And then the lord’s gaze shifted to her, and again, she didn’t know what she was supposed to do or say when the lord spoke to her, each word fractured and full of the agony he was clearly still experiencing. “Apologies…your…Highness.”
She was frozen, the words ‘your Highness’ rolling around in her head. It wasn’t until the icy darkness of Cethin’s magic brushed along her arm a moment before his fingers followed the same path that she glanced at him.
“Is his apology sufficient, Kailia?”
She was nearly startled at the change in his tone. There was a softness there, and she really needed to get herself together. His looks and tone and touches were far more convincing than her just…sitting here.
But not knowing what to do yet again, she nodded once more. His head tilted slightly, the barest of creases appearing at his brow as if confused. Was that not what she should have done?
A throat cleared down the table, and without looking away from her, Cethin said sharply, “What?”
“Are we allowed to ask where her Highness hails from?” a male asked.
“If done so respectfully, then yes,” he answered simply, sitting back in his chair once more, his fingers slipping from her arm. He nodded at her encouragingly.
“I’m…” She cleared her throat, sitting up taller. “I’m from Shadowfen,” she replied, the words a little stronger.
“Shadowfen?” the male repeated.
“You know of it, do you not, Lord Tovan?” Cethin said. “The hunting and fishing town near Harrows Bay.”
“Of course,” Lord Tovan replied. “I am simply surprised.”
“You grew up in Shadowfen?” Lady Mariel repeated, the curiosity evident in her tone.
Why would Cethin tell her to say that town if it was going to invite surprise and questions?
“What of the sea serpents?” Lord Tovan pushed.
What of the…
Cethin scoffed under his breath. “The sea serpents slumber, Lord Tovan.”
“What of your family, my dear?” the lady cut in. “What is your bloodline? You are clearly not Fae but an Ash Rider. More than many of us had hoped for. That is from your father’s line, I presume?”
This was…a lot of questions being hurled at her.
“I think that’s enough for now,” Cethin cut in, and relief coursed through her.
She didn’t know her lineage. How in the realms was she supposed to share it with strangers?
“And the union? When will that take place?” Lady Mariel pushed.
The king’s smile was thin and words pointed as he replied, “After the Beltane Hunt. Is that sufficient, Lady Mariel?”
The lady quickly lowered her eyes to the table. “Of course, your Majesty. You cannot fault us for our excitement.”
Cethin hummed. “If there is nothing else today?—”
“There is,” the Commander interrupted.
Something in Cethin shifted as his attention turned to him, and Kailia didn’t understand it. He wasn’t quite as…dominant as he said, “Yes, Tybalt?”
“You have a betrothed,” the male continued. “The future queen needs a personal guard, just as you have.”
“We can discuss that at a later time,” Cethin answered.
“No need,” Tybalt replied. “Razik has already been appointed.”
