Relief fills Arisanna at the image of Rominy and Elowyn sleeping peacefully across the room.
“I suppose...”
Arisanna looks up at Cerian, waiting for him to finish.
“I suppose we should get some breakfast,” he whispers.
Arisanna squeezes his hand and offers him a smile.
“Have fun.” Tharios claps Cerian on the shoulder, and Cerian takes a steadying breath before leading Arisanna back into the corridor.
Hopefully, this isn’t a disaster.
Coffee Break
Episode 114
ForArisanna.He’sdoingthis for Arisanna.
As they follow the King and Queen of Nunia down the street with guards surrounding them, Cerian clings to Arisanna’s hand, and she leans her head against his shoulder.
At least her mother walks ahead of them and not behind.
How far is it to this restaurant? They seem to be traversing the entire town of Feressa.
While people gawk at them.
“We’re almost there,” Arisanna says softly. “Would you like me to order for you?”
He gulps at the thought of trying to decipher a Nunian menu while Queen Yalisa chatters across the table.
“Please,” he murmurs.
“Here it is,” the queen announces, and they stop outside a dining establishment similar to the one they visited on their way to Lostariel after the binding ceremony. Why they couldn’t eat at that one is beyond him. It’s only a few doors down from the hotel.
Two of King Gerault’s guards enter, examining the room before beckoning the royal family to follow as a well-dressed man gestures to a large corner table with awraparound bench. They must have sent word to have the table reserved for the king and queen.
“Why don’t you slide in first?” King Gerault says to Cerian with a smile. “My knees would be grateful.”
With a nod, Cerian follows Arisanna as she moves into the corner, and her father takes his place beside Cerian. At least Arisanna’s mother didn’t wish to sit beside him. She seems happy to chatter from Arisanna’s other side.
Trapped. That’s what they are now. With King Gerault on one side and Queen Yalisa on the other, there’s no way out.
“I’m right here,” Arisanna whispers in his ear.
She must sense his heart racing.
Of course she does.
It’s fine. He’s fine.
Perhaps if he thinks it enough times, he’ll believe it.
Pushing thoughts of being trapped from his mind as best as he can, Cerian takes in their surroundings.
It’s quiet, with only a few other patrons filling nearby tables. They must have missed the breakfast rush.
Thank the fates for that.
