4. Of Meetings and Greetings

Darien refused to speak with Myriem for the rest of the week until the Siren Princess arrived. He didn't hang out in Myriem's bedroom at night, spent his days hiding out in the stables and dungeons where Myriem loathed entering, and even blatantly avoided Myriem's summons.

Myriem felt helpless do do anything about it. He decided to just let Darien sulk as he wished.

It was only when the Siren Princess' carriage arrived that Darien decided to show his face. But unfortunately for him, at that point, Myriem was no longer looking.

Myriem stood at the main entrance of the castle, where she would come out from the carriage and head up the stairs. From here, he would not be able to see her face until she got close, but that was not important to him anyways. He was much more interested in her entourage and what she'd be bringing with her.

Second Prince Keel stood beside Myriem, as he was the one to sign the treaty with the Kingdom of Aselan. Myriem technically did not need to be there as their engagement was not yet formally announced, but it would later stir a scandal if he did not.

Any of his short-sighted siblings could easily spin a story of how he was cruel and harsh to his new wife to defame him, potentially risking the entire alliance. Both Keel and Myriem knew that, and such, both silently showed up at the door when their individual spies notified them of the approaching carriages.

To the public, they painted a handsome picture of two elegant princely brothers, both with perfect posture and grooming, visible despite their capes.

But in reality, Myriem was sick and tired of the familiar tense atmosphere. Ruey stood a few paces to the side of Myriem along with his personal guard - though Darien was notably missing - and Keel stood with his, Cirpre's blathering filling their brains with worms.

Myriem knew he was protected from the sting of the sun, but it was hot under such a heavy cloak! He cursed the Sirens in his heart. The carriage had already entered the outer gates of the central city. How long did it take to get to the front gate of the castle, for goodness' sake?

Myriem was seized with heated boredom as he waited for his stupid bride to arrive. The Sirens were people of the water. Unlike Weres and Fey, who were people of the land, Sirens were known for their deadly beauty driving those on land to their demise in the sea.

And so the Siren's Country of Aselan was not large in terms of land mass, as the Vampire Country of Lee was. What Aselan had was not vast plains of land, but most land hugged the coastline. As such, swaths of their waters were populated with not only Sirens, but Merfolk and other Creatures of the Sea.

The Vampires had influence over the affairs of the land, but little say over the waters. Furthermore, as the Sirens held so much of the coasts, they controlled most trade by ocean with any of the neighbouring naval countries, and imposed large tariffs on the countries it traded with by land.

Aselan had long been wanting to expand their land trade and influence after subjugating all neighbouring species in their waters, and their Country of Lee had long been hoping to quell their aggressive expansionism.

Myriem knew how valuable this marriage was. He also knew that it was around time for him to cement his bloodpact, and that was likely why his mother was so agreeable about him marrying an unknown foreign princess.

But Myriem had no true interest in this marriage. Darien was the only one he'd ever wanted, and he was pretty damn sure that Darien only wanted him as well.

So he paid close attention as the entourage finally arrived. He assessed the carriages arriving with calculative impartiality, noting the positioning of each security detail, and was rather disappointed.

It seemed the Sirens did not value this Princess very much. For a country known for their allure, there was no effort put into this Princess's image. Had he not known it was the Princess arriving, he would have thought it was any old court minister, not the beloved, beautiful Princess of a hungry nation.

The ornaments the carriages did carry were bright and shiny, making Myriem struggle not to squint from the reflection of the sun. His irritation at the Siren Princess grew.

Myriem's disappointment only grew as he saw the Princess descend from the carriage. The veiled figure wore bells and fine fabrics, but nothing of note. His first impression was that she was not as beautiful as everyone had heard, and the lack of any ostentatious display was to set expectations low.

Myriem didn't get long to assess the Princess. Before she had even begun climbing up the steps to the castle entrance, he was greeted by various small Ambassadors and Ministers of Aselan, accompanying the Princess to refine the details of the alliance. Myriem greeted them kindly, aware they were going to report to the Princess, but overall paid them little mind. They would be quick to leave after the wedding.

When all the obeisances were complete, Myriem eyed Ruey, and she quickly approached to his ear.

"This Princess is likely not as beautiful as we have heard," Ruey whispered.

Myriem nodded solemnly, approaching Keel with a serious face as if he had heard a star was falling and he was needed to hold it up himself.

Keel restrained his eye-roll, aware of his brother's antics, and nodded at him, pardoning him.

Myriem didn't need to see the Princess herself. In fact, he felt it was better for them to not be in contact unless necessary. Partly to preserve the Princess's honour to quell any rumours of indecent affairs between them, but mostly because he had absolutely no interest in a spoiled woman.

It was enough that he showed his face. He bowed at the foreign men and politely excused himself, leaving just as the Princess finally arrived at the top. As Myriem left, he heard Keel welcoming her warmly.

Behind a pillar, Darien watched Myriem's retreating back with unease. Myriem hadn't glanced at the Princess twice, but the bells on her veil shook Darien's heart with agitation. Seeing Myriem enter the castle, Darien quietly followed.

Darien had the uncomfortable sense he was being watched, despite his form remaining hidden in the shadows. He didn't turn around, but had he did, he would have noticed the pair of slit eyes watching him closely.