight. Fortunately, I didn't make it to Polaris until I started my military career."
"Lord Forrestier!" yelled out Lord Olividge. "What do you have to say regarding your son's behavior? Hardly becoming of a leading clan heir who hasn't even made his public debut!"
The one-eyed leader remained calm in his seat. He hadn't flinched once throughout the exchange. "Lear's a grown man. He can figure out his own love life... and I would hardly call courting a suitable girl and keeping her safe as 'unbecoming.' In all honesty, I wouldn't expect anything less. Though he could have waited a bit... as long as it is not illegal, then I support the decision."
Lady Hexaton's grew silent at his words. Behind her, Orion shifted on his feet, nervous.
With a subtle flick of her eye, Malea glanced up at Lear. The guy was cooler than a container of ice. Not looking even remotely nervous - or maybe he was just good at hiding it. Either way, it appeared he just won Humali in the current war for the Ventore resources. She glanced over at the Ventore corner and rolled her eyes - the girl was redder than crimson paint and wouldn't stop fucking smiling in Lear's direction. Tarvi now appeared smaller than ever - almost hidden behind his father's seat. Probably a good thing, given the situation.
"Lord Ventore..." started Lady Hexaton. Her gaze easing the tension radiating from the smaller clans. "Were you aware of this?"
The pale leader tidied up his papers, placed them down on the table, and tilted his head. "This is news to me. But if Humali approves of him, then so do I. My interest is the happiness and well-being of my daughter. As long as the lad ensures both, then he has my support."
Malea called bullshit. Willing to hedge her bets that he encouraged the behavior - even if subtlety. She glanced at the back of Lord Lismoth. Wondering what he thought about this whole situation and how it would affect his clan. Maybe she could ask him after the conference?
"Then let's stop all this back chatting and acknowledge the marriage step," said Lord Stanton. He smiled brightly at Lear and Humali. "Congratulations, you two. I know it will work out."
"Thank you, Lord Stanton," said Lear with a nod and a front page smile. Humali joined him, but had too much blood in her head to speak out loud.
The other leading clan corners voiced in agreement.
Lord Lismoth then looked from side to side, then shook his head. "Well, after all that drama, I believe my announcement may bore for you a lot. Though my clan is happy about it," He raised his hand towards the Hillax corner, gesturing to Malea. "I have chosen an heir from the HTA. Miss Malea Hillax. She has shown an expert knowledge of the waterways and is known among her cohort for keeping a cool head. I have spoken at length with her father, and we have decided she will move to the Lismoth facility in the coming weeks. Congratulations, my dear."
There was a brief round of applause from the HTA students in the room. Causing Malea to flush as much as the Humali. Even Lear and Aquila joined in on the clapping - though she doubted they fully understood what it meant - not that their parents seemed to care either way.
"Bought time you picked an heir," said Lord Dexivier with a wink. "Saves us the paperwork if your back gives out tomorrow."
"Blame the HTA!" grumbled Lord Lismoth. "Swimming is such a small part of the curriculum. I had to use recreational footage to find out who wouldn't drown on the job... Turned out to be a much larger task than expected. Now, my dear Malea. Please take your place behind me as per all the ceremonial nonsense. I promise I'm not as stiff as some of the other leaders in the room."
Malea took a deep breath then stepped forward, all eyes on her as she moved behind the frail old man. She looked at to her brother, giving her an encouraging nod. She'll spend time with them for another week before she moved, but now the symbolic part was done.
"Okay, now I also have to do some formal introductions..." said Lord Forrestier, gesturing to Lear. "Not that he needs to be introduced... But this is Lear and my decided heir. Obviously, he can handle himself. I'm certain he can learn the role, yadda yadda..." he waved a hand. "Though this was decided a month ago, anyway. Lady Azalea?"
"Yes, this is my Aquila," said Lady Azalea gesturing to the smirking girl behind her. "And she is my heir. I am confident in her ability to lead, blah blah blah... Let's finish this conference and get some lunch. I believe we have covered most of the relevant discussion points."
Lear and Aquila nodded enthusiastically, with the former locking eyes with Humali across the room. Probably planning to drag her along to wherever they were planning on hanging out.
"I disagree," muttered Lady Hexaton. Her fingers curling over themselves as she spoke.
"I beg your pardon," said Lady Azalea.
"You expect me to believe that a brat - who hasn't been here more than a month- secured the most vital marriage alliance of his generation? Practically dooming us smaller clans to your medical mercy? Lord Ventore, is this your response to threats to your daughter?"
Lear raised an eyebrow and stared down at the back of his father's head. Calaris stared at the reaction.
"So you admit to the threats?" said Lord Ventore. His gaze losing their careless gleam and focusing on the Lady across from him. "Well, you have yourself to blame then. My daughter has had my permission to visit the Forrestier estate because of the protection they offered her there... I mean, Mr. Lear has also been a prime target this month. So it saved man power to keep them both in the same place, safe at the heart of Forrestier territory. Mr. Lear also needed professional monitoring until we could form a medical profile - which my daughter is qualified to complete." He then shrugged. "They formed a fondness for each other in the meantime. Young love, I suppose. It was the same with me and Aurina - came completely out of left field."
"Oh, 'Young love', is it? As if our modern heirs can afford the luxury of a love match," said Lord Polivier, gripping his fingers together on the table. "Their responsibilities must come first."
"Speak for yourselves..." muttered Lord Ventore. "I think I've clarified that my daughter's happiness is my priority."
"As with myself. Lear has proven his ability to meet his 'responsibilities' at the compound. I trust his judgement on this matter," nodded Lord Forrestier. "And I want him to be happy in marriage."
There was another round of movement from behind the leaders. Only the most privileged clans could afford to say such things during these trying times.
Lady Hexaton stood up. Causing the entire room to stare at her. She stood quietly, the other small clan leaders shifted in their seats and look away- except for the Hillaxes and the Ventore's.
Her neutral expression began to morph into a toothy snarl. "Now!" she screamed, pointing at the leading clans across the room. Her finger aimed specifically at the Forrestier heir.
Without warning, Lear flicked his wrists and became covered in a foreign-looking Trillium armor and launched himself in front of Humali, who covered her face - unable to do anything else. Aquila brought out a nasty looking gun while a broad shouldered Azimuth guard ran to her side.
A loud noise - like the whirring of an engine, sounded above them and shot out a beam faster than a gunshot. Aimed at several of the heirs around the room. The guards reacted, but not fast enough, as did several members of the Praetorian guard - attempting to shield them from whatever was about to transpire.
The light, a blinding white beam, came square at Malea's head. The last thing she heard before it engulfed her senses was her father screaming her name. "MALEA!"
Around her, the warmth of the conference room faded into a humid chill, and the smell of something foul reached her nose. Her feet no longer rested on fancy carpet, and instead slushed themselves in a thin layer of mud and short weeds.
"Gah! What is this!" she shrieked, lifting her boot and attempting to shake off the mud.
There was a snuffling above her causing the ground to tremor, and she looked up. Her legs locking into place at the sight of the glowing eyes.
Staring straight down at her was a beast she had only read about in history books. Its scales were green and dark red, held up on a body which stood on large hind legs and two skinny arms. Large teeth gnashed together as it let out a resounding roar, causing Malea to forget about the mud and prepared to run.
Turns out Gunthers were larger in person...
Geez... I wonder where they all went... ;)
Next chapter is going to be fun. Ratchet and Rivet finally get to have a chat to the HTA team.
Let me know what you think!