He shakes his head. “I am an only child.”
“Really?”
“Yes. My mother was a…” he hesitates for a moment. “Courtesan.”
If his mother isn’t high-born, then how did he manage to rise to the rank of a duke? His father must be an Elvarran lord or perhaps well-connected to Gottfried. It is worth trying to see if he knows anything.
“She must be proud of how high you’ve been able to ascend.” I smile, passing no judgment.
A warm radiance and pride fill his gaze. “Very. This rank has allowed me to take care of her, so she no longer has to work.” He folds his hands behind his back. “Your mother is no longer with us, correct?”
I frown. “Yes. Thalia is no longer with us.”
My heart breaks slightly at the lie, but I must keep up the appearances of my heritage. No one can know about Isla. The secret must remain hidden at all costs. If people find out, they could see me as the true heir to Rykaris and force me onto the throne. Others may try to ransom me off like those bandits in Liora. If that happens, I may never truly be free. I need tokeep moving and find a way to escape these chains that bind me.
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I smile. “It sounds like you’re close with your mother.”
Sebastian nods. “We are very close. She means the world to me.”
“My brother and I are the same.” I give him a sidelong glance.
He pauses for a moment, something lingering on the tip of his tongue. I can tell he’s choosing his following words carefully. “My king has taken an interest in you,” he finally says.
“Is that so?” I reply curiously.
My pulse quickens in my veins, but I keep my mask of indifference on my features. I have this gut instinct that Gottfried knows something. These were the games of court, after all, a constant grab for power and ascension, and perhaps he wants to separate me from Wrath.
“I know you said your ceremony in Avelisar was interrupted, but he’s offering you refuge in Rykaris if you’re being held here against your will,” Sebastian explains.
“Your king’s grace is boundless,” I lie, a tight smile on my lips. “I can see why you speak so highly of him.”
“Thank you.”
“As I’ve said, I’m not being mistreated here.” I look around at the piles of snow. “And I’m not sure this is the best time to travel as winter settles.”
“Of course.” He nods. “I’m merely extending his offer.”
“Is there a timeframe by which he needs a definitive answer?” I ask, knowing that his urgency will determine Gottfried’s motives.
Sebastian shrugs. “Not necessarily. Once you’re in Rykaris, you can send word to your brother.”
How dare he hold that over my head.
“Yes, my brother will be pleased to know I’m still breathing,” I comment, pivoting the conversation once more. “I do wish we could put this war between the North and South behind us. My time here in Khalessor has made me realize we’re not so different after all.”
His expression softens. “We’re not. We’ve allowed those in power to convince us we are enemies. It’s why I’m drawn to you. You are very open-minded compared to most humans.”
“Thank you,” I say gently, noting his choice of words. “And your king? What are his beliefs when it comes to humans?”
“The East is known for its leniency on tradition. We have many halflings living in Rykaris,” Sebastian replies, dodging my question about the King. “It was once the most popular Elvarran kingdom to reside in.”
“What happened?”
“They lost their beloved queen.”
My mother.A knife of unease twists in my gut. My mother passed, the curse began, and shortly after, the war broke out. It didn't explain the sudden exodus of the population from Rykaris to Khalessor. People fled Gottfried. Due to laws, taxation, or beliefs, they left him in droves.
