It takes everything in me not to react to the sight of him.
Externally, I succeed. Internally, not so much.
My heart races, and I feel these odd flutters in the pit of my belly. It doesn’t help that when our eyes connect, amusement swirls in his, and a faint smirk tugs at the corners of his lips.
Yeah. He’s going to hang last night’s events over my head for as long as he possibly can.
“You’re all here! Wonderful!” Queen Jenia’s voice echoes through the main hall, bouncing off the rotunda and stained-glass ceilings. I wince, turning to find her. It’s still too early for me. “I hope you have time for a quick breakfast before your departure.” She saunters in our direction in a powdery pink gown, her crown glinting in the sunlight. And just behind her, dressed in a dark-purple doublet and beige trousers, is Kelrean. His eyes instantly land on mine.
I smile and wave hello, feeling a blush blooming under my brown cheeks again.
When Rynthea confirms that we have time to eat, Queen Jenia leads us to a dining room so large, it could fit at least three of the dining halls in the Meriva refugee camp. There are four lengthy tables in the room. The one she’s chosen could seat twenty people.
I pull out one of the high-backed chairs and sit. Rynthea takes the seat left of me, Algar to my right, and Thane sits directly across from me. Kelrean and Queen Jenia take seats at the head of the table. Kelrean, of course, is still ogling me and smiling, despite the redness around his nose that comes awfully close to a bruise. You’d think after being punched in the face over me that he’d lose interest. I suppose it only intrigues him more.
Thane glares at him with his arms folded, not even trying to hide his disdain.
When the helpers pour us goblets of fresh pomegranate juice, I grab mine and take a few sips. It’s good, but I wish it was tea. I need the jolt of caffeine so I can snap out of this haze.
“Ah, you’re all still here.” King Draedor’s voice booms through the dining hall. My head throbs once again. Were they this loud yesterday? “Suppose you younglings are as foolish as I thought.”
“Sweetheart,” Queen Jenia titters.
He takes the seat next to her but not before dropping a kiss on her forehead and the top of Kelrean’s head.
“Yes, Your Majesty, we’re still here. Are you going to tell us how to get to Elphar and back safely?” Rynthea asks.
“I made you a promise, didn’t I?” The king grunts as a plate full of food is placed in front of him by one of the helpers.
After the royals, plates are set in front of us guests, piled with steaming chopped apples in cinnamon sauce, sweet rolls, strips of meat, and poached eggs. My stomach grumbles but not as loudly as Rynthea’s. She digs straight in, and I follow suit, resisting a moan as the flavors burst on my tastebuds.
Algar’s delighted moan, however, fills the dining room, and the king and queen laugh at his unconventional flattery.
“As I’m sure you all know, the journey to The Shallows is one of the most dangerous,” King Draedor says, chewing. “There are vicious creatures of all kinds and many less desirable paths. I nearly made it to the Temple of Elphar. I was so close I could taste it. But then I came across a creature I’d never seen before. There was no way I could beat it alone.” He eyed each of us. “And not to boast, but if a shifter such as myself couldn’t find a way around it, I don’t think the lot of you will, either.”
“We’ll take our chances,” Thane says.
King Draedor scans Thane thoroughly before sipping from his goblet. “I hear you struck my son last night,” he says, but I don’t miss the hint of venom in his tone.
“Accidentally,” Thane replies, as if bored.
“How do you accidentally punch someone in the face?” the king counters.
“Your son just has one of those faces, Your Majesty.” Thane shrugs. “Very punchable up close.”
“Thane,” I hiss with a frown. He’s going to ruin this for us if he doesn’t shut his mouth.
Surprisingly, Queen Jenia stifles a laugh.
King Draedor zeroes in on Thane with a growl as he tightens his grip around the handle of his fork.
“Now, now. It’s quite all right, Father.” Kelrean interrupts their stare down. “Ourfriendhere was drunk and exhausted last night. In fact, I believe he was bordering on delirium, so I offered him mercy. All is forgiven.” His teeth glint as he flashes an arrogant smile at Thane.
“You’re correct, Your Highness.” Thane takes a bite of his eggs. “I was a fool who had way too much to drink last night. And perhaps a little too much fun.” His eyes slide to me as he chews. My cheeks turn hot. “I appreciate your forgiveness.”
Well…that was the worst apology I’ve ever heard. The king and prince seem to accept it because they grunt and nod, holding their heads up high.
“As I was saying,” Draedor goes on, giving Thane a pointed look, “I wouldn’t have made it so far through The Shallows without the Kelvanite Sphere.”
