Episode 83
Dinnerisaquietaffair, thank the heavens. Arisanna was mentally preparing to shield Cerian from Mother during the meal, but Mother quietly announced she was ready to retire, and after giving Arisanna a hug, Father followed her out of Elowyn’s room.
No one talks much as Arisanna and Cerian squeeze around Elowyn’s little table with the others, and Cerian eats his chicken and potatoes without complaint.
To Arisanna’s relief, Chef sent her chicken and potatoes as well.
She may not be squeamish, but it will be a while before stew sounds even remotely appealing again.
“You need to rest,” Queen Nestraya says to Tharios after she sets down her fork.
Tharios definitely looks worse for wear.
“I will, Mother. Soon.”
“Not soon. Now. Your father and I will take the next watch. I am hardly helpless. I trained under Healer Cadowyn before you were even a dream in your father’s mind, Tharios. If Elowyn needs you, I will send for you.”
Tharios rubs his face and sighs. “You’re a warrior-class healer, Mother. And I’m pretty sure Father was dreaming of Cerian.”
Cerian? Arisanna glances Cerian’s way as King Lorial runs his hand over Cerian’s dark hair. “Ebony and emeralds,” King Lorial whispers, and Cerian gazes at his plate, his cheeks rosy.
Ebony and emeralds?
Then it dawns on her. Queen Nestraya. Cerian’s father must have imagined elflings with his wife’s hair and eyes.
Hair and eyes like Cerian’s.
Will she and Cerian have an elfling with his dark hair and beautiful green eyes? And those pointed ears of his?
The thought warms her, and she pushes it aside.
Maybe someday.
“But I wouldn’t trade any of you for anything,” King Lorial adds. “And you will rest, Tharios. Your mother can watch over Elowyn for a few hours while you care for yourself.”
Tharios looks torn, but Viala draws him gently into a kiss, and Arisanna stares down at the table.
Will she ever grow used to the easy affection of her new family?
“Come away with me, my love,” Viala says softly. “Let me help restore your magic.”
Stars above. Did she just proposition him at the dinner table?
“Go on with you before you scandalize Arisanna,” King Lorial says with a chuckle.
Can they see her flaming cheeks?
“Forgive me,” Viala says. “I forget humans are not so free with their affection.”
“It’s all right,” Arisanna says. Hopefully, her red face isn’t too noticeable. “Just don’t say things like that around my mother. She might faint.”
That garners a few chuckles, and Tharios sighs again. “You’ll send someone if anything changes?”
“Of course, my little love,” Queen Nestraya says. “You may rest easy knowing if no one has sent for you, it’s because she is stable.”
“Come,” Viala says once more, though she doesn’t elaborate this time, and with a nod, he rises and takes her hand as she leads him from the room.
Well. Whatever Tharios and Viala do next, hopefully it will help him. And hopefully Elowyn won’t need him.
