Page 133 of Gift from the Source
All of our eyes turn to Aurora, who lets out a small chuckle as she brings her mug to her lips.
“It’s dreadful.”
“What?” the three of us shout.
She continues to snicker like this is hilarious and we all stare at her. “It’s not nearly as bad as it used to be now that my mother is gone, but there’s always an expectation of the Ruling Nexus that does suck the fun out of the festivities. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the ball. Aside from the elite and five families, people from all over Elementra will attend and that makes it worth it.
“I made my expectations clear to the five many, many years ago, I expected them to invite more than just their acquaintances. They honor it just enough that I can’t make a stink about it. But honestly, I’d love it a lot more if only the people viewed beneath the elite attended. They are the ones who make this realm so magical.”
“You can say that again,” Oakly grumbles.
“So what do you mean by there’re always expectations of the Ruling Nexus? What does that mean for us?” I ask.
She lets out a sigh that doesn’t bode well with me. I’ve had this night painted pretty in my head. The last thing I want is for it to go south. Although I know we’re going to have to do a little recon, meet Dillon and Pran, but other than that, I really do want a magical night with my men.
“We’re expected to speak with everyone or at least as many people as we can reach. The five and the elite will basically demand our attention. For them, being seen so closely with us, gives them the air of importance. You remember when I told you, I was always forced to dance with people when I didn’t want to, and I wouldn’t be doing that to you?”
“Of course.”
“Yes, well, that’s an expectation of the five. My mother always claimed it showed unity. If the people saw us dancing together, it would look like we were a unified front. I just always saw it as disrespectful. They haven’t attempted it since I sentenced her to death. But I have no doubt they’ll try it with you. It really wouldn’t shock me if they attempt to get their claws in you the second they can. You’ve learned enough by now to know that doesn’t have to mean physically.”
No, I know what she means. Corentin’s prepared and warned me of the political games the five and elite play. I have no doubt if they don’t like something I say or if I make it clear I won’t be playing by their little games, they’ll push some sort of unfit for a ruler campaign against me with the people. I’m one hundred percent certain the Everglows and the Gales already have it planned.
“Well, we’ll see how that goes. My men will flip their shit if someone asks me for a dance, but depending on who asks…it may not be the worst idea.” I grimace at even the thought.
It makes me want to gag imagining twirling around the dance floor with anyone other than my men. At the same time, though, from a strategic standpoint, I really can tear some shit out of people’s heads when I touch them.
“So what about us? Willow is the Awaiting Matriarch. We’re just her royal court,” Oakly says.
“There is nothingjustabout the royal court. Especially for the two of you. I don’t have female advisors. Technically, I never had a royal court aside from the council. So it’s been a whole generation since the positions were recognized. Willow presenting with the two of you at her side will have every other female—those who care for the power this brings—wondering why and how you. They’ll try their hardest to befriend you and no doubt the Primary-less Nexuses will also be trying to get closer to you. More so you, Aria. Once one of Oakly’s men make a fuss over the first man to approach her, the smart ones will get the picture.”
“Thanks a lot, Willy,” Oakly grumbles and Aria huffs her agreement.
“I didn’t cause the people to act like this. Also, I think Aurora is just giving us all the bad to prepare us. I don’t believe the whole night will be awful,” I say, arching a hopeful brow at my mother-in-law.
“That’s exactly what I’m doing. I never got truly prepared. My mother just expected me to be silent and deal. I do not expect that of any of you. If anyone takes anything too far, you have my full permission and approval to handle it as you see fit.” She smirks deviously at our little laughs before taking a sip of her coffee, then carrying on.
“Aside from what I have warned, the night will be whatever you make it. Since Tilly’s passing, I don’t give much stock to what the elite and five demand. Despite what everyone says and claims to know about my fierce little sister, she enjoyed today. She liked to get dolled up with me and have Orien spin her around the dance floor. Once her Nexus came along”—she pauses as her eyes shimmer—“I used to love watching her glow in their arms. I never could understand why she enjoyed the balls, but I soon realized it was because no one was watching her. She could be and do as she pleased. She could let go of the tough exterior and just be. I vowed I’d do the same. For her. And I have at every Spring Ball since. This year, though, I feel it will be different.”
I hope not. Not for her.
That’s wishful thinking on my part. I already know in my gut that it will be different. I’m here, my men will be present the entire time, and like she said, for the first time since her mother’s rule, we will be presenting with an actual royal court. One that probably for the first time ever consists of a true family. There’s no betrayal or ill intentions behind any of us.
We’ll be announced together as a real unified front for the five, the elite, and the people of the realm to see.
That alone makes it different.
“It’s going to be a great night no matter what. That’s what we’ll make it. We’ll smile, be announced, show our faces, then have a blast,” I declare.
“Speaking of being announced…” Aria says, trailing off.
“Willow’s filled me in for the most part and your secrets are safe with me. I’ve arranged for you to be announced as her advisor, then Lyker’sNexus will be right after. I didn’t necessarily put you in their Nexus, but I didn’t leave you out of it either,” Aurora informs her.
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Now who’s ready to get pampered and make dresses?” Aurora asks as she claps once and laces her fingers together in excitement.
I surely won’t be turning her down and spoiling her fun, so I’m the first to hop up. Oakly and Aria aren’t far behind me.
