74 A Show 2 (1/2)
”Impatient fellow isn't he?”
Elya wiped the tears from her eyes and glanced at her father's dry expression. She'd been looking directly at Nikolai when he summoned those massive bolts of lightning and her eyes still stung from the blinding light.
”He can be a little excitable.” She offered as explanation, a little irritated at her father's comment.
”A little?” his eyebrow raised slightly as a ring of lightning exploded above them and horses whinnied in fear. Elya stroked Stormchaser's mane, calming the restless warhorse. Certain Stormchaser wouldn't act out, she moved closer to her father. As always, he sat like a stone on his own charger, seemingly unconcerned by the extravagant Magical display facing them.
”Just a little.” She confirmed. ”What did you expect papa? You sent Aunt Natalia to harangue him with the necessary protocol and etiquette for accepting a bride of House Suzdal and he's meant to ignore it all?”
”If you think I can send her anywhere she doesn't want to go…” He shook his head, a slight frown creasing his features. ”I can only say your fiancee must be extremely persuasive to get her to join his procession.”
Elya nodded along with his words, just as surprised by her great aunt's overt affection for Nikolai. As a Duchess of House Suzdal, her rightful place was by Elya's side or within the halls of the Suzdal compound in Neva awaiting Nikolai's arrival. By standing beside Nikolai she was flouting her allegiance for the Empire to see. While her father might believe it was simple persuasion on Nikolai's part, Elya knew better. Nikolai spent several hours every day cooped up in his Mage Tower with Natalia. Unfortunately, they were absurdly secretive and every time Elya tried to ask about his research Nikolai would become evasive, finding some pathetic excuse to dash away. As for Natalia, a single stare from the old woman would have Elya trembling in fear. Forget about questioning her, Elya had to control herself from confessing her various misdeeds.
Simply put, there was no way to penetrate the shroud the two of them placed over their work.
”They get along really well.” Elya shrugged, unwilling to go into details.
”Surprising.”
”Not really. Nikolai has a way to magically produce alcohol.” Elya moved closer and raised her voice as the wild song from the Dragon Lords rose in a wave of passion and energy.
”Ah.” Her father nodded slightly, squinting to observe the tattered banner borne by the Inichi Yesaul cresting the hill before them. ”Haven't seen that one before.”
”It's his war banner during the unification of the Dragon Lords.” She explained, brushing away loose strands of hair from her eyes.
A young attendant behind them snorted in displeasure. ”Ludicrous! How can he bring a tattered banner for such an event? These bumpkins barely even act like Imperials, consorting with barbarians.”
Elya spun to glare at the attendant, eyes warping as Draconic Aura flowed through her veins in rage. Before she could act a mailed fist lashed out to cuff him, a grim, scarred Barsi general leaning down to glare at the youngster.
”It's obviously the original banner you dolt. What kind of Imperial carries around fresh banners, anyway? It's honourable.” A chorus of agreement accompanied the general's words, and the attendant hung his head in shame.