Reza emptied the glass of wine he had been drinking before searching for one of the servants moving through the crowds with more refreshments. The Anceslia, in his opinion, was going quite well. Tavia had used the rumor of one of the great houses attending the party to great advantage in convincing even more people to come and see the family.
A servant passed by Reza''s group, and he quickly traded his own glass for one from the man''s tray. The servant gave a slight nod and continued his route without comment.
"Reza, are you there?" A voice brought him back to his senses. Cassius, a friend and officer of the third Legion like himself, was standing with several officers from different legions. The third and fourth legions had returned to the city, combining their forces into three camps guarding its gates.
"Yes, yes, what were you saying?" Reza asked. The last few days had been exhausting with the additional prep Tavia had required for the party. Fortunately, his leave had been extended, allowing him several days of rest before returning to the Legion, but this placed him in a bind after the party. Reza had plenty of time on his hands but was not allowed back with the Legion. This did not help him as he tried to work up the ladder to becoming a centurion; time off would not help in the endeavor. And having his leave extended for what he had done on the Ghost Plains would not sit well in the camp. Likely, many soldiers were grumbling about it already.
"We were talking about Sorana and what she would choose for the contest. It''s been days since High Lord Marcellus died. She''s bound to make her choice soon." He said, looking at the other officers. All nodded in agreement.
"Kelmonas had the priest make the announcement two days after the death of their Archon,” said one of the officers. Reza thought his name was Darren. Unfortunately, Reza couldn''t quite remember their names after Cassius introduced them.
While he had known Cassius since they had joined the Legion, Reza had not met the officers, as Cassius had brought them with him to the party. Reza had not complained with the additional guests as all of them were nobles. Each added to the prestige he and his sisters would gain from the party. It also gave him pleasure that so many were willing to join them in honoring the Reza ancestors, specifically their mother, who had passed last year.
"Different circumstances," Reza responded. "That Archon died in her sleep; we all knew she wasn''t long for this world, and the Echo had time to decide after the two days of mourning. Sorana and her priests will make the decision in time."
Everyone nodded in agreement, sipping their cups of wine.
"What do you think the contest will be?" asked Cassius. He grabbed a piece of bread with what looked like patte atop it and swallowed in one bite.
Reza thought for a moment, though the question had been on his mind for days.
"I think many people hope for a contest of will or might. The last one had many hopefuls’ dreams be dashed because of Kelmonas''s tricky ploy in their champions trial." Reza took a small sip of wine and continued to talk. "But I truly don''t know what it will be. Every idea that comes to mind seems as likely as the next. Abyss take us if some Echo makes it a pie-eating contest. We''d all be screwed with Cassius here."
Reza laughed, and the rest joined in. Cassius froze with a piece of bread halfway to his mouth. He was by no means fat; his colossal bulk was more muscle than anything, but the man was well known for his ferocious appetite. "Hilarious, Marius, you might all laugh, but I surely would win such a contest." He scarfed down the bread and smiled mischievously.
Everyone laughed again, and Reza loosened his tie, pulling it from his neck and relieving himself from the uncomfortable clothing Tavia had required him to wear. It had been years since he put a suit and tie on. Though the suit was well tailored and fit him well, he thought it would not be something he wanted to wear consistently. The suit was such a dark purple that it was black under the night sky, with bone white threaded throughout the clothes. Likely had cost his coffers a large amount of golden ghouls.
"Marius," a voice from behind him called out. He turned to see Tavia standing on the deck just below the canopy. She was dressed in a beautiful midnight blue dress with earrings and a necklace with rubies studded in each. She talked with one of the servants hired for the night. Finishing her orders, Tavia caught Reza’s eye, motioning for him to join her.
"Excuse me, gentleman, but it seems I am needed," he said, and he shook Cassius''s hand before he left, nodding to the rest.
They all turned back, returning to their conversation. "We won''t stand in your way if that is the contest. We wouldn''t want to be eaten."
