Extol of Agnatic Dreams (The Extol Series Book 1) (36 page)

F
or the royals and their guests, a feast was arranged in the great hall. For the locals, a banquet package had been delivered to each household. For one night the Kingdom of Braykith would celebrate the wedding of their Prince as if he was their own son. It would certainly be an exciting night for most of the Kingdom to recall for years to come.

Glais and Evangeline would not be participating in such activities. As was a tradition in Braykith, the wedding party left them at Glais’ bedroom door, and Evangeline was glad for that. Within the main sitting room, there was food and drink but she could not think of eating even though she was starving. Glais was cautious and she could feel the tension coming off him in waves. Needing to put distance between them, Evangeline walked away while he stayed against the door. He knew she needed a physical distance and it would be foolish to demand anything else.

“We are lucky that we do not practice the wedding night rituals of my mother’s homeland,” Glais said just to break the silence. He was tired of hearing the fire crackle.

“What rituals do they have in Eoboven?” Evangeline asked.

Glais seemed surprised she knew the name of her home city. “Part of your understanding of life here?” he asked, curious about her formal education.

Evangeline shook her head. “No. She told me. We planted a Thosei statue together.”

Glais nodded. “I didn’t realise.” He moved from the door and Evangeline countered his movements with more of her own to keep the distance. Glais did his best to ignore it. He collected a small bunch of grapes and ate one. “In Eoboven they watch.”

“They watch what?”

“The newlyweds,” He smirked gently at her reaction. The shock and horror of the idea of an audience was evident on her face and then the blush came just as he imagined it would. Evangeline blushed less quickly around him these days so he savoured the moment even more. “It was less frequent within the city but for the Royals it was mandatory.”

Evangeline shook her head to clear the thoughts that danced within her mind. She was embarrassed and it wasn’t even her reality. “To ensure the wedding was consummated?” She watched as Glais ate the grapes and wondered if he was deliberately trying to appear more human even though she knew he was far from it.

“Once it was common for many of the Kingdoms and provinces here.” Glais continued. “We abolished the act. As far as I know, it had never existed here in Braykith.”

“Because of the blood.” Within a moment, the possibility of humanity was long gone. Evangeline stood hard and firm opposite him, staying across the room.

“Yes.” Glais never tried to hide from Evangeline anymore. Clearly he had ruined their relationship with lies and he hoped that truth could fix them.

“Can you,” Evangeline paused, leaning back on the table and doing her best not to look to check for herself. “Can you be aroused without the blood?”

Glais was watching her carefully, having not moved from his place beside the table and the door. It was the only exit she could take, but that wasn’t why he stood there. It was also the point furthest from where she was standing. “Yes.”

“Are you now?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Glais paused, shaking his head softly to himself as his tongue ran over his lips. He looked at her, but when Evangeline offered him nothing he knew he had to state the obvious. “Just look at yourself.” He gestured to her, from top to bottom and back again. “You’re afraid to be alone with me.”

Evangeline looked at herself and while she stopped leaning so heavily on the, she didn’t dare come closer to Glais. “I have enough reason to fear you.”

“I don’t know how I can make this clearer to you Evangeline, but the monster you have decided I am being is not me. I am not aroused by your pain or your fear.” He scanned the room but gave up quickly for whatever it was he was looking for. Something to save him, but Evangeline would not give him an inch. “You can have the bed. Through there.” He gestured to the door even though he was sure she could find it if she actually wanted to. “I will not touch you when you so obviously do not want me.”

Evangeline was quiet, the sound of Glais eating and the fire was all that interrupted the silence. She bit her bottom lip and reached for a slice of bread. She put nothing on it, but the physical effects of fasting for so long demanded that she consume something. It was the nearest thing to her. “I am sure that will not be appropriate. Your mother warned me they check the sheets.” She was watching him from the corner of her eye and pretending to look at the food and making false selections.

“No, Evangeline, it is not appropriate. With time, you will need to trust me when we sleep but for tonight, I will not push the issue with you.” His hand swept his hair back in frustration. “I will not force you and I will not manipulate you. You will come to me when you are ready and until such a time comes, we shall make these arrangements.”

Evangeline was shocked by what sounded like such arrogance over her emotions and mental state. “I would not be so confident on that Glais.”

“I felt the way you kissed me.” He glared at her until her eyes dropped and he realised his had raised his voice. It was not his intentions. However, it had been a very long week for him and the wedding seemed to be such a lacklustre affair, even if no one else realised. “I felt it, Evangeline. A spark.”

Evangeline shook her head. “Glais, no…” She started but he interrupted her.

“I know what I felt and I know it was small but I cling to that hope now Evangeline. I pray that with every passing day you become less and less sure of what is right and wrong. I beg of Xado in his infinite wisdom, and the guidance of Notas, that you learn a way to accept me and what I am so we can be happy.” Glais shivered with the pent up frustration.

Evangeline stood there opposite him and tried to think of a way to defuse the situation before the anger grew into a rage and ended with her own beheading at his hand. It was a scenario she had considered many times before this was the only real time she had ever thought it coming to pass. “I am taking a plate of food, and I am going to the bedroom.” She announced.

Glais’ shoulders slumped, but what more could he do. He felt helpless. Glais hung his head in shame. Allowing her to pick a selection of meats, vegetables and fruits from the small arrangement into a plate, he watched as she did as he had suggested and retired to the bedroom alone. The door closed and separated them, and Glais shoved his own jacket off and threw it on the floor.

Their first night as husband and wife.

This novel was a work of experiment, a labor of love, and the hardest thing I have ever written. At times, I wanted to give up. My supporters wouldn't allow me to do that. Many hours were given to create this one novel, and as it grew out of my control, still my supporters rallied behind me and convinced me to continue.

Now we have reached the next stage of Extol's life, and still you are here with me. Thank you for your support. Know that your efforts are without compare.