A few of the Faefurt assassins are scattered about as well, inspecting the suits and poking at their flexible crystal surfaces.
They whisper at each other as we approach.
Estela hangs on my arm and says, “Lord Thorne, how nice to see you again.”
The white-haired elf pauses and turns to look at us.
I get half a glance before a warm smile fills his face, and he gives me a deep bow.
“Dear queen,” he says to her shoes. “What a delight to see you again, as well.” He nods in my direction. “Your Highness.”
Estela’s warmth leaves my side as she breezes over to the suits.
“Flova, why didn’t you show me the others?” she asks in my people’s tongue.
His face melts into a smile.
“Melting crystal is hard work, milady. We were busy,” he replies conspiratorially, and they start to comb through the details.
Liana and Vann arrive moments later. They both wear frowns as they look at the elves in the group. A part of me wishes to commiserate with them, but I stand my ground in an offering of peace.
“Is everything completed?” Liana asks.
Flova, who was wholly wrapped up in the kind words of my mate, looks up.
He nods. “I am happy to say yes.”
Liana smiles. “Very well. When will we test one of these out?”
I cough. “We will be taking Estela with us.”
Vann frowns. “We will?”
Liana gives him a withering glance. “Of course they will. Teo, Estela, and… Thorne. Travelers of the sea!”
Vann steps forward, scowling. “I’m hurt you forgot me in your list. Thefourof us will go—who knows what creatures lurk in the ruins of Iravida.”
Liana agrees.
“What indeed.” Then she clasps her hands behind her back. “My apologies, Lord Vann.”
I look at Flova, then back at the suits. “You really have worked miracles with this.
He nods at me, pleased with himself.
Estela smiles. “When will we go?”
Vann shrugs. “Tonight?”
“Tomorrow, after Ra’Sa and Melisa leave for Zlosa. Thorne can perform the test.”
The white-haired male laughs and says mockingly,
“Yes, send the enemy so you don’t have to peel my body off of some giant urchin.” Then Thorne straightens and points to Vann. “I think not. What about that hulking mountain?”
Vann glares but says, “I will do it.”
“Don’t act like this is deep sea diving. Meet me in the royal pools—it will be easier to test in shallow waters.”
