Seeking The Present

Chapter 4 - The uncomfortable dinner Part 1

“Hannah Langoria” Barion held his hand out and I took it in what I thought would be a hand shake. He turned my hand and kissed it. Tingles came from his kiss and I resisted the urge to yank my hand away. He looked around the room.

“Gentlemen.” He nodded toward Lee and Arnold. He walked to the head of the table and sat down. “Tell me, how was the ride in Hannah?” He turn right to me giving me his full attention.

“It was good your majesty, I-“ He held up his hand.

“Call me Barion.” I looked across the table and the guys nodded.

“Ok, Barion. It was good but I disliked the plane ride.” I smiled.

“Oh yes, most wolves hate planes it seems. Next time we can find other transport if some is available.” He looked around the room again. He held his hand up and clicked his fingers. “Jensen! Where are our drinks!?” Jensen ran over and bowed.

“I apologize your majesty.” He ran into a side door.

“I apologize for his rudeness. We haven’t had guests in awhile.” He looked over at the guys.

“Which one of you is Ms. Langoria’s mate.” He asked straight out.

“That would be me.” Lee raised his hand slightly.

“And you are?” King Barion smiled.

“L-Lee Greyback.” I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lee that nervous.

“Lucky man.” King Barion turned his direction towards Arnold. “And you. Who are you?” We watched as the blood drained from Arnold’s face.

“Arnold Langoria.” He said in a low tone.

“Speak up boy! I can’t hear you.” King Barion bellowed and we all jumped.

“Arnold Langoria.” Arnold said loudly.

“Awww… Redmoon’s heir? I asked your father not to come so he sent his son? Very interesting.” He stared at Arnold.

“Actually, I asked him to come. He’s my best friend and after what happened-“ I covered my mouth. I just broke rule two. Oh my goddess he was going to throw us out.

“Oh well then, welcome to both of you. Very lucky men that get to share in Hannah’s presents everyday.” They nervously nodded. He turned back to me. “Now, I heard you mention something happening. I have heard rumors. Please.” He motioned for me to continue and I looked at Lee and Arnold. Finally a server came out with Jensen carrying glasses and a bottle of wine. I watched as they put the glasses down and poured.

“Hannah.” King Barion called my attention back to him. “I heard there was a incident with a deflect, Erik Sultman. Tell me about him.”

“I’ll try.” I looked down. “Arnold knows more about him personally.” I said and he held up his hand.

“Arnold?” King Barion turned to him. Arnold gave me a look.

“Well your majesty-“ he held up his hand.

“King Barion, please continue.”

“King Barion, well the story I was told as a child was Erik Sultman was obsessed with power. He was a prophet and could see the return of Julia and Charles Langoria’s lost child. He got it into his head that his own daughter could be just as powerful. He had her up day and night trying to control more then one element at advanced stages. The power was too overwhelming and consumed her. There was a massive explosion and only Erik survived. My father cast him out and banished him for his acts against the pack laws.” There was silence for a moment.

“Why didn’t he put him to death? I thought Langoria’s had a long history of being merciless.” King Barion asked.

“My father, I would love to say he turned over a new leaf, but the fact low birth rates have had a major impact on the pack forced the choice to not put anyone to death but to rehabilitate where they could and banish others.” Arnold grabbed his glass of wine and downed it. Lee grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear.

“Lee.” King Barion said and Lee jumped and looked at him. “Share it with the table.” He demanded.

“Oh, Um I asked Arnold if it was wise to drink like that since he’s underaged.” Lee looked at me and I giggled. Barion clicked his fingers and Jensen ran over.

“Did you know this and give the young lad wine?” Jensen looked at Arnold.

“My apologies, he’s rather big for a underling.” Jensen ran to the back.

“Low birth rate you say? So the fabled power of Redmoon is fleeting?” The table was very quiet.

“Well Redmoon had a coven mixed in with it and now they’re merging with Greymoon.” I said and King Barion looked at me.

“Very smart. Who’s idea was that?” He looked back to Arnold.

“Mine.” Arnold said.

“I like you Arnold. Smart man. This will help Redmoon’s low birth rates and expand the werewitches legacy. What do you specialize in Arnold?” King Barion asked as Jensen reappears with what looked like a bottle of sparkling cider. I tried not to laugh.

“Water and ice King Barion.” Arnold watched Jensen pour him a glass.

“Interesting.” We sat silently again. “Do some now.” King Barion demanded. Arnold’s eyes grew wide. He put his hand out and let water pool up into his hand. Suddenly it froze into a ball. Just like he had the day when he showed me how to use ice magic. King Barion held out his hand and Jensen took the ball of ice from Arnold and put it in King Barion’s hand.

“Amazing.” He tossed it into the air and caught it. “Jensen did you see that?” King Barion handed it to Jensen who nodded. King Barion turned to me.

“Now Hannah, tell me about what happened.” King Barion sat back in his chair.

“Well Erik kidnapped us.” I said and he stopped me.

“All of you?” He looked at us.

“No, just me and Arnold.” I replied.

“Oh good good. I was going to ask how he got two alphas and the most powerful werewitch I have ever heard of.” His laugh bellowed out. “Where were you boy?” He turned to Lee.

“They were having a private conversation outside and I was inside.” Lee said and Barion stared at him.

“There’s a dangerous Wizard on the loose and you, what?” He looked at the table. “Didn’t think you needed to protect the most important person to you? Did you think the puppy here could defend her? No offense Arnold. You still have a build of a pup.” Lee looked astonished at the comment. “What could they have been discussing that was so important that you couldn’t be present?” The table was quiet. “Well don’t all speak at once.” He laughed and looked at me. “Hannah?”

“Earlier Arnold kissed me and we were talking it out to make things less awkward.” Barion smiled and then started laughing.

“Way too go Arnold! Good for you! Going after what you want.” Barion clicked his fingers. Jensen ran over. “I changed my mind, get Arnold some wine.” Barion held up his glass and winked at Arnold taking a drink. This was beginning to be one uncomfortable dinner.