Laughter came from the group again, and Reza had to smile at that jab. They all seemed amiable and looked to be enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, Reza had to be a bit careful around such a group. All, including Cassius, were from more prestigious families than his own. Reza had to tread a fine line between being the head of his house, and it being his party while also showing a measure of respect to them.
Thankfully, they had taken everything in stride, and none pushed any major formalities within his home. They weren’t the only ones that had shown up unexpectedly. With the rumors Tavia had spread, many people were here already that he had not anticipated to come or assumed they would only send a representative to the party. And yet several heads of houses and whole families had come. Tavia had taken it all in stride, and no one looked to be lacking in food, drink, or entertainment department. The band played in the garden, and multiple people danced on the cobblestones that formed the party''s center.
Reza glided past several groups, and the suit jacket strained as he tried to move his arms. I could never fight in this. It keeps stopping my arm movement. Why anyone felt the need to wear such a restraining garment was beside him, the military made a better overcoat. While they could not be considered fashionable, the uniforms were well made and could withstand a lot of wear and tear, unlike this suit.
"Get the extra case from the basement, and tell Crista she needs to double the output. Our guests are hungry," Tavia ordered the servant. The man rushed away with as much dignity as he could.
"What do you need, Tavia?" Reza asked, taking a spot next to her, leaning against the railing.
"It''s already a mess. We didn''t order enough drinks, and the food is subpar. And where are the Sulli''s its been two hours and no sign." She glanced towards the manor at the open doors where guests entered the garden. No one seemed to be arriving, but a servant stood ready to help if someone did.
"As you said, only two hours. Did you expect a member of one of the ten families to come at the start of the party? We have hours to go. I wouldn''t worry. I don''t think Lord Sulli will go back on his word," Reza said. However, the same thoughts had gone through his head the last two days. He wouldn''t believe this would happen until he saw a Sulli walk through the open doors. Had he not been so exhausted during the conversation, he would have offered to have a driver, or himself escort the guests to the party. But alas, he had been too slow in thinking through the honor he was getting.
"Also, the party is going great, the best you and Cassia, wherever she went off to, have done yet. Nothing is going wrong, and the guests are enjoying themselves. I wouldn''t worry about the Sulli''s, they will come," Reza chuckled and took a sip of his wine glass. "We spent plenty to gain much tonight. I’m sure you already have half a dozen deals settled, even though you should be enjoying yourself.”
Tavia gave a mischievous smile, the stress gone for the moment. "Of course, but that''s beyond the point. I could have more if I didn''t have to put out every fire. Cassia is flirting with every boy at the party and doing nothing to help the family." She looked across and glared at our sister. Reza could see Cassia talking with a young boy, maybe sixteen or seventeen.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
"My darling sister, you seem to be off tonight. Cassia is playing a game all her own, for her and us. That boy she''s talking to is the heir to the Gredicar family." Reza explained though he felt annoyed by his youngest sister. It was quickly coming upon Cassia at the time when she could marry if the family found the right match. Reza, of course, would have to facilitate such a union, and usually, these were done to create an alliance or pact with another family. He cringed at such an idea as he would not want such a life for anyone he married and thus allowed Cassia to find someone she felt something for over anything. He could worry about everything else after.
"That boy is acceptable, I guess. Quite boring, to be honest. He tried talking to me at a party last year. He kept rattling on about fighting and the Archons." Tavia said. "Cassia needs someone much more interesting."
"Hmmm, we can worry about that later. We have company," Reza straightened noticing a few new arrivals to the party. Reza quickly tightened his tie and straightened his clothes, checking how he looked.
Two figures came out between the doors, and Reza walked up to meet them with Tavia at his side. Lukas Sulli was dressed in a very finely cut black suit, and Marie was dressed in a flowing black dress. Both were in black mourning colors for their cousin, but still fit for a party.
