Spotting Oberlea and Dohlmas, I tugged on Kane’s arm. But his attention was focused on Dorian and his men several tables toward the back. Following his gaze, I could feel the almost aggressive energies rolling off the assembled group of soldiers.
With two quick nods, Kane kissed my temple and motioned toward the table the two Voirechoes waited for us. “Wulfgar will join you. It seems Dorian wants to have a word.”
“I can feel that.” I looked up at him, concerned.
He paused only a moment before letting out a huff. “I will see what he wants and join you in a moment.”
“Okay…” I reluctantly left his reach and went to join the raider and the siblings.
“Auriena Raulson! Thank you for coming,” Dohlmas greeted me. There was still a slight edge to his words, but he was less abrasive than before. I don’t know if it was because he was trusting me a bit more, or if he was doing it for his sister. But either way, I was glad for it.
I took a seat. “I am happy to see you both. Kane should be with us in a moment. The lead to his armies needed a word.”
“Dorian needs a word spoken to him, if you ask me.” Wulfgar shot a scathing look over to where Dorian stood.
Practically bouncing in her seat, Oberlea was unable to contain herself any longer. “Oh, Auriena. Thank you for dinning with us!”
I chuckled, but before I could respond, Dohlmas reached over and touches his sister’s arm. “Oberlea! Contain yourself. And don’t address her so informally.”
“It’s alright.” I assured them. “Auriena is fine. I do not technically have a title.”
“Yet.” Wulfgar pointed to the ruby on my ring finger.
Oberlea gasped loudly. “Oh wow! That is a gorgeous ring!” Her hands flew to her face. “Did he propose?”
Suddenly embarrassed by how loud she’s asked, I pulled my hands under the table. “Yes.”
“You’re going to be our queen!” Oberlea clasped her hand in front of her.
Indrell started me, appearing by my side with Aeden close behind her. “Proposed?”
Slowly, I pulled my hand back out, fanning my fingers out and shying away from looking at anyone. “Yes.”
Indrell gasped as well. Albeit, her gasp was more from someone seeing something exquisite rather than a young woman excited about some gossip. Hesitantly, she reached out and took my hand, moving it to see all sides of the delicately designed ring. “Auriena, it is gorgeous.”
“Congratulations.” Aeden bowed deeply, showing a sign of his respect.
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that. But Wulfgar saved me from having to as he grumped, “It is of no surprise. If one was blind, one could see his love for you. That aside, he has admitted to his desire to make you queen by telling others to treat you as such.”
Indrell sighed. “But it doesn’t make it any less of a beautiful thing when the desire is confirmed by both involved.”
He wrinkled his nose. “I suppose.”
I made introductions between Oberlea and Dohlmas with the others now at our table. Chatter flowed easily, even if Wulfgar kept eyeing Kane and Dorian.
I leaned over and nudged him. “What does our dear friend, Dorian, have to be concerned about?”
“I am not sure,” he grumbled, “But I smell fear and the distinct stink of a beta wanting to challenge his alpha. But I am certain Kanedraven will handle it appropriately.”
“You think Dorian is trying to overthrow Kane?’ I asked.
“No. I believe he disagrees with something and wants to challenge Kanedraven on his choice on the matter,” he explained.
“I wonder what he disagrees with.” I fidgeted with my new ring as I watched them.
Wulfgar stiffened. “We are about to find out.”
Standing, Dorian and Kane approached our table. Aeden and Indrell stood. Holding his hand out to Kane, Aeden bowed his head. “I understand congratulations are in order. May the gods bless your union and your family to come.”
Kane accepted the gesture. “Thank you.”
A round of similar sentiments came from those seated with me, all of which Kane graciously accepted. But all of which made Dorian appear to grow impatient.
“Dorian?” I cautioned. “What’s on your mind?”
Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, Kane’s expression of happiness slightly faded as he replied for his commanding soldier. “Dorian is a bit skeptical of us taking anyone else with us. He feels it is a risk that we should not take.”
I was a little surprised that Kane sounded like he was allowing Dorian to sway him. “And what do you think?”
He rubbed my arm. “I know that Dorian has been a trusted advisor for a very long time. However,” he stopped me as I opened my mouth to retort. “I also trust your instincts. But more than that? I trust your powers.”
“What does that mean?” I was curious if he meant that I could fight one of them if anyone we allowed to travel with us were to betray us.
“Dorian does not believe some of our party to be of true loyalty. He believes they have treason in their hearts,” Kane explained.
Wulfgar, now standing, groaned.
I glanced around at all of them, taking note of the shock and offense that was written on their faces. Stopping on Kane, I was confused. “I cannot read minds.”
“No.” He turned, taking my hands in his. “But you can read emotions, and, therefore, intentions.”
He was right. And it had been a way that, on rare occasions, I have deciphered if someone was being truthful with me or not. It wasn’t an instant the moment I touched them. I had to tap into their energies. But I could do it. And knowing how my powers were all seemingly stronger
