5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

M aura stood at the doorway to a massive, cavernous hall. It was filled with the strange floating lights that were everywhere in Vathós. Beautiful shells lined the walls, giving the space an opalescent tint.

Her hair was still a bit damp from her bath, so she had twisted it up and secured it with the long pin she always kept in the pocket of her cloak. She thanked the old gods it had somehow stayed with her thanks to her Tuanadair magic.

She was self-conscious of her bare feet as she strode forward into the hall next to Anatolius. Even standing on two legs, he was massive; the top of her head barely reached his chin. The flowing blue fabric Anatolius had found for her to wear as a "dress" had her feeling completely out of her depth.

A siren woman, Galana, had appeared with the fabric and had helped her drape it around her body, securing it with nothing more than a brooch at Maura's shoulder. Galana had assured her she didn't need to worry about it falling, but Marua still felt almost naked, especially with her legs exposed from the knees down.

Maura reasoned that whatever magic served to keep the palace free from water must also banish the cold. She was surprisingly comfortable, at least physically. Mentally was another story. Though–for some confounding reason–having Anatolius next to her did, she realized, make her feel safe. What a horribly annoying turn of events. This siren was her captor—but he had also saved her life. Maura's thoughts were as tumultuous as the waves far above, and she didn't realize that they had arrived in front of the dais.

Anatolius cleared his throat softly and she startled. She dropped into a deep curtsey without a second thought.

"My kings, I am pleased to present you to Maura, my Chosen. We met and courted while I was patrolling our northeastern border." Anatolius' words sent a chill down Maura's spine. Something about the term ’Chosen’ was so intimate, and she'd never been courted by anyone. She tried to stay focused and take in the two beautiful men who sat before her on the dais.

The one on the right had dark teal skin and piercing violet eyes. His hair was styled similarly to Anatolius', mostly down with many tiny braids scattered throughout, and his stature was similar to his son’s as well. He had broad shoulders and a thick torso corded with muscle.

The other king spoke first. His coloring was lighter, his skin almost pearly white with eerie sea-green eyes. He was lithe and graceful, and his lavender hair lay in tight braids over his shoulder. Maura tried very hard not to think about how everyone in this gods forsaken palace was naked; but at least their dicks weren’t out.

"Maura, we welcome you to our home. As our son's Chosen, you are a part of our family now, and we rejoice to know you." The king’s voice was rich and melodic, a kind warmth to his eyes, despite that unsettling sea-green color.

"Indeed. My husband and I are overjoyed at your arrival. Maura, tell us where you hail from?" the other king asked.

"I am from Beitar, your majesties. Thank you for your warm welcome and for your hospitality." Maura tried to muster a smile to accompany her words. She was only moderately successful, and she guessed it probably appeared more like a grimace.

Anatolius spoke then. "Maura, forgive my ill manners. These are the kings, my fathers. Xander," he gestured to the willowy, pale man on the left, "and Demitrios," pointing to the burly dark teal siren on the right.

"It's wonderful to meet you both." Maura tried so hard to sound sincere.

"If you need anything at all, you need only ask my dear," King Demitrios said.

She smiled at them, feeling slightly more at ease. Anatolius moved closer to her side, and before she knew it, he was slipping his arm around her waist. His massive hand came to rest on the soft curve of her hip, and gods he was so warm. This close to him she could smell the salt of the sea lingering on his skin.

Maura glanced up at him, and she knew she must be blushing furiously. He was so beautiful, and no one had ever touched her like this; like they wanted to just be close to her. The men and women she'd been with before had always been purely transactional; she didn't let herself get close enough to anyone to feel this kind of…intimacy.

And frankly, this reaction she was having was why she had initially kept her distance. One touch—as part of a ruse no less—and she was thinking about love?

"With your leave, my kings, I'll take Maura back to her room to rest."

"Of course. We will see you both tomorrow," Xander said with a friendly smile. The kings shared a knowing glance, and they looked…happy for their son. Maura felt a pang of longing and a touch of sadness that she couldn't quite place as she and Anatolius turned to go.