Reza met them as soon as they reached the deck of the back of the manor, bowing to both. While this was his house, the Sulli’s were at the peak of society, and he would not let down his family by acting in an ungrateful manner.
"Marie, Lukas. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Welcome to my estate," Reza said respectfully, leaning down to take Marie''s hand and kissing it quickly.
He stood and held out a hand and shook Lukas''s hand.
"Of course, I''m sorry we''re late, but time got away from us," Marie said, with a slight nod of her head to herself and Tavia.
"No problem at all," Reza asked, looking at Lukas. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, but still a bit tired," Lukas replied with a strong voice. His cheeks were still sunken, and he still had light purple circles under his eyes, the only indication of his troubles from days ago. Pushing the obvious signs away, there was power in his eyes, and the grip he gave Reza’s hand told him the young man was well on his way to recovery. Better than Reza would have expected after riding for an entire day and night with soldiers hunting you down.
"Good; I''m sure you will make a full recovery in no time. Lukas, Marie, this is my sister Tavia," Reza indicated to his sister, who stood with a calm expression on her face. Reza noticed her eyes grow slightly wide before she schooled her expression again, and neither Sulli noticed her nervousness.
"It''s good to finally meet you," Tavia bowed slightly to both. "Marius told me about everything, and mentioned both of you several times over the last couple days. We weren''t sure who was planning to come."
Lukas shared a glance with his cousin before Marie set her eyes on Reza. Were they surprised I had mentioned them? That couldn''t be. They had to know I would tell my siblings something.
"I see. We weren''t sure who would come either. Lukas was still recovering and only felt strong enough this afternoon. And I asked to come to thank Marius for saving my cousin again. We were already mourning both him and Marcellus. But he brought one of them back to us." She gave Reza a small curtsy. Reza could feel the back of his neck getting red. He had to find a way to turn the conversation away.
"Of course, let''s find both of you seats, and we can continue this more comfortably," Reza guided them to a table and pulled out a seat for Marie and then Tavia before taking his own.
Reza motioned for a servant and leaned in when the man came close, keeping his voice low so none of the others could hear his orders. "Find my sister Cassia and have her join us. Also, bring our best wine and five cups."
"Right away, sir." The servant moved through the crowd, sliding through the guests with minimal issue.
Reza turned back to Marie and Tavia, who were already in conversation with each other.
"I must say I''m very impressed with this party. Everyone seems to be having a lovely time," Marie said, her eyes taking in the elemental lanterns, music, and people laughing, talking, and dancing throughout the garden.
Though Reza noticed many of the people at the party eyeing the group, whispering conversations all around them, he ignored them, keeping his attention on his new guests.
"Thank you, my sister, and I have been working hard to make sure this party went well with little help from Marius," Tavia laughed, and Marie joined in, looking towards Reza.
"What''s this fiction? I gave up my leave to help and you spread such lies," Reza argued with a smile, defending himself. Tavia just had to poke at me in front of guests and important ones.
"Yes, yes, he helped a little. I guess," Tavia laughed again.
"I''m sure he did plenty," Marie said as she placed a hand on his shoulder for a moment, defending him.
He looked at it, but she returned her hand to the table before he could do anything. She had already returned her focus to Tavia.
"Beyond Parties, what do you do?" Marie asked.
"Oh, I have several business interests that I handle for the family in and around Arkhen," She answered earnestly. They began to discuss all the different businesses and trading Tavia handled, but the topic was quite dull to him.
Reza turned back to Lukas. The young man had been quiet so far tonight. Maybe he should not be here. His energy already looked to be fading a bit.
"Do you need anything, Lukas?" Reza asked.
"No, I''m good, just I haven''t been to many parties, and I don''t really know what to do," He said.
Reza chuckled. He had to remind himself Lukas was pretty young, though it was surprising. He was a Sulli and knew the ten families held many parties beyond her tonight.
