Recent by elf standards, perhaps. Magos mustn’t be aware the elves could disintegrate spells, or Lucien would have mentioned it. Though she couldn’t fault them for keeping such powerful secrets when Red Highland and Greenwood were often at war. Every advantage counted.
“You must be famished,” Dyna said. “I made dinner. If you don’t mind, could we eat inside with you? It’s a bit brisk outside.”
Lucenna didn’t know how to reply to this unusual situation. Never had she invited anyone into her tent before. Her stomach tightened with hunger, and whatever was cooking in the simmering pot hanging over the fire smelled good. There was plenty of space inside for all of them, but she wasn’t inclined to have company. Not with men.
The longer she looked at Dyna’s hopeful smile and her cheeks ruddy with cold, Lucenna’s scowl wavered. An icy wind passed over them, making Lucenna shiver as it blew through her clothes. Well, the day was dreary outside. By the dark clouds overhead, it was ready to pour.
“Very well, you may come in. Except for that one.” She pointed at Cassiel.
He stalked away toward the trees without a word.
“Are all Celestials this imperious?” Lucenna smirked.
Zev exchanged an uncertain frown with Dyna, no doubt uncomfortable by her question. She had touched on a delicate topic.
Lucenna rolled her eyes. “I have already seen him. Clearly, Celestials roam the earth. You have my word. I’ll never speak of it. I have as much reason to hide as he does.”
“Cassiel may not be much for manners, but he isn’t as awful as he pretends to be,” Zev said carefully.
Dyna lowered her gaze. They offered no more than that, neither confirming nor denying her earlier question.
“Your pardon, my lady,” Rawn said. “Due to the Accords, we cannot speak on this matter any further.”
Withher, he meant.
Lucenna’s temple throbbed again, interrupting her reply. She stifled a groan and went back inside her tent. The crystal orb on her desk pulsated with white light, fog swirling inside.
“It’s been active since yesterday,” Dyna said from behind her, having followed. “I didn’t think it was my place to answer it.”
“Nor could you,” Lucenna said, a tad harsher than she meant to. She amended with a more level tone, “Orbs only respond to the embedded Essence. As this one is mine, no one else but I can answer.”
Pushing Lucien’s call away, she lowered her defenses so he could sense that she was all right. The pulsing in her temple eventually stopped, and the light faded. She could only do that for so long before he became angry at her for ignoring his calls, but they couldn’t speak now.
With a flick of Lucenna’s fingers, and the objects strewn around the tent moved. The sheets rustled as the bed tended itself, the stacks of books straightened, the clothes folded, and the desk tidied up. The white crystals dangling across the ceiling post glowed, illuminating the space with soft light.
Dyna watched it all with her mouth slightly agape. “Incredible.”
Gathering some fresh clothing from the open trunk by her bed, Lucenna stepped behind the folding screen to change. As she pulled on a black dress, her ring snagged on the lace. The sight of the pink gemstone drew the memory of slender hands taking hers and the scent of rosewood mingling with a voice she’d longed to hear. Sighing, she moved on to fasten the buttons.
By the time she finished dressing, Dyna had brought in a stack of wooden bowls and a loaf of bread. Lord Norrlen followed behind with their packs and made a spot in the middle of the tent. Zev carried in the pot but immediately froze in place, surprise crossing his features. His nostrils flared as his wide eyes found Lucenna.
Heat rushed to her cheeks. What? Did her tent stink?
He set down the pot at Dyna’s prompting, and she served their meal, handing Lucenna a portion of bread and a steaming bowl. Dinner turned out to be soup. Stirring it with her spoon, Lucenna identified chopped mushrooms, potatoes, bits of onion, and herbs. Her mouth watered and her stomach growled. The others pretended not to hear it, but she was sure Zev and Lord Norrlen had. She waited for them to eat first before taking a tentative taste. The broth was full of rich earthy flavors, the potato dissolving on her tongue. Whether from hunger or the much-needed warmth, the food was delicious.
Lucenna ate quickly, using the bread to mop the broth. Thankfully, no one attempted conversation while they ate. The wind increased, rattling the crystals overhead. Soon, a gentle prattle of rain beat on the tent. Zev and the elf glanced at each other but continued to eat. Dyna kept watching the entryway, chewing on her bottom lip. Thunder rumbled in the distance before the sky opened and poured down.
Lucenna waited until she decided the Celestial had suffered long enough and said, “He may come in.”
“Thank you.” Dyna made a move to rise, but then she hesitated, uncertainty crossing her face. “Zev?”
His brow furrowed and he cocked his head at her. She avoided his gaze, focusing on her bowl. With a frown, Zev walked outside. An awkward silence hovered while they waited.Interesting lot, Lucenna mused. Entirely different from one another. What had brought them together?
Soon she caught Cassiel’s voice as they neared. “I do not care how warm it is. I will not go into the witch’s den. The horse is better company.”
Lucenna bit back a curse. Then he could freeze in the rain for all she cared.
“I told you, she’s not a witch,” came Zev’s rumbling reply. “Have a care and show some respect.”
