“So, you see it is not unreasonable that he should want a child with you now. Someone to sustain him for the future. A Dragon-Sidhe heir would change everything for the Fire Kingdom.”
“And it would change everything in the future,” I said. “As much as I would want that for Arach, I cannot allow that to happen.”
“You know the future,” Rory whispered.
“I live in your future, but I can't tell you what will happen. I'm already risking a lot by speaking to you now.”
He nodded. “I understand. But surely, there is knowledge you can impart without risk?”
I frowned. “I don't know. I think it would be best if I got home as soon as possible. Which brings me to the reason I'm here.”
“I thought it was for me?” Rivella asked.
“No. I thought my presence here had altered your life, so I wanted to fix it. But things appear to be getting back on track.” I slid my stare at Rory.
“What's this now?” Rory asked, narrowing his eyes at Rivella.
“Nothing,” I said.
“She said—”
“Nothing!” I cut her off. “Don't do it! You could change it by telling him.”
Rivella stayed silent.
“This is frustrating,” Rory said.
“Look, when I came to this time, it was an accident,” I said to the King. “I misspoke, and the ring brought me here. Arach tried to stop it by snatching the ring from my finger. All that did was remove it, sending me back without the ring.”
“And thus, no way of returning,” Rory concluded.
“Exactly.” I looked at his ring. “The process could be repeated to send me back.”
He blinked. Looked down at his ring. Up at me. “That is a great risk, Queen . . .”
“Oh, how rude of me! I'm sorry. I'm Queen Vervain of Fire.” I held out my hand.
Rory hesitated, then shook my hand. “A great pleasure to meet you, Queen Vervain of the Future.”
“It's nice to meet you too, King Rory of the Past.”
“Now, about my ring. It's a relic of the Earth Kingdom. I can't be the King to lose it.”
“I would just direct it to take me home, then you could yank it off my finger. In fact, I could just hold it, then toss it to you after I start to leave.”
“I don't know. I need some time to think about it.”
“I get that. And, I've got time. I really miss my kids, but I can wait. The ring will take me back to the time I left.”
“That is so fascinating,” he murmured, staring at me again.
Rivella cleared her throat.
Rory flinched and looked at her. “And what areyoudoing in my kingdom?”
“I'm Rivella, King Rory,” she said. “I've been exploring the Elemental Kingdoms. I received permission from King Argev before he stepped down. I'm sure he will confirm that if you ask him.”
“Ah, yes. I think I remember him mentioning a traveling Fire-Sidhe. So that is you?”
