“Because I, too, am trapped.”
At that moment there is a tap on the door and someone outside the room calls, “The falconers await your pleasure, oh, Light of the Sun.”
“Bother. I’m still trapped, you see? Tell me one thing before I have to go, can I trust him? Prince Noreth?”
I consider my answer. I’m bound to help him wed her, but I have no desire to lie to her. Yet it is my honest assessment that Kaelun means her no true harm. That is not the same thing as being trustworthy, though. Does he want to trap her into a marriage she might not choose? Undoubtedly that is his plan. Would he do better by her if he thought he stood an honest chance? Perhaps.
She glances behind us at the door. It is clear to me she has no wish to be found alone with me. “I do not know, Solha. It is too soon to say.”
Her expression clouds. The knocking at the door comes again. “Come again to talk with me? Tonight, when the princes have retired. Please.”
I nod in acknowledgment of her request. Even the word please is music to my ears. It has been many rotations since anyone used that term for me. “I will return.”
I disperse into the mist again just as the door opens. Yalina spins toward it, and I brush past her leg. “I will be there in a moment. Please send someone to collect the princes and have them meet me.”
The servant leaves.
“I will wait for you,” she whispers.
Yalina
I’m still thinking about Noreth’s mysterious servant as I hurry down the stairs to the courtyard to meet the princes. Who and what is he, and how has the prince bound him? Perhaps I should be more concerned about the fact he has his creature spying on me, entering my rooms in secret. The truth is, I felt anything but threatened.
In the courtyard, we sit beneath a canopy with strawberry ices while the falconers show off my birds. They are beautiful creatures. They swoop and spin through the air to catch the little morsels tossed to them. Noreth is quiet. I cannot tell what he is thinking. After our exchange, I don’t know what to think. Every time I catch a glimpse of him from the corner of my eye I get goosebumps. I’m achingly aware of every shift of his body, of the slightest movement. I wish we could speak freely.
Aurelion watches me more than the hawks. He is quiet too, but the silence feels baited, as if he is waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
“They are beautiful, are they not?” I ask to break the silence.
“Impressive,” Noreth says.
Aurelion scoffs. “They are cute pets, but if you wish to see aerial maneuvers, I will take you flying some time.”
I turn to him, curious. “Could you?”
He grins. “Of course. Unless you are scared of heights.”
Noreth huffs. “The solha is not scared of heights.”
When I spin to look at him in surprise, he coughs. “I mean that you do not seem like the type to be intimidated by such a thing, Light of the Sun.”
So he is still not willing to admit the truth to me. I turn away disappointed and refocus my attention on Aurelion. “I would love to watch you fly.”
“Why just watch? Come with me.” He stands and offers me his hand.
Noreth jumps to his feet. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea!”
“Ah, but the solha is not scared,” smirks Aurelion.
Noreth scowls.
Just to get back at him, I turn to Aurelion and give him a smile. “I would be happy to accompany you.”
“Why not now?” He walks out into the center of the courtyard, and I follow. Then he steps back, releasing my hand. “If you wish to join me, I must shift in order to carry a passenger.”
I realize he is waiting for permission. This is a new side to him, and I am impressed.
I nod.
