The conversation finally diverted from Faris’s flirtation towards Cassandra’s family. The common hall was less crowded today to give guests some privacy. Other pack members were either taking food to their chambers or eating outside.
"How is father and Stephanie?" Cassandra carefully asked. Knowing they didn’t care for her but still.
"You mean Shadow Freak and Morally Dead Mage," Siroos quipped, gulping down his wine and grabbing another rib.
Lotus snickered brightly while Haylia side-eyed her son. She wasn’t aware of the kind of family Cassandra had and was finding it odd that he had so openly insulted them in front of the two sisters.
"You know the same. Stephanie is becoming more and more unhinged with every passing day. Father has spoiled her too much while he is worried about the West. The Vampire Monarch didn’t take the death of his son, let’s say in a tranquil manner. They are brewing something, another reason I wished to visit. Beware of them," Lotus addressed Siroos; the seriousness in her voice told him how grave the situation was.
"I appreciate it but we have very capable warriors. Besides, vampires hate the South due to its weather. They hardly tread into our lands," Siroos answered without hesitation, Haylia nodded her approval.
"I understand but Kamyn has a younger brother. His barbarity is well-known throughout all lands. I hope he doesn’t set his eyes this way."
"Why should he? Kamyn lost fair and square in the arena. He was trying to kill me. Siroos only defended," Cassandra quickly answered, acknowledging her mate’s efforts and swelling his heart in the process with the care that was reflected in her words.
"I know, Cas. But Vampires and logic don’t go hand in hand. Stephanie has been sneaking out of the castle as well. One of my maids told me, but before I could follow her, she disappeared. Something is brewing because father is very wary."
The atmosphere tensed with Lotus’s revelations.
"You don’t have to worry, pretty lady. I will protect you with my life, come what vampires or who else that may," Faris placed his hand on his bare chest and took a deep bow.
"There! There! Little one, I can manage," Lotus lovingly smiled and patted Faris’s head, making others laugh at her actions.
"We appreciate you bringing us all this information, Princess Lotus. I hope your stay is comfortable. Let me know if you need anything." Haylia respectfully stated and Lotus gave her a courteous nod.
"Luna Cassandra! Your sister will be staying in your chamber?" Haylia asked.
"Yes! Vera Haylia," Cassandra nodded her head.
"Very well, let Lana know so she can arrange for extra bedding. I have a meeting with Elders. We will converse more at the morning meal."
"I will do that, Vera Haylia."
Haylia took her leave after that.
"The food is delicious, I don’t think I have eaten that much in a long time," Lotus complimented, dabbing her mouth with her napkin.
"Stay here, become my mate and I will bring you all the delicious food in the world," Faris spoke up from her side with expectations clinging to his words. Lotus turned towards him again and he was giving her puppy eyes.
"You really are into older women." She chuckled.
"He has too much free time. Go and check on Razial, make sure he doesn’t get lost in the passageways," Siroos instructed, and he grumbled before lazily getting up and dragging himself away from Lotus.
"Ara will not be pleased." Cassandra bit her lip.
"Who is Ara?" Lotus questioned, finishing her wine, its sharp tang burnt its way down her throat.
"His current obsession," Siroos added and Lotus shook her head. He was mateless as well as shameless.
After finishing their supper Siroos walked the ladies back to Cassandra’s chamber.
"I hope you are treating my sister well," Lotus stated, addressing her brother-in-law, she was deliberately walking beside him so she could have a conversation.
"I am trying. Some days I succeed, other days I.." Siroos’s eyes met with Cassandra and a silent understanding she gave him to not tell her anything. There was almost a plea.
"Try harder, Alpha Siroos. If you hurt her, it will be me you will have to deal with," she threatened with her eyes taking a dangerous glint. "I placed a lot of trust in you."
Lotus had indeed helped him tons to take Cassandra away before Stephanie could deal more damage.
"He takes care of me, Sister. You don’t have to worry," Cassandra tried to ease Lotus’s fears; she didn’t wish to burden her sister and create chaos.
"He better," she fearlessly announced. Deep down Siroos knew if Lotus was to learn the truth she would try to take Cassandra away from him. She might help her hide somewhere so he wouldn’t be able to find her.
The mere thought of being separated from his mate caused him extreme pain. The decision to not tell Lotus about the curse seemed a sound one. He wasn’t sure how much Cassandra would reveal to her and how much she would hide.
"He will," Cassandra answered in place of Siroos.
"Let him answer," Lotus reprimanded and Cassandra became tight-lipped.
"She is my mate, my queen and my Malakti. I would always treat her right as she is my other half. You don’t have to worry, sister-in-law," Siroos answered, placing his arm around Cassandra’s waist and pulling her towards himself.
"Sleep well, my Malakti." Siroos placed a tender kiss on her head and whispered so only she could hear, "I won’t tell you what to do but I will accept whatever decision you will make."
"Um!" Was all Cassandra could say before he let her go.
Lotus keenly watched their interaction trying to observe if there existed any rift. She didn’t find any.
"Good night, Princess Lotus. We will meet in the morning."
He respectfully gestured with his eyes.
"Good night!" She repeated.
Trusting his mate he left them under Ames’s care and headed outside, he needed to see Razial.