“I wish I could say it was lies, but Christianti…she had to witness it with her own eyes to produce such images,” Rorie murmured.
Drekkoril let out a loud sigh. “If you saw such acts for yourself, would you keep returning, so that someday you had the opportunity to show such holograms to the son of the couple who started it? She took part, Roriethiel. Christianti wasn’t the only sioskallo who did. But still, Volzi and Gonisa continued to elevate the power of the sioskallos. They would complain of the violation of the sacred castle built by hand by ancient Fae who wished to honor their Noble Protectors, but they watched each week too, although I am told they did not take part.”
“Being spectators while people are being taken against their will instead of the person performing the act doesn’t make you any less guilty,” Rafe growled.
“On that we can agree,” Drekkoril said. “Do you understand, Roriethiel? Our realm is plagued with so many problems and so far, I am helpless to fix them. The sioskallos pretend to be virtuous, but they are just like the vipers Brogan spoke to us about that murdered their dragon emperors.”
“I wish to help,” Rorie insisted.
“I would like to count on that,” Drekkoril answered. “I am sorry that you learned of your parents’ actions this way.”
“You kept the holograms up long enough so he could see them, though,” Aleksander said. “You could have stopped it.”
“And for that you all have my apology but, Roriethiel, you believe nothing unless you witness it yourself. I wonder what else went on during your twenty-eight years with your parents that gave you such a lack of trust.”
Instead of reacting with the anger Renny would have expected, Rorie nestled closer and only said, “I must retire to my rooms to think. Will you attend me, v’airsell nioll?”
“Absolutely. It would be my honor.”
“I hope you can forgive my actions someday,” Drekkoril remarked.
Rorie kissed Renny, then gave his attention to his bemollo. “You already have my forgiveness, but I have been protected and shielded my entire life. Do not keep secrets from me if you wish to preserve a friendship.”
“I understand. How much do you wish to learn of the past?”
“I do not know yet, but I do not expect you to have to come to me with those tales. You were not there, so the burden is not yours. I am sorry that people did not respect your bond today, Aleksander. I am most happy you punched that man, Rafe. Shall we go, Renny?”
With a nod, Renny pulled away to take his hand and led him out of the siofllar’am.
Chapter 17
Renny had studied Rorie’s face enough to understand when he was upset, but even if he didn’t know his mate that well, he would’ve likely seen the hurt. They entered the room they shared, and he led Rorie to the bed so they could take a seat. Pulling Rorie into his arms, he was unsurprised that the fairy started to cry.
“I’m sorry,” Renny whispered, rubbing his back.
“I am the one who should apologize,” Rorie managed. There were tears streaming down his cheeks, but he was still ethereally beautiful in the bright sun shining through the windows.
“What for?”
“I do not know where to start. I had no idea what things my parents did or how it would affect the society of my people. I cannot help but think we would not have been rounding up people drugged with a lust potion in the market square did they not split the Fae’s thoughts on how relationships should be treated.”
“You once told me you wished to have a relationship like Volzi and Gonisa, which surprised me because I would’ve assumed you’d use your parents as an example. Did you know some things about what was going on?”
“I did not lie. I was unaware of the things in the pictures Christianti showed us,” Rorie confided. In his eyes, it was apparent that Renny’s question had hurt, but he wanted truth between them. “However, I knew they did not stay in the bounds of their relationship. They bragged often of being the creators of the dasllerel tíeka. And although they never had one for themselves, they enjoyed the practice of celebrating when other couples procured them.”
“Celebrating?”
“Dear Ren, must you make me say the words?” Rorie demanded, pushing out of Renny’s arms to stalk over to the small pool that served as a bath.
“How did you know they were celebrating?”
“You wish me to say it. Very well. They bragged of it,” Rorie shouted with his back to Renny. “Whoever petitioned the Noble Protectors for the dasllerel tíeka would be gifted with a night in the bedroom of my parents. I did not want that for us. I always wanted my v’airsell nioll to desire only me.”
“Maybe that’s why Fate gave you someone like me.”
Rorie turned, and although his tears had stopped, there was turmoil on his face. “I thought it small of me, but I thanked Bétea that you are physically incapable of responding to anyone else.”
“Why is that small of you? I’m glad about it too. I like being a warlock familiar, Rorie. I would change nothing about myself. I have an incredible warlock, a beautiful family, and I like my mate too.”
