Omega's Rebirth

The doors to the audience hall were opened and King Jian strode in, his presence regal and imposing as it always was.

His every step commanded respect and the dragon lords and riders bowed low till he had taken his place on his throne.

King Jian glanced around the hall, the council was all present save for Xenon who was unavoidably absent and then Menarx.

By all rights, King Jian would always be the last to arrive at the council, it was because everyone else was duty bound to arrive as soon as they were summoned.

Even the King’s guard were no exception, other than those of flight patrol or out on a task.

But Menarx was not assigned to either, the dragon lord had refused to be a party to any of his duties since Neveah disappeared.

But Neveah had returned, had she not? King Jian was not certain what excuse there could be for Menarx’s absence this time and he frowned in displeasure.

King Jian’s gaze narrowed slightly as he passed a look to Lord Rodrick who stood at his place on the council.

Lord Rodrick shook his head to indicate he had no idea and King Jian’s questioning look moved to Kirgan.

"Menarx should be here soon." Kirgan thought to King Jian through their link.

King Jian raised a brow, he knew Menarx had chosen to tend to Neveah in person, but that did not mean he could be absent from a council.

Before King Jian could ponder over it any further, the doors to the audience hall came open again and Menarx strode in, but he was not alone.

This time... Menarx was accompanied by someone else and as understanding dawned, the entire audience hall fell into pin drop silence.

____________

"Are you sure about this? I would say it is a little too soon to spring this up on the council." Neveah asked Menarx uncertainly as she pulled her hair up into a pony tail like she had seen the riders do.

"Sooner...or later, they will know of it." Menarx replied with a smile as he leaned against the wall and watched Neveah.

"Well, that is also true...but even so, the council is the highest decision making body of Asvar." Neveah continued, tightening her arm guards.

The red riding dress was a blend of a robe and leather breeches, there was a thin silver belt which Neveah secured around her waist and the dress itself had silver trimmings along the edges.

The back part of the robe was a high neck, while the front part was low but not so much that it revealed too much skin.

The robes were comfortable and as Menarx had said, they were a perfect fit and Neveah did not wonder how Menarx had gotten her measurements so exact...there was Davina and the Keep’s seamstress.

The sleeves of the dress were secured at the wrist area with arm guards and there was a cloak accompanying the attire but Neveah did not bother with it.

Neveah was only putting on the robes to check the fitting, or so she had thought before Menarx revealed there would be a rider’s council and Neveah would accompany him.

It would be Neveah’s second time in the presence of the council, the most respected dragon and riders of the stronghold but this time, she would not be a criminal awaiting judgement.

This time, Neveah would be the Lady of Ruby scales. The second rider on the King’s guard in four centuries.

Menarx spoke of it casually, he asked Neveah to be at ease but Neveah could not help feeling this would not go over smoothly.

"Of which you are now a part, Veah." Menarx reminded.

Neveah sighed quietly, she was grateful for Menarx’s assurance but at the same time, she could not help but be slightly concerned.

"A moment ago, that same council was called for my interrogation. They deliberated my fate and almost decided on my death... I do not reckon they would be happy to see me." Neveah continued.

"Why? Are you scared?" Menarx asked.

"Scared?" Neveah scoffed in response as she turned to face Menarx with a raised brow.

"I have chosen my lot... to stand at your side is my own decision. I am the Lady of Ruby Scales. Scared of what exactly?" Neveah asked, tilting her head to the side.

Menarx’s smile widened as he walked over to Neveah, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"You are perfect, Veah." Menarx approved.

"You are certain you wish for me to accompany you to the council?" Neveah asked again and Menarx nodded.

"I do not wish to leave things as they are for a moment longer. By nightfall, everyone in the stronghold should know that Lord Menarx has chosen a bonded." Menarx affirmed.

Neveah pursed her lips, steadying her heart and pushing away her doubts. To survive in this unfamiliar world of dragons... there was only one sure method.

Neveah had to become a part of this strange, unfamiliar world... she had to make this world hers.

If Neveah could not leave Dragon Keep, she could at least ensure that Dragon Keep did not become another Eclipse Domain for her.

She would ensure she became a force that no one dared challenge here in Dragon Keep and at the same time, she would chose to whom she could entrust her heart... the mate bond be damned.

"Then I will have my hands full from here on out. Lead the way then." Neveah murmured.

Menarx stepped back and offered Neveah a hand which she accepted without hesitation.

"I must say...red truly is your color, Veah." Menarx added as an afterthought.

Neveah chuckled quietly, nodding her head in agreement... black was great, but red was not so bad either.

Menarx lead the way to the audience hall on the third level and it did not take too long before they arrived.

And as the doors came open, Neveah stilled her heart and held her head high, stepping into her new world.