55 - Dinner With Fae (2)

55 - Dinner With Fae (2)
The queen’s words immediately shocked those at the table, Clare swiftly realizing the queen was doing this for her benefit since the Swords were technically of a higher rank than her.
The female Fae with autumn hair standing by the queen’s side was the first to recover and bowed her head slightly in understanding. “Of course, your majesty.”
“I’m Reverie of the Trith Clan, Second Sword to her majesty, Queen Leni.” Reverie stated, her eyes falling onto Clare and Xavier for a moment.
Guess the first Sword is not here. Xavier mused to Clare through their mind-link, Clare silently agreeing.
It was kind of strange starting with the second one with how important ranking was here. Still, she was a little surprised Frey and Alre weren’t first or second.
There was probably a ranking system in place that put Reverie in higher ranking to Frey and Alre that Clare didn’t know about yet.
Once Reverie had stated those words, she went back to her statue like stance as Frey stood up and said, “I’m Frey of the Nyx Clan, Third Sword to her majesty, Queen Leni.”
“And I’m Alre of the Nyx Clan, Fourth Sword to her majesty, Queen Leni.” Alre stated as he took his brother’s place.
Once Alre sat back down, the female Fae sitting next to him rose up from her seat. “I’m Weria of the Reni Clan, Fifth Sword of her majesty, Queen Leni.”
Weria sat back down and Queen Leni nodded her head in approval. She then turned to the rest of the table and gave them a blank stare before turning back to her dinner.
Clare watched the queen for a few moments trying to figure out what was going to happen next. However, it seemed the queen was enjoying dinner, occasionally passing food to Reverie.
It was after the third time that this happened that Clare figured they were just going back to eating. She felt a little disappointed but it wasn’t like she could do anything expect eat.
Worst dinner party ever. Xavier suddenly mind-linked her. And I’ve been to some bad ones. Honestly what’s with the awkward air?
Right, Clare had Xavier to secretly talk to.
Maybe because this is a formal event. Clare mused back. Fae seem to have different standards to us. This could be normal for them.
Perhaps… Xavier sighed through their mind-link. But it’s kind of boring just sitting here eating… Like have some entertainment if you’re going to be silent.
Clare was about to respond when the queen suddenly got up. Everyone quickly scrambled to their feet and the food on the table disappeared.
It didn’t take a genius to realize dinner was over.
“Thank you for this evening.” Queen Leni murmured. “I shall be retiring for the night and suggest you do the same. Good evening.”
Her tone said her words were anything but a suggestion. Still, Clare didn’t really have time to think about what her words really meant as the queen walked out with all her Swords flanking behind her.
Even Frey left, Clare wanting to grab him and stop him from leaving her and Xavier to the vultures gazing intensely at her. Instead, however, she simply bowed her head as the queen walked past her, silently cursing at Frey for abandoning them.
Once the doors closed behind the Swords and their queen, heads whipped to her direction and Clare knew immediately that if she did not leave, she was going to mess up with this bunch.
And she wasn’t really in the mood for them being completely socially drained.
“I too shall be retiring for the night.” Clare declared loudly, wrapping an arm around Xavier’s arm. “Good evening.”
With that, she practically dragged Xavier to the doorway, walking as quickly as possible without looking suspicious or like she was running away.
But before they even got close to the door, a voice called out, “Please wait, your highness.”
Clare resisted the urge to respond and instead focused on getting out, knowing that if she said anything, she would only break Fae rules. The person was trying to get her to talk to them when they didn’t have a right to do so.
“Your highness, I asked you to wait please.” The voice said again, their presence feeling much closer. “Can you not-”
“Watch yourself.” A familiar voice suddenly said.
Clare turned her head slightly to see Lav was holding one of the female Fae’s arms with one hand and her sword in the other, it pointed at the Fae’s neck.
The Fae smiled as if she was amused. “What’s a halfliing like you doing here? Shouldn’t you be dead?”
“That’s none of your business, Mare.” Lav spat out. “Just focus on remembering your place. Otherwise, I’ll need to remind you. Maybe losing your arm will be good enough.”
With that, Lav let go of Mare’s arm and turned her heel, bowing before Clare. “Apologises your highness. Please allow me to escort you.”
Clare silently nodded, not sure what to say. Mare’s smirk fell as the others were left speechless. Lav, however, acted like it was nothing and stood up once more, heading for the door.
She led a dumbstruck Clare and Xavier through the hallways, passing servants watching them with weary eyes. After they had walked for some time, Clare regained her wits.
“Back there… How did you…” Clare mumbled, trying to find an explanation.
“Appear in the dining hall?” Lav mused. “Well after completing Lord Alre’s punishment, I was ordered to make sure you were escorted safely back. Thankfully I arrived in time.”
“I see…” Clare murmured, coming to a stop in front of their rooms.
Lav quickly opened the door before anyone could move and the couple headed inside. Xavier flopped on the bed, clearly exhausted and Clare moved to sit next to him, subconsciously placing a hand on his head and running it through his hair.
“What was the punishment?” Xavier asked curiously as he closed his eyes, enjoying Clare’s hand running through his hair.
“It was nothing much.” Lav shrugged. “I was to collect sap from various trees.”
Clare didn’t see how it was a punishment but decided not to voice her thoughts. They were probably stinky tree or the sap was just hard to collect.
“Well, I’m glad you’re back safe and sound.” Clare sighed, pausing for a moment. “By the way Lav, can you explain what a halfling is?”