To his credit, the male didn’t fidget or wince like the other members had today. He held Kailia’s stare as he said, “The pleasure is all mine, your Majesty.”
“What territory do you represent?” Kailia asked
“Everfall, your Majesty.”
She hummed. “I hear the city is beautiful.”
“It is. We would love to host you both the next time you visit.”
“I would like that as well,” she replied. “Is there a time of year you suggest?”
“Summer is best. Autumn is beautiful, but the weather takes a turn rather quickly, and the winter can be dreadful at times.”
His smile was kind as he spoke, his onyx hair a little unruly. His clothing wasn’t as formal and proper as the others at the table. In fact, his clothing was rather worn. He’d come in work boots, covered with dust and grime, rather than polished shoes or boots, and he was conversing with Kailia as if she were just another person. He was being respectful, yes, but Kailia was visibly more comfortable in her conversation.
Cethin also had a feeling that a trip to Everfall was in their near future. This was the first time Kailia had shown any interest in Avonleya in general.
She didn’t stay for the rest of the advisory council meeting, and Cethin couldn’t blame her. He wouldn’t have stayed if he didn’t have to. She left shortly after her brief conversation with Corveth, Razik with her, before the conversations turned to the attacks, four more Fae that were found dead south of Aimonway, the Elder Clan treaties, and more.
It was well into the night when they finally adjourned, tabling issues while coming to terms on others. But the matter of the new Fae deaths had him making his way to his study when the moon was already starting to fade from the sky. The options were this or going back to his rooms, where despite his best efforts, his movements would wake Kailia. She didn’t sleep through anything, and he suddenly wondered if her revelation about hunting things today had anything to do with that.
As it turned out, it didn’t matter whether or not he went to their rooms. Less than an hour later, there was a soft tap on the door before Kailia was drifting into the study. Her midnight hair was flowing around her, faint ashes floating amidst the strands, and her eyes swirled languidly, as if her magic had stirred awake as well. She was clutching a book to her chest, each step into the study soundless.
Shifting back in his chair, he propped an elbow on the armrest while steepling a finger along his temple.
“Glad to see you made the wise decision to wear a robe while wandering the castle halls. The night watch will be grateful,” he mused when she paused to study a map on the wall.
But at his words, she twisted to face him, her expression pensive. “Why would the night watch be grateful I wore a robe?”
“Had any of them seen you in the nightclothes I’m sure you’re wearing beneath it, I’d have been compelled to relieve them of their duties.” He paused before adding casually, “And possibly their eyesight.”
“That’s absurd,” she scoffed, shuffling a few steps closer.
“You’ve stabbed me for less, tiny fiend,” he deadpanned. “What brings you down here at this hour? Can’t sleep?”
“I slept a bit,” she replied, now at the side of his desk. She ran her fingers along the smooth surface.
“But?”
“Do you sleep?” she asked instead. “I’ve yet to see it.”
He smiled softly. “Yes, I sleep.”
But he didn’t tell her he only slept when he’d pushed himself to the point of exhaustion. He didn’t tell her he only slept if his power became so depleted, it forced him into a semi-conscious state.
He didn’t tell her that he understood the dangers of dreaming.
She was still exploring his desk, and he wondered if she’d realized she’d rounded the corner as she leaned in to study a glass container, the contents swirling and twisting but never merging into one.
“What are you reading?” he asked after a few minutes of watching her.
She straightened, as if just realizing how odd this entire situation might be. Then she looked down at the book she’d tucked under her arm. Turning to face him, she leaned back against the desk, holding it out to him. “Razik let me borrow it.”
“Did he now?” Cethin asked, taking the book. “And where is your guard who’s not supposed to let you go anywhere alone?”
She shrugged. “He told me once I’m in our rooms for the night, he’s off duty until breakfast unless summoned. I didn’t summon him.”
“Sneaking out then,” he commented, thumbing through the pages.
