The Burning of Sana Lightbourne

Chapter 47

Aneera thread her arm through her sister Lyra's as they walked along the beach to the pitch ball field beside the palace. "I'm so glad you could make it. I've missed you."

"I missed you too, but you look wonderful." Lyra beamed. "The east seems to suit you. Are you happy?"

Aneera nodded. "I am. My wife-kin are lovely and Lord Zehev can be a bit standoffish, but he's kind. What about you? Why didn't Troya come with you?"

Lyra smiled as she tucked a red curl behind her ear. "He's doing all the wedding preparations with Lord Dante and our father, but he didn't want me to miss the festive season, so I came with Kai."

"That's so sweet of him and lovely for me," Aneera said, laughing as she squeezed her arm. "Because I get to have you all to myself."

Lyra frowned. "But won't you be busy with Lord Zehev? Where is he, anyway?"

"He's arriving this evening with Lady Kieka. She's his main wife while Amorette, Marceline and I are his primary wives," Aneera said, waving her hand. "The hierarchy is a little complicated, but basically I'm free to do as I please during the tour."

"I know you always wanted to marry a prominent Lord, but are you okay being one of many?"

"Of course. I told you I'm happy." Aneera laughed. "I wouldn't want to end up like–"

"Is that Sana?" Lyra gasped as they walked up the steps of the grandstand that curved around the green pitch. "She looks...she looks beautiful. I forgot she was going to be here."

"Yes, she's here." Aneera scowled at their sister sitting between Galia and Nori, fashioned in another beautiful dress of flowing blue tulle and golden flowers embroidered in the delicate fabric, while the bright yellow and blue flowers weaved into her braids dazzled in her vibrant hair. "I suppose she looks alright for being engaged to Lord Rhyel."

"I should say hello. It would be uncouth if I didn't, especially since she's sitting with Galia and Nori."

"Mm, it would," Aneera murmured. "You do that," she said, waving to her wife-kin sitting with another group of Ladies. "I'm going to sit with Amorette and Marceline over there."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "You're not coming with me?"

"No, I greeted her yesterday. You go on, and find me when you're done."

"Alright, I will," Lyra said, picking up her lavender skirts as she moved across the green cushioned benches to the giggling trio, watching the participants warm up for the tournament.

Aneera rolled her eyes as Lyra greeted Sana with a warm smile, as if she'd forgotten that Sana wasn't meant to enjoy such occasions like this.

"Are you alright, Aneera? You look upset," Amorette said, patting the seat next to her. "Tell me what's wrong, dear. I thought you'd be happy to see your sisters."

"I'm happy to see Lyra," Aneera said, sitting beside Amorette. "I just didn't expect to see Sana." She sighed, feigning a pout. "We never got along, you know. She wasn't very kind to me growing up."

"Oh, I see," Amorette said, wrapping her arm around Aneera's shoulders. "Well, I'm sorry that she's here then. I hope it's not too hard for you to be around her."

"I'll be fine as long as I don't have to interact with her too much, I guess."

"Don't you worry," Amorette said, rubbing Aneera's shoulder. "We'll keep you safe from her."

"We certainly will," Marceline murmured as she kept her gaze on the field. "It's been a long time since I've seen Lord Rhyel, and I don't remember him looking so...dashing."