“There’s nothing to talk about, my lady.”
My lady.
At the palace, it was always Alleria, unless others werelistening. Now it’smy lady, even when we’re alone.
“You’ve barely said ten words to me since Therin brought you here. You won’t eat with me, you won’t talk to me. Did anything happen while I?—”
“I’m tired, my lady. That’s all. And being surrounded by these ani—by these fae makes me nervous. I’m not sleeping well, that’s all.” She dips into a curtsey. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to return to my room and take a nap.”
I want to grab her arm and force her to look at me, make her tell me what’s wrong so I can fix it.
“Of course,” I say instead. “I’ll see you later.”
She walks away without looking back.
I don’t go inside, and walk over to the well, where I perch on the edge and watch people come and go while I wait for Vessara. She finds me there a short while later, and sits beside me.
“What do you see?”
I study two young boys play-fighting with wooden swords. One is taller, with a longer reach, but the other is faster, dancing just out of range. “The shorter one is going to win.”
“Why?”
“Because the tall one is getting frustrated. He keeps overextending, trying to land a hit. The other one is waiting for him to make a mistake.”
Vessara nods. “And what would you do if you were fighting the tall one?”
“Stay out of range and let him tire himself out.”
“But what if you couldn’t stay out of his range?”
I think about it. “Then I’d try to get inside his reach. He’s strongest at mid-distance. Too close and he can’t use that advantage.”
“Very good.” She sounds pleased.
That evening, I stop outside Nella’s room.
“Will you come and eat with me?” I ask when she opens the door.
“I think I’ll stay here tonight. I’m not very hungry.”
I want to argue, tell her she needs to eat, and that hiding in her room won’t make things any easier. But the look on her face stops me.
“I could bring something up for you?”
“That’s very kind, Princess. But I’m fine.”
She closes the door before I can say anything else, and my steps are heavy as I walk downstairs to the common room.
The inn’s main room is full when I step off the last stair. Fae and humans are scattered around tables, the fire crackling in the hearth, and the smell of food and drink fills the air. Therin, Vessara, Sorel and Serath have claimed a table near the fire. Kaelith joins them while I watch. Cairn isn’t here, and nor is Vel and Caelum.
I’m looking around, trying to find a table when Serath’s voice calls my name. I turn and she smiles, gesturing to an empty chair at their table.
“Come and eat with us.” The invitation catches me off guard.
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not intruding, I’m inviting you to join us.” Serath taps the back of the chair.
