“The first time?” She worked to recall when that might have been and remembered at the same time as Olivin spoke.
“The nobles’ dinner, out on the terrace.”
She’d completely forgotten and that knowledge made her feel slightly differently about her choice of dress. She’d been on Cullen’s arm that night. Eira tightened her grip slightly on Olivin without thinking, grounding herself in the present. He was right—clothes were just fabric on their own. She was the one who gave them meaning.
“I forgot you were there.”
“I never have.”
She glanced up at him, trying to decipher those words. Wondering for what felt like the thousandth time what he was leaving unsaid. As if sensing her frustration, Olivin just smiled as they came to a stop before the common house. His expression seemed…sincere. Almost vulnerable. What game was he playing at now?
Two attendants opened the doors in unison.
The inside of the common house had been completely transformed; the attendants must’ve been hard at work during the duels. Garlands of flowers were strung up between the posts that supported the second floor. The multiple tables had been removed and a long banquet table had been put in their place. There were seven velvet, tufted chairs around. Three on each side and one at the far end.
“Please, take your seats,” one of the attendants instructed. They sat two and two, her and Olivin, opposite Menna and Evanel at the end of the long table. Eira ran her hands lightly over the tablecloth. It was the finest lace she’d ever seen, strandsno larger than hairs woven together in intricate patterns that had looked almost solid at first glance.
No sooner had they sat than a different attendant announced, “Arise for Her Majesty, Queen Lumeria; the Voice of Yargen, Taavin; and Lumeria’s Quill, Jahran.”
Immediately, they were on their feet. The two men entered first from the back, Lumeria behind them. The queen wore her usual layers of silks. Four ladies-in-waiting, wearing similar garb, strode behind her.
“Good evening, good champions of Meru and Solaris.” Even a nod could be the epitome of grace when Lumeria was the one giving it. “It is my honor to host you for this reward feast.”
“The honor is all ours, Your Majesty,” Olivin replied.
“Please, sit.” Lumeria slid into her seat. Taavin was at her right hand, Jahran at her left. They all followed her lead, sitting when she did.
Two of the four ladies-in-waiting reached behind Lumeria’s head. After brief maneuvering, they freed her veils and lifted them straight up. The two stepped backwards, still holding up the fabric to cut off the end of the table and create a screen between Lumeria and the rest of them so Lumeria could eat without the trouble of her veil but also without showing her face.
“How have you found the tournament so far?” Jahran asked no one in particular.
“Wonderful,” Olivin said warmly. The rest of them avoided answering. Eira caught Evanel’s eyes and he seemed as skeptical as she was. Though they were both working to conceal it. She’d bet Meru had similar concerns as Solaris for the growing tone of the tournament. “It has been a thrill to live and compete with so many astounding people from beyond our continent.”
“That is good to hear.” Jahran wore a warm smile. It was sincere enough that Eira wondered if he was actually oblivious to what their real concerns might be.
“What has the reception been by the people?” Olivin asked as the attendants placed a bowl of floral-smelling water in front of each of them. He glanced Eira’s way, about to speak to her, when Eira dipped her fingers into the bowl in time with the rest of them. She lifted her hands and allowed the water to drip until the attendants brought a warm towel.
Taavin gave her an approving smile. Eira glanced down, hiding her own. They didn’t think she would know what to do. But Eira had been reading about the customs and traditions of Meru for a long time.
“Overall, quite positive.”
Overall. The word stuck out to Eira. Quite positive also implied that there were some problems.
Olivin must still have a similar mind as her, because he seemed to pick up on it, too. “Has there been anyone upset with the performances? Beyond being upset for their team to lose, of course.”
“There have been a few enthusiastic supporters that have taken their losses a bit too far in town. Nothing serious.” The way Jahran spoke sounded like a lie. Eira couldn’t put her finger on why, it was just what her gut told her. Especially when he made it a point not to linger. “What has been your favorite part of the games so far?”
“Easily the duels today, given that we won,” Menna chimed in. She grabbed her pendant as plates were put before them, murmuring a few words to herself before eating.
The conversation flowed naturally over dinner. No topic was lingered on for too long. Nothing was explored too deeply. Everything was kept safe and superficial.
It all felt fake.
Eira didn’t know how Cullen could tolerate this life at all. So much of his time must’ve been spent at dinners like these, withpeople worse than this. How had he not gone mad? And how could he have resigned himself to this for the rest of his life?
Lumeria stood, and with that, the dinner ended. Her ladies clipped her veil back into place. “Thank you, competitors. It has been good to have this time with you. I have some other matters that demand my attention. But, please, enjoy the remaining drink. This house is yours for the evening.”
“Your Majesty,” they all murmured, bowing.
