T A L O N
1 Searing 123
After the coronation...
Talon tipped back the glass of champagne in his hands. His gaze was turned to the distance, staring out over the city. Kalzasi had its king and also its prince. Karam’s first act had been to declare him Shinsei-Kam, God-Prince and Guardian. The title was only nominally different from his normal role as Shinsei, Talon would remain primarily in his role as Daizoku of House Novalys but in the coming days, he would be advising Karam quite heavily regarding matters of state. He had been performing those duties most of his life, now many of them would be taken up by Karam. A new day was dawning in Kalzasi and with it, a new era. He could almost feel the sigh of relief that some of the other ambassadors had breathed. Regional fears that Talon would take up the throne and lead a crusade across Karnor were still very real but with Karam serving as the mortal king, there were those who believed he could persuade Talon against such a course of action.
“Copper for your thoughts?” Warmth flowed over Talon. He leaned into the comforting touch of his partner as Aoren stepped up next to him. Feeling Aoren’s arm wrap around his waist, he let some of the tension flow out of his shoulders. As Aoren pressed his lips to the side of his head, Talon smiled.
“Merely thinking on the days ahead.” Talon set his empty champagne glass aside. The coronation had gone off without a hitch. He had overseen the recitation of vows and had pledged the fealty of House Novalys to House Senue. Now it was time to address other matters. He resisted the urge to sigh.
Aoren rubbed up and down his back, again pressing a kiss into his hair.
“There will come a day when we can go exploring, just you and I. Just like you want.” Aoren exhaled through his nose, chuckling softly. “But not today.”
Talon gently threaded their fingers. As one, the two of them took flight and sought out the individual who was undoubtedly awaiting them. Soaring through the skies, he bent the light so that both he and Aoren would be concealed. Talon focused on the aetheric signature of the individual who had reached out to him during the coronation. The warning still rung in his mind and it had stuck with him throughout the proceedings. When he found her, both he and Aoren glided down to her. It was only when he neared that Talon dispelled the concealment. He landed nimbly, folding his wings behind him. Aoren landed beside him but lingered back as he stepped forward. Across their shared Bond, he could feel Aoren ready to project a carefully constructed illusion in order to shield their conversation from prying eyes and ears.
Talon rest his hands at the small of his back, silver eyes observing the impressive warrior before him. He did not speak but waited to hear what she had to say.
