“Heads up,” Taras murmured, nudging Serai from her spiraling thoughts. “Flock of Hyvuls coming in.”

Serai shook herself then noticed a small group of women bedecked in the iron-grey robes of house Kasani coming up the path towards the women’s temple. At their head was Ava Ye Kasani, heir apparent. Serai scowled, then schooled her face into a mask of indifference. What a fool she’d been to leave her leg at the Keep. The Young Lady Kasani was not an opponent one wanted to face sitting down.

Lady Kasani’s wild, curly hair mixed with the tendrils of the silk, tangerine scarf barely holding it out of her face. She strutted right past Malek, who had been waiting at the juncture where the temple paths divided the genders, and approached Serai with a knife-edge smile. The noblewoman stopped a polite distance away and moved into a stance that, while not openly aggressive, completely blocked the narrow stone footway. She tilted her head, waiting for Serai to great her first, as one would their better.

The princess arched an eyebrow then shifted in her chair to make herself comfortable. Estranged though she was, Serai was still of royal blood. She would accept no less than the respect she deserved. Her chair, though not affording Serai the stature she’d wished, was decorated like a throne. It would allow her a decent amount of regality to make up for her height. For a long moment, the two women simply sat immovable, waiting for the other to crack.

“Greetings, little sister.” Malek, who had jogged over to stand at Serai’s side during the stalemate, raised his fist to his chest and inclined his head. “It has been a while since we last spoke.” A respectful salutation, but not a groveling one. It seemed he, too, maintained some self-respect despite his formal disownment.

“That it has.” Lady Kasani grinned at him, aggression easing from her shoulders. “If I remember correctly, our last conversation was…” she tapped her full lip, “at the solstice feast. There were so many fashion misfires on display that day, one would think that all of Shenait’s dragoons had gone cross eyed.” The siblings smiled at the memory, though Serai noticed that Malek’s was slightly stiff. “Though I know it’s a delicate subject, I simply must ask,” young Lady Kasani’s grey gaze flicked to the princess before fastening back to her older brother. “How has your new position been treating you?”

Serai’s other eyebrow rose as she turned to look at Malek. She didn’t envy the position his sister had put him in. Despite the affectionate airs Ava may affect, she wanted one kind of answer from Malek. However, Serai was just as ruthless, and she wanted the exact opposite sort of answer. Either woman could make Malek’s life intensely unpleasant if displeased. The bodyguard sweated in the heat and ran his hand through his braided hair. Eventually, he coughed out a non-committal, “no worse than any other position.” Both women narrowed their eyes. A middle ground satisfies neither the winds nor the unflinching earth.

“Well, I’m glad you’re having some time to rest after the military.” Young Lady Kasani gave a light shrug and patted Malek’s shoulder. “You’ve always strived for perfection, to the point where I’ve worried about your health. Although,” she smirked, turning to leer at Serai. “It can’t be easy guarding someone who insists upon inviting calamity upon themselves. It’s good that you’re keeping fit even—”

“My noble Young Lady Kasani,” Taras stepped forward to flank Malek, “your highness, Serai Ye Dadiani.” Taras spread her hands between them. “Please, don’t befoul the Gods’ temple by insulting each other.”

Both women froze then looked away from each other. “My handmaiden is correct.” Serai admitted.

“I suppose,” the young Lady Kasani pouted. “Though I wasn’t finished with our little sparring match.” She winked at Taras. “Perhaps I could talk to you instead next time, Cutie. I can promise our conversation will be far more pleasant.”  

Serai’s vision went red. “Keep your filthy tongue to yourself, Young Lady Kasani. Or, shall I call you Lady Wild Thighs, as you’re known in the brothels?” Malek blanched and threw himself between the two women.

Ava’s eyebrows rose and she laughed. “I suppose you’re pretty fun yourself, Princess.” Serai blinked at the tone shift, but the noblewoman breezed right on. “Still, I suppose I’d better take my leave. The gods won’t pray to themselves, after all.” As Lady Kasani approached Serai to get to the temple, she grinned down at her. “We’ll continue this in Council, Young highness.” 

Serai gripped the arms of her wheelchair so hard her knuckles went white, counting the seconds until Lady Kasani was out of eyesight. The absolute gall of the woman, strutting around as if she was already head of the family. What did Serai have to do to get other people to stop flirting with her lover? Would kissing Taras in public work? Perhaps Serai would have to hang a sign around her paramour’s neck. And, whatever madness had driven that last turn in the conversation…The princess was too angry to figure out what madness had prompted Kasani’s remarks. Frankly, she didn’t care to.

“Relax.” Taras’ hand landed on Serai’s shoulder and attempted to sooth the tension bubbling under the princess’ skin. “I won’t be visiting anyone for their ‘tongue.’ Especially not Ava Ye Kasani.”

“I know,” Serai grumbled. Really, she did. Jealousy refused to stop bubbling in the pit of Serai’s stomach. “Just take me home, please, and don’t accept any visitors today.”

Taras’ jaw worked for a few seconds before she let out a breath. “Alright then. No more people for today.