"Most of it is talk. Tavia will use this time to make deals with potential partners and clients while they will help us celebrate tonight for our ancestors. Everyone wins."
He looked up at me. "You don''t seem interested in what they are discussing," he said, nodding toward Marie and Tavia.
"An accurate statement, I fear my skills never right for buisness and numbers, not like Tavia. I was always good with my hands, and the soldier''s life suited me, and it''s an honorable profession." Reza said, shrugging. For many in the lower nobility, it was one of the likeliest careers, that or joining the city''s bureaucracy.
The servant returned, placed five cups on the table, and brought two bottles.
"Would you like me to cut the wine?" he asked, placing the red bottle on the table while keeping the clear one in hand.
"Yes, make it half water. There''s no need to get drunk off the wine. I want to enjoy it," Reza said. "Is everyone good with that?"
He looked around, and each one, in turn, nodded their agreement. The waiter opened both bottles, hastily poured the two liquids, and handed a cup to each of us. He took a small sip and tasted the lovely wine. The spice was just enough that it didn''t overpower the taste.
Marie also had a small taste. "Lovely wine, where is it from?"
Tavia answered quickly, "It''s out of Terrick. I partnered with a wine merchant who imports it to the city last year. I always try to keep as many bottles of it in the house as possible. It''s popular among the family."
Tavia had kept some big guns ready for their guests; he had not realized they had any of this wine left within the house. Each bottle of this wine could cost close to fifty ghouls. For most wines, a bottle was closer to three.
Marie glanced over, and Reza took a quick sip of the wine. "Tavia gets good rates if the family ever needs wine." He smiled and gave a wink. Hopefully, Marie understood his joke. It wasn''t the worst thing to get the notion that the Sulli''s could make deals with the family.
"Lord Sulli is never against having contacts, and I would love to talk more with Tavia about her dealings." Marie gave Reza a knowing smile before turning her attention back to Tavia.
Reza let them go. Their conversation was animated, and he knew Tavia had everything in hand. Returning his gaze to Lukas, Reza tried to gauge the young man. He had held the sword and didn''t flinch when looking death in the eyes, but he didn''t have the skill to defend himself. How was a noble so inept at fighting at his age?
"Do you know much about fighting?" He asked.
Lukas looked up, his eyes on Reza a light shown in them for a moment. "Um, no not beyond the basics everyone is taught. My father was never the martial type, more focused on the family''s estates south of the city. That''s why I was sent to my Cousin''s Legion. To learn how to fight and use my wraith. I''m unsure what will happen now with my training, but Lord Sulli probably already has plans, and we have not had time to discuss them since my recovery."
Very interesting, there’s something here. Lukas had something, the instinct that so many soldiers did not have. His words showed Reza a little more about the man within, and he was impressed. "I''m sure Lord Sulli does. From the little time I was with him, I was very impressed with him. And your family has done well over the last few decades of staying in power." Reza said, finishing his wine.
"Brother, why are you questioning the young man with such boring topics," a voice behind him said. He turned to see his youngest sister, Cassia, joining the conversation
Reza quickly stood and gave her his seat. Cassia was flushed as if she had rushed to the table when the servant finally found her. Taking the seat, Cassia placed herself next to Lukah. She turned to give him her full attention, already smiling at him. The young man looked up, and his neck reddened.
"I''m sorry you feel that way, Sister. Some people would argue against such a notion.” Reza responded, smirking, taking the seat next to Tavia. “Lukas, this is my sister, Cassia. Cassia, this is Lukas Sulli, heir to the Sulli Family," Reza said.
Cassia gave a bemused looked at Reza before she held her hand out to Lukas. "A pleasure to meet you."
Lukas took the hand and gave it a quick kiss.
Already making your mark, sister. Careful. Reza felt his stress building as he tried to catch his sister''s eye, but she refused to drop her gaze from Lukas.
"No, the pleasure is mine." He said, glancing at him before his attention returned totally to Cassia.