“I'm only speaking the truth, Ellie,” she said innocently. “That is your history; you can't change it.”
“No, but I can change my future.” I smiled at Verin. “I can choose another man of water.”
In the sunlight, Verin's hair looked more sapphire than indigo and the golden tones in his skin warmed. Those exotic eyes gleamed and brightened to turquoise as their pupils thinned into lines so slender they nearly disappeared. Dressed in his court clothes and boots, Verin couldn't have looked more out of place striding across the sand and yet he exuded a confidence that overcame that.
Then he smiled.
“Oh, my,” my mother murmured. “You are a handsome one. I'll give you that.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Tanager.”
“Call me Kalli,” she offered.
Verin grunted in assent and pleasure.
“So, if you continue this affair,” my mother went on casually, “where will you live?”
“It's not an affair, Mom.”
“Oh?” She lifted her brows. “Then what is it?”
“A relationship.”
“Very well. If this relationship continues, where will you live, Ellie?”
“Itwillcontinue,” Verin said firmly.
“We haven't figured it out yet,” I added. “I don't mind living in the Azure Kingdom.”
“You don't?” Verin asked in surprise.
“No, it's lovely.”
Verin grinned.
“She says that now, but I know my daughter. She'll get tired of it, no matter how beautiful it is,” my mom warned Verin. “And she has her own kingdom to look after. Which reminds me, how will you rule with Darcraxis if you divorce him?”
Verin's jaw clenched.
“Maybe I'll just give him the Kingdom.” I shrugged.
“Oh, Ellie, no.” My mother shook her head.
What?! My love, please, you cannot,Kyanite simultaneously exclaimed.I don't even think it's possible to give up a jewel kingdom. The only known way to sever such a link is through death.
“It's been two days,” I said irritably to them both. “We haven't worked everything out yet but we will. Now, stop pushing, Mom, or I won't speak with Vivian.”
“An ultimatum, Elaria? Really?” My mother gave me her I'm-disappointed-in-you face.
“That won't work either,” I chided her. “If you want to help me, you need to accept that I'm with Verin now.”
“I accept it; I just don't understand it. But I'm trying to.” She climbed onto a boulder and perched on her toes. “What has the RS said? Or Kyanite?”
I cleared my throat. “Kyanite has made peace with it but I've had to block the RS.”
Mom fell off her perch.
Verin moved as if he might catch her, but Mom landed on her feet, wings extended, still gaping at me.
