Ashes of Horizon — Chapter 5: The First Suitor

Written by Scarlet

As the carriage door swung open, a figure emerged, commanding attention with his sheer magnitude. Standing tall and imposing, his towering presence seemed to dominate the very air around him and the men who stood aside from him seemed small in comparison. His physical appearance exuded an ethereal elegance, with unblemished skin and dark hair framing his face. His angular features were chiseled with an artisan’s precision, accentuated by a sharply defined jawline that exuded confidence and authority, and facial hair that aided in providing a sense of regal maturity. Cloaked in attire befitting a Lord, a tailored coat, the color of midnight, cascaded over broad shoulders, its rich fabric rustling with each calculated step. The intricate details of his ensemble, from the ornate silver buttons to the subtle embroidery, hinted at a timeless sophistication. There was a palpable sense of power in how he moved, each stride oozing with a controlled grace and almost supernatural poise. His men stayed behind him as he made his way from the carriage to Kheyri’s position. He shot his gaze in her direction, emerald eyes seeming to pierce through her, as though seeing into her rather than at her. Without a word, he took a knee before her palanquin, bringing his arm up and over his chest.

“I thank you and your father for the invitation, but I must, if I may be so bold, say you are more beautiful than the rumors had led me to believe. If I had known, I would have come sooner.”

The handsome man’s words and gallantry in kneeling before her took her by surprise. She had not expected him to kneel. Without meaning to, nervous laughter bubbled up past her lips.

“Th-thank you, Anatolie…” she murmured. Her face burned as she blushed, her eyes averting from his face, and she drew her hand up to her mouth in an attempt to cover her embarrassment. She was thankful for the silk veil that concealed most of her face. It took her a moment to steel herself before trusting herself to speak when gazing at him. Clearing her throat quietly, she rested her hand down on her lap.

“I am pleased to see that you accepted our invitation. And you flatter me with your words.” The material of her dress rustled slightly as she extended her hand out to him, her rings glinting in the late morning sunlight.

“Oh, believe me, the pleasure is all mine,” he smirked, taking her hand in his own and pressing his lips to the signet ring. “Is your father here? I assumed he would be joining you at such an important moment but…” He asked but quickly waved it off. “No matter. I think you make for far more pleasing company anyway.”

Kheyri couldn’t help but be captivated by the man’s charm. She withdrew her hand gently, a blush spreading across her cheeks once again. His words, though seemingly casual, held a hint of genuine interest that left her feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

“Thank you for your kind words,” she replied, hoping her voice sounded soft and composed. Her heart was skipping beats in her ribcage. “My father is attending to some urgent matters, but he sends his regards and regrets for not being able to join us today.”

He smirked before rising and taking the hand that he had kissed, leading her down from her perch.

“So your father is not home, the other suitor has not arrived yet and you have this gorgeous palace here.” He paused, giving her a suggestive look. “Care to show me around the palace? Without the entourage, of course. There are quite a few things I would like to see within it,” he’d say as he looked her over once more.

“I… I uh…” She struggled to form words, not used to someone being so forward. “N-no, that’s not accept…” She caught herself, recalling that this was more than a potential marriage. At the very least, she would entertain his request for the sake of an alliance. “On second thought, I would be most pleased to show you my home. Please, follow me.”

She withdrew her hand from his, clasping her hands in front of her as she began to walk ahead.

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