AARYN
Aaryn fought the urge to bare his teeth when the males both laid sparkling eyes on Elreth. Eyes that sparkled a lot more than they ever had before.
Rak, a tall, weedy Bird with messy blond hair, was all smiles. "Do I have to bow?" he said as he reached them.
"Oh, please, Rak," Elreth said, her cheeks pinking.
But Dargyn, who was only steps behind him, made a show of it.
When Rak stood back, ruffling his hair, Dargyn dipped his chin and dropped to one knee in the dirt, his fist clenched to his chest. "Your Majesty," he said. "Let me be the first—" he glanced at Aaryn, "—to congratulate you and offer my vow," he said clearly, raising his voice so those at the tables nearby would hear him clearly. "I acknowledge you as Queen. I am your servant."
Elreth's face was a strange mix of gratitude and a wince.
