Flustered, Amira let out a curt laugh. “That’s what you’re focused on?”
“The rest is plain nonsense,” Elyssa insisted, drinking in Amira’s amethyst eyes. “I don’t believe anyone’s doomed. We make our own future. The sooner you learn that, the faster you’ll befree.”
* * *
The dining room with its grand chandelier held no candle to the ballroom Amira and Elyssa had been in earlier today, yet it was a pleasure to be here. Elyssa had to say, she had grown to appreciate the King of Carnylen. Inviting her to dinner had been an unexpected surprise. Royals didn’t invite servants to their table, but as Tarnan’s gaze locked on Amira, Elyssa sensed he’d asked her to join for the princess’ sake. These past weeks, Amira had chosen to have dinner in their quarters as she was in no state to be around anyone.
“Let’s toast to your continued search for knowledge, Amira,” Tarnan said, raising his glass, clearly happy about Amira deciding to join him for dinner. His glass was filled with non-alcoholic apple cider.
Amira smiled sheepishly and picked up her glass. The bubbly yellow drink sparkled when it caught the light. It was already dark outside, but numerous candles provided a warm atmosphere. “To gaining knowledge.” She clinked her glass with Tarnan’s, then turned to Elyssa to do the same.
Tarnan picked up his cutlery, cutting a piece of his turkey.
“Has there been any word from Turosian?” Amira asked. Elyssa picked up on the silent question.How much time do we have left?
The king took a bite before answering. “No, I believe Karwyn is quite busy preparing for the contest.”
“What do you think he’s doing?” Elyssa asked, her plate untouched in front of her. Tarnan’s warm eyes met hers. “I mean, does he even have to worry? He’s pretty damn set on winning this thing, isn’t he? No offense to you.” Amira cut her a look. Elyssa shrugged innocently. She had to admit, she was curious to see how far she could push Tarnan’s kindness. She couldn’t fully trust him.
Tarnan waved his hand. “It’s all right. You can speak your mind here. I suppose you are correct, but even so, everyone needs to train.”
Amira played with her napkin, taking it apart as if she needed to keep her hands busy. “Are you training too?”
Tarnan shook his head. “Not in that way. I have other goals at the moment. Beating Karwyn in direct combat is not something I’m aiming for. I’m focused on my own kingdom.”
He should be. Rahmur Piers’ words echoed through her head. Could it be true? Was someone playing with dark magic, trying to turn humans into fae? The thought was appalling. Dark magic—thatwas something truly cursed.
Taking a sip of her cider, Elyssa let the cold drink awaken her senses. “So, my king,” she said it almost mockingly, but in a friendly manner, “what do you have in mind for Carnylen?”
“I want to change what has become of the human population here,” Tarnan replied.
Leaning back in her chair, Elyssa analysed his words. “Is that a new revelation for you, or one of the reasons you decided not to kick me out?” She could feel Amira’s eyes on her, but kept her focus on Tarnan.
He wiped his mouth with his napkin. He was always so contained, so proper. “I don’t believe your kind should hide away any longer, separate from us fae. You have a purpose here. I’ve always known it, and you especially have proven to be of great value.” He gave Amira a kind smile.
“And you think you’ll be able to do that if Karwyn becomes high king?” Elyssa inquired.
Amira seemed to agree with her. “He’ll have the last word, won’t he?”
“I’m not naïve,” Tarnan started, picking up another piece of meat with his silver fork. “I know he won’t agree with my plans. But you have to think ahead and know which battles you can win. I have full confidence all my plans will prove fruitful.”
Elyssa pointed her unused fork at him. “I like your confidence.” The king shared a smile with her before digging back into his food.
“Are you not eating?” Amira asked, drawing Elyssa’s attention.
Elyssa stared at her full plate. The turkey had touched everything on her plate. “I don’t eat meat.”
“Really? I would’ve guessed you were a hunter.”
“I only kill things that deserve it,” Elyssa replied, her voice so low she almost couldn’t hear herself, but she knew Amira would. The princess didn’t seem all that unsettled by her statement.
“I’ll have the servants bring you something else,” Tarnan offered.
“Thanks,” she said. “So, Amira mentioned you knew her father quite well. How old are you?” Amira squinted at her, but Elyssa only waved her fork.
“I’m almost seventy-six,” Tarnan said as he put his napkin on his plate. “Zain was a good friend of mine. If he was still here, I’m certain he would’ve rallied behind me.”
“In the High King Contest?” Amira asked.
