Chapter Twenty-Six
I had an awkward breakfast with King Rory and Rivella until Rivella blurted out, “I've never seen anyone handle King Arach like that.”
I lifted my brows and teased her, “Not even you?”
Rory blinked and looked at her. “You and the Fire King?”
“It was a while ago,” Rivella said to him. To me, she said, “No, I was the one handled in that relationship. He had everything his way.”
“Is that why you left him?” I softened my tone.
Rory's eyes had gotten bigger.
“No, I didn't leave him,” she said in surprise. “He ended things. I left the kingdom to get away from . . . well, I couldn't bear seeing him every day.”
King Rory's jaw clenched.
“I'm over him now,” she said to Rory.
“Yes, of course,” he murmured.
Rivella laughed and shook her head at the Earth King.
Rory glared.
“You are adorable when you're jealous,” Rivella said.
“I'm not . . .” He grimaced. “All right, I'm jealous. It sounds as if he had you exactly where he wanted you.”
“Yes. And not the reverse. It was a terrible relationship. The Fire King is a good man and a great king, but an awful lover. I mean, out of bed.”
I snorted.
“I'm sure it's different with you, Queen Vervain,” she hurried to say.
“Now it is.” Then I frowned and amended that to, “I mean, in the future it will be. But I had to go through a lot with Arach. And he had to go through a lot before he became the man I love. Right now, he's an ass, and, unfortunately, he needs to stay that way.”
“Then I'm glad you got him to leave without too much of a fight,” Rory said.
“Speaking of fights. I need to wait here while you confront the Queen of Water,” I said.
“Oh, then I shall stay as well,” Rivella offered.
“You don't have to do that. I'll be fine. I'll read a book or something. You were looking forward to going to the Castle of Eight, I can tell.”
“Are you sure?” Rivella asked.
“I'm afraid I have no books in English,” Rory added.
“Well, I'll go for a walk then.”
“Alone?” He frowned.
I lifted a brow at him.
“Sorry.” Rory chuckled. “I wasn't thinking. I suppose I should worry more for my subjects than you.”
“I promise not to kill anyone unless they try to kill me first.” I held my hand up to make the vow.
