She frowned. “Spoiled as ever. Is that chocolate I smell?”
“Yes, want some?” Tallis draped his arm around my shoulder.
“Of course, I do!” Olivia said, flying up to Tallis and kissing him on the nose. “I hope you’ve been doing a good job serving her majesty?”
Tallis’ eyes sparkled. “On my hands and knees.”
Olivia giggled and I nudged his side. “I think I liked it better when you kept your thoughts to yourself.”
“I don’t,” Oliva interjected.
We walked back over to the table where Tallis offered Olivia a piece of fudge and she grabbed the entire bag. I hadn’t seen her since the night we left the castle. After a few weeks, I sent a message to the pixies and only one they would understand. It took the pixies months to find the right village, but once they did, we made a promise to see each other, if only for a few moments, at least once a month.
The fox jumped onto the table, sniffing at Olivia.
“Sit!” she said, pointing at the animal.
And he did, and she proceeded to use him as a backrest.
Tallis pulled me onto his lap, shifting me so he didn’t rub up against my wet hair.
“How is Kane,really?” There were rumors that since Kane had discovered his immortality he’d been . . . difficult to deal with. Even the Magi Council had kept their distance. “Has he married yet?”
“No, he won’t even entertain the idea, but the priests keep pressing the issue, saying there must be an heir and rambling on about some prophecy.”
“This is my fault. I should have stayed.”
“No.” Tallis rubbed my back. “We did the right thing.”
“Tallis is right.” Olivia bit into one of the chocolate squares. “Kane still blames you, though I’ve explained the truth a million times. He’s so stubborn, but he is okay. I mean,no one can kill him. You’re better off here.”
“He’s angry,” I said, taking Tallis’ hands. “Kane has every right to be.”
“I should go.” She took another square of fudge.
“But you just got here!” I reached over to her. “Why are you going so soon?”
“Because I have to, and because you need to wash that gunk out of your hair. I really miss your natural color and why did you cut it?” Olivia flew off the table.
“I like it. Short hair suits the queen well.” Tallis kissed my cheek before letting me go after my friend.
“Please, stay just for a bit longer,” I begged.
“Well, maybe. Kane barely needs me for anything useful.” Olivia’s gaze dropped to my stomach. “When were you going to tell me about that?”
“About what?” I looked down at my shirt, seeing just a spot of reddish brown near one of the buttons.
She flew over and lifted my shirt.
“Olivia!”
Tallis laughed behind me, and I glared at him. “A little help?”
He shook his head and backed away. “Oh, no, this is a queen maid thing, clearly.”
“Ouch! Olivia, your hands are freezing!”
She poked at my belly before flying back up to my face. “And you’re with child!”
