So Be It

Chapter 5

The room had changed.

With lines in carmine and black – the colors of the Tempest family. His furniture, which used to be aimed at mortal taste, now gave way to a more refined model, the result of great works by fairy craftsmen.

Niel was not surprised, not even shaken by the beauty of the priest who came to his aid.

“I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused by Lina,” the priest muttered, his eyes covered by a black mask that symbolized his eternal vows to the god Lotus.

It was a custom that eventually became common among those who chose the clergy in that world. An eternal life of service to your God.

He knew that many chose him and understood, although he preferred death to serving someone like the Lotus God.

“Just do your job, priest,” she replied simply, handing him her wrists. Hands cold with fear touched his skin gently and Niel felt the impact of the magic flowing through the Lotus priest's veins.

His entire body shuddered.

The power of the gods of mortals seemed to heal, to attack.

Niel could feel his energy returning, his magic regenerating, but at the same time he felt his soul struggling with something, as if it were screaming internally.

“Careful priest” he growled “don't do unnecessary things”

The human's hands shook and little by little the sensation was gone.

Disgusting, he thought. Mortals are really disgusting. Disgusting. Just a few seconds and that asshole was ready to take him on.

They had forgotten how things worked. They had forgotten what a draconic's rage was like, even when one of their own had lost an eye.

Niel wondered if he shouldn't do the same to that priest, but looking at the carpet in his room, he felt sorry for dirtying it.

When the priest withdrew from there, the prince sighed. A meeting, he remembered; a clear demonstration of power. How should he start? His eyes sparkled with excitement. It would be perfect to show everyone the change that has taken place with the Tempests.

In Nielant's memories there was nothing negative about his brother, but that didn't make him someone to trust. Not when in place of helping his brother, he left him and went on to long to be heir to the duchy.

There was much there to be taught to Nielant's young brother.

Sebas gently knocked on the door three times and his hoarse voice resonates in the prince's ears.

Caddel, he tried to remember. Marques? Why did he look so vague?

“Okay, I'll go soon. Serve the marquis tea,” he replied, running his fingers through his long hair. A snap of fingers and his clothes had changed. Niel smiled, magic was way more than useful.

His eyes stopped in front of the mirror and the prince found himself there, watching himself once more.

"So pretty, too bad he wasn't the same level of intelligence" he muttered lifting his chin and then smiling. Delicate lips curling seductively, Nielant could have anyone within his feet and yet…he was desperate for that petty little thing.

When his hands pushed open the parlor door, Caddel, sitting with a cup in hand, grinned until he realized the form Niel was using.

"Prince..." he called confused "what exactly, um, happened?"

Niel smiled.

“I who questioned you, marquis? Why did you require some of my time for you? Do you think I'm not busy?” His words seemed kind at first, but there was a necessary nudge there. A marquis had no right to do such a thing to a duke, let alone a Tempest.

An average marquis had invaded Tempest territory without even informing him of his visit. He insisted on rejoining the ducal prince – again without previously informing him and now he seemed to forget his manners. Niel had a feeling he was going to enjoy all of this.

The marquis's face turned even paler.

“See…Hmm…I've just heard in the market about the Lady…she's going to a ball where Mr. Maalik will attend and I thought you…I mean, would you like to know.” Her voice stumbled , the hands seemed to make a great effort not to shake and Niel had to hold back his laughter. It was too simple to frighten a mortal like that.

“Why should I care? I hope Maalik devours you completely” she purred, lifting her chin self-centeredly “and if that's only why you took my time, get your carriage and leave, marquis, before I decide to rip your tongue out for making me waste my precious minutes of rest"

Marquis Caddel's brown eyes turned startled. His skin looked lighter and fairer and even though Caddel was reasonably handsome, at the moment he was just scared prey. Her hair thrown back and tied back in a ponytail looked messy thanks to the tic of trying to straighten it.

“Of course…Prince Nielant,” he muttered in a broken voice, making a crooked bow thanks to the body not responding properly.