The Guardian

Chapter 14

"Ximi? I always wanted to ask you, why have you pierced your nose? As far as I know, nose pins aren't common in our culture."

Kamaria sipped her mead. Ximi smiled at her and turned towards her plate.

"Gravy?"

"Yes, please."

Ximi spoke as she served Kamaria.

"I read that in the olden times, Seers used to pierce parts of their bodies so that the Moon could focus the visions and identify them. I pierced my nose because it lies the closest to my eyes. And it looks pretty, doesn't it?"

"It does. Is it made of silver?"

Ximi swatted her on the arm.

"Of course it isn't, silly. Silver would burn my face off. It is made of platinum and has a small diamond embedded into it."

The conversation between the two went unnoticed in the bustling hall. As usual, the dining hall was populous with the lords and the ladies of the court, who had, according to custom, assembled to sup together.

A booming laugh towards her right had Kamaria's gaze falling upon an inebriated Sebastian, who had chosen that precise moment to pull Charlotte into his lap and kiss her fiercely, causing the room to erupt into raucous laughter.

"That reminds me!"

Ximi slapped a hand to her temple.

"Huh?"

Ximi looked at Kamaria apologetically.

"I am sorry that I won't be able to accompany you to the library. I have decided to have a session this full moon and need to inform Xanor to pass on requests if any. I also need to prepare my solar."

"Can I watch you? Please?"

Ximi grinned at Kamaria's glee.

"Yes, you can. Just follow my instructions and you will be fine."

"Your Highness?"

The two turned to see a serving girl smiling at them awkwardly.

"I am sorry to interrupt you, Your Highness. Would you like some cocoa?"

Ximi shook her head.

"No, thank you. Kamaria would like some, won't you?"

"I would like to try."

The girl smiled at her as she placed a steaming goblet in front of Kamaria.

As soon as the girl left, Kamaria turned to Ximi.

"What is this?"

"It is a drink, a Doracrean specialty. Only the nobles of the Citadel are able to taste this. It is ridiculously expensive, and is one of the main goods imported from Doracre. I don't like it."

Kamaria stared into her mug. The steamy liquid was the colour of the summer silt the streams brought down from the peaks of the Ruosk. She inhaled the vapours and recoiled. Closing her eyes, she sipped the liquid tentatively.

Kamaria coughed as the liquid burned her mouth and throat. Her stomach heaved, trying to repel the foul fluid. A dull ache pounded at her temples and Kamaria felt weak.

Cocoa harms me.

She sneaked a glance at Ximi who was chatting with the ladies.

Does it hurt her wolf too? I am certain that it won't affect her as much as it affects me. She has a human soul.