Tharios stares at Cerian for a few moments, and a smile gets the better of him before he can help himself.
At least he resists the urge to laugh.
“First, that bottle I gave you,” Tharios says. “Every night?”
Cerian glares daggers at him, and Arisanna turns red. Then Cerian sighs, and his scowl fades. “Yes. Thank you. Can we focus on the vines now?”
“This is fascinating to me. My vines have never done—”
“Mine are more powerful than yours.” Cerian lifts his chin, and Tharios grins again.
“That they are. At least you don’t have air magic. You don’t even wish to know that story. When Elowyn is settled again, I’ll come see what I can do, all right? Does Father know your plant magic is out of control?”
“It’s not out of control. It’s just...eager. And both Father and Mother know.”
Tharios shrugs. “Well, as long as you’re growing jungles in hotels on purpose.”
“I’m having regrets about this conversation.”
Tharios laughs at that. “It will be fine, Cer. We’ll get it cleaned up. How far away is this suite of yours? Your magic grows faint at night.”
Horror fills Cerian’s eyes. “Why are you sensing my magic at night?”
“Relax. I’m not spying on you. It’s just there whenever I access my life magic. You’re too powerful not to notice.”
“It’s on the third floor,” Arisanna says quietly. “On the other side of the hotel.”
Tharios gently tugs at the cord connecting him to Viala. It’s shorter than it was yesterday. Something must be bothering her. He’ll have to ask her when he gets a chance.
“I’ll need to bring Viala,” he says, and Cerian nods.
Tharios eyes the tray again. He should probably eat something. Especially if he’ll be accessing his plant magic.
“Is that your breakfast?” Arisanna asks.
“I believe so.”
“Be careful,” Cerian says. “She enjoys forcing food down people’s throats.”
“Cerian!” she hisses, and a smile tugs at Tharios’s lips.
“If she’s ensuring you don’t starve yourself when you’re upset, I’m going to take her side on this,” Tharios says to Cerian.
“You probably should eat something, too,” Arisanna says to Tharios.
“See?” Cerian gestures toward her. “I don’t believe she can help herself.”
Despite Cerian’s words, adoration shines in his eyes as he looks at Arisanna, and it warms Tharios’s heart to see Cerian so happy.
Arisanna’s right, though. He should eat. Tharios turns back to the tray of what must be cold food by now, and with a sigh, he sits and pours himself a cup of tepid tea before picking up his fork.
RominybracesElowyninfront of the sink as she stares at herself in the mirror. To say this has been awkward would be an understatement, but they managed.
“I look awful,” she whispers.
He gazes at her reflection. She doesn’t look her best, but it hardly matters. Not to him, anyway. She’s still his Elowyn.
“I think you’re beautiful all the time,” he says softly.
