Infernal Desire

A Way with Words

The gazes are unrelenting as Talia makes her way across the room to her spot at the table. The king smiles as she approaches and Igneous studies her evenly. Once she is in her place, the King gestures for everyone to sit. Servants step up to each chair and pull them back for everyone, and they all take their seats in unison. Plates of fruit, meat, and bread are laid before the diners. Talia begins to cut into an apple, trying to ignore the scorching scrutiny directed at her. The silence is almost suffocating and Talia scrambles for something to say. The king is the first to break the silence.

“As you all know, this is Talia de Kemp of the Castro Kingdom. She bravely ventured into our nation with a promise of peace, leaving behind everything she knew to bring about a brighter future for all of us. I have heard your grievances about this matter and I wish to proceed with the marriage and the union of human lands. I invite you all here today to meet this young woman and judge her for yourselves, with understanding and open minds.” The king’s speech is greeted with a pondering silence. He gives Talia a reassuring smile, and she returns it uncertainly. Then she squares her shoulders and turns to look into the eyes she has been avoiding since she entered the room. She holds each gaze in turn and allows a calm smile to touch her lips.

“I am happy to be able to share a meal with such amazing individuals as yourselves.” She says, bowing her head to the room.

“From the way you entered, I almost thought you did not have a backbone.” A sharp-angled woman says, her yellow eyes flashing with amusement. “I have an intolerance for a woman of weak character. Spineless, gutless, weak.”

Talia’s smile stays in place as she locks eyes with the woman, “Forgive me for being ‘weak’ as you say. However, I have voluntarily left my home and come here. I know no one and I have no idea how I will be treated. I do not know the etiquette or the proper way to address members of the court, but I do respect that you have higher authority than I do. I assumed looking into your eyes would be a sign of challenge and disrespect. Now that I know it is not, I will gladly lock eyes with anyone here from now on.”

The woman's eyes widen, and a smile softens her angular face, “Well, well.” Is all she says as she takes a sip of wine, never taking her eyes away from Talia’s. The King clears his throat and both women turn away at the same time. “Lady Agat is a general in our army. She values strength and cunning over everything.” He explains, and the woman nods her approval of his description of her.

“In that case, I hope you can teach me a few moves. I happen to enjoy swordplay and hand-to-hand combat.” Talia says, returning her gaze to Lady Agat.

“I’ll have to see if you are tough enough to train with my soldiers.” Lady Agat laughs and suddenly the tension in the room eases. Talia is slowly introduced to each member of the court, but the moment she learns three names, the previous ones vanish from her memory. She makes a mental note to do a memory spell on herself so that she can remember their names, provinces, and ranks in the future. The only one not enjoying the light atmosphere is Igneous. Talia feels his gaze on her from time to time, but he adds nothing to the conversations. After about an hour, lunch ends, and the delegates say their goodbyes to Talia.

“Perhaps peace is possible if all humans are as lovely and interesting as you.” Lady Agat acknowledges before getting into her carriage. Talia smiles at her and bows her head in agreement. Talia watches the other nobles enter their respective carriages, and she can tell that she has managed to win at least a few of them over with sheer wit and charm. Still, she can tell others are not so keen on the idea of joining humans in any way, shape, or form.

She heads back to her room with Nissa and Anna following close behind her, when she spots Igneous leaning on the wall beside the door leading to the stairs. She pauses in front of him and folds her hands in front of herself, waiting for him to speak. He looks her up and down silently and Talia stands there calmly, not offering to start the conversation.

“You surely have a way with words,” He says at last, and there is an edge in his voice Talia cannot quite place. It almost sounds like a mixture of fascination and irritation.

“I just want to keep my head while I’m here,” Talia replies simply, and sees a few dragon maids and butlers glancing at them as they bustle about doing their lightweight chores. Talia sighs, “If you wish to talk more, come to my room. I think we should get some things straight before we are joined in holy matrimony.” She does not wait for his reply and walks through the door and up the stairs. She hears him following her a moment later and goes over what she wants to say to him in her mind. She is determined to keep a cool head with Igneous. She may hate her situation, but she knows the life that awaits is sweet and full of light. If her one life can save millions, she is more than willing to take the steps needed to ensure that. All she needs is Igneous’ cooperation.