A servant approached me at the long dining table where wetook our meals. Besides Heraphia and me, two dozen other Seers had their quarters here. The male Seers, far fewer than us, lived on the opposite side of the Divine Atrium. Even in that space, we were partitioned.
But it was better that way. I wasn’t sure the Issaraeth would have tolerated me being one wall away from a male that wasn’t him, especially after how he’d threatened to harm the healer.
It wouldn’t have mattered anyway—they were as tortured as the rest of the Seers. The pungent, thick scent of the herbs they wafted under our noses erased all smells of fried pork and rosemary bread drifting from the kitchen.
In fact, this morning, everyone seemed more catatonic than normal. No one spoke other than to mutter a few words about what nourishment they needed to start their arduous day.
“Good morning, Sylaira,” the female said, all breezy smiles. “What would you like to eat? I noticed your appetite has been lacking. I could make you something easier on your stomach if you are having issues?”
I blinked at her, the otherwise solemn atmosphere casting her cheeriness in sharp relief. “I–uh,” I started, then cleared my throat, trying to center myself again. “A blended drink is fine.”
In my short time here, they’d become my only pleasure. I’d never had anything like it. Nectarine sweet, laden with lush fruit unattainable anywhere else, they were a delicacy afforded only to the Seers. Somehow, they were ice cold and soothed my frayed nerves from the inside out.
“Of course.” She produced a little slip of paper and placed it on the smooth wooden table. Then she leaned in, her finger tracing runes scratched onto the menu. But instead of explaining the ingredients like I’d expected, she spoke low in my ear. “You should allow the Issaraeth to escort you to the healers this afternoon. He is…unwell.”
My head whipped to the side, meeting her sky-blue eyes. “Who are you? How do you know him?”
“I am Lyriasthe,” she murmured, returning her attention to the paper. Her hand moved enough that to anyone looking on, our conversation would appear innocent enough. “You’ll understand what I mean when you see him.”
“But how do you know him?” I pressed, undeterred.
She spoke low, glancing around us to ensure no one was listening. “Please do not reveal my identity to anyone. It would be unsafe for many.”
“Are you Elessarum?” I whispered, teeth digging into my lower lip as I stared at the paper again, pretending to have a difficult time making a decision.
“I am. I saw you in the Issaraeth’s arms when he brought you to Stadur to be healed,” she replied in a rush.
“How did you–”
“Would you like chocolate in your drink?” she said, louder this time, cutting me off.
Giving myself a little shake, I responded. “Yes, please.”
“I’ll be back in a few minutes then.” With that same false gaiety, she retreated to make me my breakfast.
But I had so many questions. I twisted in my chair, opening my mouth to urge her to stay. Her wide-eyed expression and the dip of her head had me closing it again.
“Soon,” she mouthed, disappearing into the kitchen area.
Heraphia dropped into the seat beside me a moment later, lids half open and shoulders slumped. Pearlescent lashes dusted her cheeks as she sighed and dropped her head to the table.
“Morning,” I greeted my friend, my mind still on the interaction with Lyriasthe. If she was Elessarum, how was she alive? And working in the palace? More than that,whywas she pushing me toward the Issaraeth?
Someone else delivered my chocolate and strawberry drink, so I had no further opportunity to question her.
As the Sightkeepers ushered us out of our accommodation, I glimpsed her in my periphery, watching on. She remained there until I rounded the waterfall, out of sight. In the middle of the line of females, I entered the Divine Atrium.
The air was thick, heavy, and tasted wrong. I paused midstep, hand reaching to brace myself against the wall for support as I peered into the dim glow. But with all the people around, I couldn’t pinpoint the source.
A sinking feeling of water closing over my head lingered. Shaking my arms to clear it, I strode towards the uncomfortable crystal chairs.
Only to be halted by the sight of the Korona.
A regal white dress draped her frame. Atop her brow, a diadem of diamonds glittered. Each tilt of her head as she examined us sent light scattering across the room. Air lodged in my throat as her attention landed firmly on me.
“My darlings, I need your best visions today. There has been a development in our holy war, and we need to protect our sacred warriors, all fighting in Her name.” She hooked her thumbs over her heart and fluttered her hands, looking up at the ceiling like she could peel back the stone and see our Goddess.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the Korona’s theatrics.
