A preview - Renalia Chapter 2 (Patreon)

“Your Highness?” the soft voice of one of her maids called from the open door into her study. “Prince Zephyr is seeking an audience with you.” 

“Is he?” Renalia didn’t bother to hide her mild surprise. Zephyr visited often enough, but he hadn’t sent notice this time, which was unusual. “Well, lead him to my parlor. I’ll be there in just a moment.”

The maid bowed and left to do as ordered. Renalia stood from her seat, stretched and dusting off her skirt — not that there was anything there. She wondered what Zephyr wanted. 

She left her study, closely followed by Cadell, and made her way to her parlor on the ground floor of the palace. Upon approach, she found Iroha chatting amicably with a young man she didn’t recognize. Long, dark hair hid most of his face, though Renalia thought she caught sight of thin glasses frames. Dark skin peeked out from finely made, if modest clothing. Who was this man? Had he come with Zephyr? Why he the reason for her friend’s visit? 

Her questions only multiplied when the man turned at the sound of their approach, Renalia’s golden eyes meeting pale blue. How unusual. He didn’t appear to be from any of the demon clans, which meant he was likely magically inclined. But why would Zephyr bring a mage here? He was far too delicate of feature to be any worth as a guard, even if Renalia found such features appealing. The man gave a short bow to her as Iroha waved casually behind him. 

“Hello, Iroha,” Renalia greeted her betrothed. “And who is this you’ve been talking too?”

“His name is Me’tis. Zephyr brought him,” Iroha said, an amused little smirk tugging at his lips. He knew something, Renalia could tell. But if Iroha was making it obvious that he knew something, that meant he wanted her to figure it out herself. 

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness,” Me’tis greeted softly, keeping his eyes lowered. Such an overly polite young man. Where on earth did Zephyr find him?

“Welcome to Runalis, Me’tis,” Renalia greeted in kind. “I would chat, but it seems Zephyr is waiting on me. Please let the maids know if you are in need of anything.”

Me’tis murmured his thanks, and Renalia glanced Iroha’s way, gaging his reaction. The damn fox looked far too smug for his own good. What did he know?

Renalia rolled her eyes, stepping into the parlor to get away from the hot air Iroha was putting off.