“I am not yours to test.” Elara answered, her voice ground out as she took a deep breath into her lungs. I could feel the relief pulsing off her in waves but still I did nothing. I should have told her to not intervene, but part of me enjoyed seeing her defiant streak aimed at someone other than me.
“Careful little human,” she warned, levelling her gaze.
“I thought this was neutral ground?” Elara asked, her voice steady. It almost sounded as if she was challenging the queen without a care in the worldand I had to bite back the smile that formed on my lips.
“You believe the slums to be neutral?” Maeve asked, raising an eyebrow. A laugh escaping her throat that should have never emerged from a living being's throat.
“It is not yours.” Elara retorted, her tone flat, simple. Stating a fact rather than entertaining an argument.
“Rhael. I suggest you remind your pet that she is not a part of this negotiation.” Maeve hissed her eyes fixed on Elara as if she was imagining tearing her head clean from her shoulders.
“So, what is it that you want to help me Maeve, since you have refused my offer?” I asked, leaning forward once more, drawing back the attention to me.
“Perhaps I should take your pet. Teach her what it truly means to be owned,” she offered, her mouth turned into a cold cruel sneer which caused anger to threaten to erupt inside me once more. The idea of anyone touching Elara, taking her from me, turned me into a creature I thought I had long since buried.
“What do you want that I can offer, Maeve?” I asked again, firmer this time. Making it clear we were now negotiating, not making threats.
“I want what is rightfully mine, the waters. Not some section you have decided to lend me.” Maeve replied, her tone back to the cool unbothered melody of before.
“I cannot offer what is not mine to give, there are other kings who would need to welcome you to their borders” I stated simply, my fingers running over the edge of the tankard still full sat before me.
“So, you offer me scraps, whilst your pet gets the whole meal?” she demands, her hands flat on the table now. Her eyes were watching me with fire.
Around us humans trembled without understanding why. One sailor had sunk to his knees, another stared blankly at nothing, lips moving soundlessly. All of them trapped in her thrall.
“I thought we agreed she is not part of this conversation. I am offering you an alliance. A way to put the vampires back in their place” I argued, trying to keep my stance clear.
“And where is my place, King of the Fae? Beneath you and the other land kings, doing your bidding for so little reward?” She asked, her words becoming harsher. More clipped.
“You have my terms Maeve, help me and I can offer you more access to the waters which I control. The others you will need to negotiate yourself.” I tried to reason with her. Offering her something, however even as the words left me I could tell they fell on deep ears.
“Well then, I thank you for your time and I shall consider your offer. But I warn you Rhael Sorenthis, I will come for your pet, and when I do, I will give no warning, alliance or not.” She whispered, rising from the table with effortless grace, her hands now back by her sides, fiddling with the lace of her dress.
“If you come for what is mine, then our alliance will be void,” I told her, my voice steady but the threat clear.
“I will remember that Rhael. Your preferences have changed it seems. Although I will warn you, a human queen will only end in heartbreak. And we know how that ends for you,” she whispered as she turned on her heel. Exiting the tavern without even a look back.
I felt the whole room let out a collective breath. People return to their conversations as if nothing happened. Which I supposed was a blessing. Human minds could not always comprehend the magic of other creatures, they would not remember the pain they felt, or the way their minds had gone blank.
I remained still for several seconds, Elara’s bound wrists twitching beside me. The rope felt pointless now. I loosened it, reaching across her lap until it fell away entirely. We had played our cards.
“You should not have answered her.” I whispered not moving back, my chest pressed against her shoulder.
“She was speaking about me.” Elara answered as if the statement solved all problems. Her face turning to mine, her eyes held no fear, only resolve. Those eyes threatened to pull me in and drown me just as the Siren had promised.
“If she comes for you, I mean it, she will face me first,” I whispered, the tavern feeling almost smaller now. More fragile.
The slum had resumed its rhythm, tankards lifting, conversations filling the small space. But my world still lingered with the smell of salt. It was no longer about games, old battles or quarrels. It was Elara. Solely and completely Elara.
The Siren Queen was right, I was fated for disaster.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Rhael had decided it would not be safe to travel so late at night. Even after the Siren Queen had left and the lantern light steadied, something remained unsettled in the air.
“It is only a few hours until dawn,” I had argued, watching as he returned to scanning the room. Already calculating threats and exits that I could not see in the way he did.
“Which is exactly why we will stay here, predators enjoy following in the early hours.” He warned. His tone was final, calm, as if he had done this before. As if it wasn't unusual to be hunted by a creature very capable of tearing me limb from limb.
