Chapter 17 - What is Cyrus?

The morning sun was softly warming Aryana when she woke up. The sunlight poured through her chamber's silk drapes, creating golden patterns on her bed. Still sleep-deprived, she rolled over with a quiet grunt. Recollections of the previous day flooded back, including the altercation between her brother, Ramin, and her intended mate, Cyrus. In addition to being violent and unpredictable, it had left her feeling more unsure of her future than before. Veloria sat up and walked around the room, putting a tray of food on the table and organizing clothing for the laundry. The aroma of the honey-glazed fruit, the fresh bread, and the pungent tea scent drifted in Aryana's direction. Veloria lowered her head slightly in greeting and smiled politely, saying, “Good morning, my lady” Aryana said, “Good morning, Veloria” her voice still raspy from sleep. She pushed aside the lingering traces of the disturbing dreams that had followed her all night as she stretched. Veloria kept a close che