Chapter Nineteen - Advise from the Cunning One
CASSIUS
I poured myself a glass of deep red wine, the scent of rich berries and aged oak curling in the air as I lifted it to my lips.
The great hall had quieted as the evening stretched on, most nobles retreating to their chambers or indulging in softer revelries. The flickering candlelight cast golden hues against the polished wood, and the faint murmur of servants cleaning up echoed in the vast chamber.
I swirled the wine in my cup, letting the liquid catch the dim candlelight. My thoughts, however, were elsewhere.
Images of Liora flashed in my mind—the way Kieran had carried her, the subtle look of surprise on her face, and the way she had instinctively clung to him. I had told myself I didn’t care, but the uneasy feeling in my chest said otherwise.
“You look like a man lost in thought,” came a familiar voice from behind me.
I smirked but didn’t turn immediately. “And you look surprised to see me here.”
Darius approached with his usual easy confidence, arms folded over his chest, a knowing glint in his eyes. “I am. You don’t often drink alone unless something is troubling you.” He tilted his head slightly, studying me.
“Or someone.”
I let out a quiet chuckle and took another sip. “You overthink things, Darius.” I said.
“Do I?” Darius reached for a goblet of his own, pouring himself a drink before leaning against the table beside me. He swirled the liquid lazily before saying, “Liora.”
I arched a brow. “Yeah what about her?”
Darius smirked, taking a slow sip before responding, “That’s what I’d like to know. You’ve been watching her—more than you do to most people.” I cut in sharply “She's married, Darius”
“Then why are you admiring her?”
I scoffed, shaking my head, “Admiring..I’m not. Kind of. She is... interesting, I’ll admit. But don’t mistake my curiosity for something deeper.”
Darius grinned knowingly. “Curiosity, is it? And here I thought you might be developing a taste for our dear sister-in-law.”
I exhaled through my nose, setting my cup down. “You’re relentless.”
Darius shrugged. “I only ask because you’ve never really looked at a woman like that before. You flirt, Cassius, you charm, but you never let yourself fall.”
My smirk didn’t quite reach my eyes this time. “Falling is for fools.” then I continue "I'm not like you Darius"
"I never said you are" before he could continue I said "And I would never Darius"
Darius let out a low chuckle. “Really? Or are you afraid of what might happen if you do?”
I leaned against the table, my fingers tracing the rim of my goblet. “Afraid of what?” I let out a humorless laugh. “No, Darius. I simply have no interest in the burdens that come with it.”
Darius studied me for a long moment before shaking his head in amusement. “You should speak with the other maidens in the court—surely, there’s one that could hold your interest.”
I snorted. “The court maidens are predictable. They are whorls. They either want power, security, or a title. None of which interest me.”
Darius smirked, lifting his goblet to his lips. “Ah, so you want a woman who challenges you?”
I hesitated for the briefest of moments before taking another sip of wine. “I do not want anything, Darius."
“Liar.”
I shot him a look, but Darius only laughed.
“I saw the way you look at her,” Darius continued. “Even if you don’t realize it yet.”
I turned my gaze away, watching the flames dance in the hearth. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Maybe not now,” Darius mused. “But tell me, if it were anyone other than Kieran, would you still be so dismissive?”
I tightened my jaw, but I masked it with another drink. “You’re reading too much into things. Just mind your business, Darius”
Darius chuckled again, shaking his head. “Perhaps. Or perhaps, you’re already far too interested in someone you shouldn’t be.”
I didn’t reply. Instead, I poured myself another drink, my silence saying more than words ever could.
“What I'm saying, get yourself a girl. You're getting old” he turn the wine into another goblet
“You are the one getting old. Even the third prince. Do you have one in mind?” My voice was low but cool.
He looked down into the goblet like the answer to my question was there. “I do. But…” I interrupted “But you just want to have fun with her for a while. I know you very well, Darius”
“Not that, Cassius,” he hesitated. “Then what” he gave me a sharp gaze. His face full with amusement like what we were saying was funny.
He smirked, “You are right Cassius. She just for fun. I don't really like her.”
“Exactly. I've known you not to take anything serious. Not even a woman and you are here advising me to get a maiden. Oh dear, I do have pity on that girl.”
He scoffed, “Why?” I gazed at him “Cause I know full well that girl has full interest and trust in you”
“No she don't… I mean she wouldn't. She's a whorl.”
“Oh wow. A whorl. Are you going to be with her forever?...oh right, she's just for fun”
Silence stretched between us for a while. I stood up heading to the door
“Where are you going?” Darius asked, I stopped but didn't turn. I exhaled “Following my brother's advice and have little fun.” He scoffed “Seriously, Cassius.” I ignored and left.