The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil by Melissa Collins Read Free Book Online Page A

announcement of their arrival. Prince Edric and Princess Aiva Levadis. She smiled to hear her named called out across the room in such a fashion. For a moment she thought to seek out Callum’s face, to see if he was watching, but thought better of it. He couldn’t be allowed to think that she was interested. She wasn’t. The whole point of her plan was to not be. But she wanted to know! What fun was there in making someone jealous – tormenting them – if you couldn’t know it was working?
    Edric led her forward along the path cleared for them by the courtiers, her smile widening to see her mother and father rise to their feet in greeting. With a polite bow Edric offered Aiva’s hand to King Thade, stepping to the side to give Queen Leyna a kiss on the cheek. “Mother. Father. As you can see, I found my lost sister. There is no more need for concern.”
    “We were worried about you,” Thade frowned, looking Aiva over carefully. “You are recovered from your earlier ailment?”
    “Of course, Father.” Aiva squeezed his hand tightly. She hated the thought of having caused her parents distress. They doted over her. The same as they did all of their children. For everything they did to make sure she was happy, she felt they deserved better than she had given in return. “I was tired, but a little rest did wonders. I would not dream of missing your celebration.”
    Thade chuckled to himself, lightly pressing his lips to her forehead. “I am happy to see you smiling again. Did you see Chief Okivra is in attendance? And he brought his son, it seems. I was hoping to introduce you and Edric to him.”
    “The Chief’s son?” Aiva stared at him, awed by the news. As the leader of the Ovatai in the frozen lands of Ethrysta to the north, he rarely found time – or need – to leave his country, let alone bring his heir along. His people were very private. Secluded. She was excited by the possibility of meeting Okivra’s son. “Are you sure I am dressed for the occasion? Had I known, I would have taken a bit more care. I never know whether or not the Chief is pleased with me.”
    “He will be pleased, Aiva. If you are on your best behavior that is,” Leyna nodded, motioning Aiva and Edric toward a small group standing off to the left of the dais. “I will let your father have the honor of introducing you. I should remain here.”
    Glancing over to where her mother indicated, Aiva could see the distinct outline of the Chief. His appearance was unmistakable. She’d only had an opportunity to speak with him on one other occasion and she recalled his presence to be intimidating. Okivra was a very powerful man. She could only assume his son would be as well.
    Thade already had her hand, leading her down the steps from the throne over to the Chief, immediately catching his attention. Okivra lifted his head, a strange half-smile on his lips to see them. Aiva tried not to stare. She knew it was impolite, but she found it hard not to gaze at anyone of the Ovatai race without the same look of wonderment. In many ways they bore resemblance to the Vor’shai, with distinct differences, the largest being the thin fur-like hair which covered most of their bodies. A natural protection against the harsh temperatures in the north. At a glance it was easy to miss. Upon closer inspection the fine hairs could be seen against their pale skin, with wider tufts on their forearms and calves, though well-concealed by the garments they wore for the celebration.
    Okivra was dressed in what appeared to be a very high-fashion sort of hunting tunic. There was little need in his country for fancy clothes. They wore what was necessary to survive. Aiva had no recollection of ever seeing the Chief in any color other than white, much like he wore now, unblemished in its purity. Living in a snow-covered landscape, the shade was perfect for concealment from any predator they might come across, while also offering ample advantage in stalking prey.
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