I chuckle. “Always be yourself. But they won’t ask. I drilled it into them last night that I will be extremely … displeased ifeither of them is rude to you.” Mayah is more than capable of defending herself, but she shouldn’t have to. Not when I’m here. Her answering smile is bright, and I find myself returning it. “My brother will still find a way to be an ass, though. I’m sorry in advance.”
In the dining hall, my father and Faramir are already seated. I sit across from my brother, pulling out a chair for Mayah beside me.
“Morning, brother.Sister,” Faramir greets, wearing his customary mocking grin. “What an interesting evening! I hope your wedding night still lived up to expectations.”
Thunder rumbles.
“Stop needling your brother, Faramir,” my father mutters between sips of black coffee.
“Itwasan interesting evening,” Mayah says, lacing her fingers with mine. “One spent in the best of company.”
I smile down at our joined hands, a spark skating across my skin.
Faramir refuses to let me enjoy even a moment of peace, though. “Brother, I’ve been thinking … would you be disappointed ifMayahgives birth to a healer? Healers are so”—he wrinkles his nose—“weak. Boring.”
Clouds gather outside, blocking the sunlight filtering through the large windows. Anger burns inside me like an uncontrollable fire. How fucking dare—
Mayah squeezes my hand, shooting a look that says,I can handle him.
“Weak, compared to waterwielders?” she asks casually. “Brother-in-law, correct me if I’m mistaken, but my understanding is that a waterwielding bride would never have been permitted inside Arbinj. Isn’t that why my father wasn’t granted leave to attend his own daughter’s wedding?Because he’s a waterwielder? Honestly, I’m surprised he’s being welcomed to the Equinox Festival.”
Faramir eyes her curiously, and it sets my protective instincts on edge. Mayah’s chair scrapes against the stone floor as I slide it toward me until her side presses against mine, my arm thrown across the back.
“His invitation,” Faramir purrs, “depends on your good behavior,Mayah. Right, Father? If you’re naughty, then—”
“Faramir,” my father says in warning.
“For a healer,Mayah,” my half-brother continues, undeterred, “you’re actually quite fascinating. And who knows? Maybe you’ll surprise us all and birth an earthwielder like me—”
I don’t think—just react. Snatching a fork from the table, I fling it at his head. Silver glints through the air, the fork skimming the top of his head before clanging to the floor.
“Donotspeak to my wife,” I growl, leaning across the table.
“Guards!” Faramir bellows, his face crimson, madness glazing his eyes. “Seize him!” The guards flanking the doorways don’t leave their posts. “I said,seize him!”
“ENOUGH!” my father shouts, slamming a fist on the table. “Faramir, not another word. Zevayr, just—just stop.”
Faramir fixes a murderous glare at him, his eye twitching. He beats his head three times before smoothing his unkempt hair. I’m accustomed to his manic outbursts, but I wonder what Mayah thinks of him.
A welcome silence descends for the rest of the meal.
“King Varad,” Mayah says, clearing her throat.
I cast her an inquisitive glance, hand tightening on her shoulder. “Speaking of the Equinox Festival … one of the noblewomen last night mentioned that I might assist with planning.”
My father stares at her for a long moment, gaze flicking to me. “That would be a great help,” he finally says. “I’ll havethe servants consult you about preparations.” He licks his lips, weighing his next words. “And Mayah … it’s best if you pen a letter to your father about your decision to marry Zevayr. I will write to him as well, of course, but he should hear fromyou. It will help smooth things over.”
“Of course, King Varad.”
“And … you may call me Father. If you wish.”
Mayah stiffens but manages to smile politely. She’s doing so well, it’s an effort not to whisper praises in her ear.
“You’re quite the diplomat, Mayah,” Faramir drawls, beady eyes riveted to my wife. “You could be a strong queen … if you wanted.” Before I can react, he adds, “Maybe you can get my little brother to stop scowling so much.”
I bare my teeth in a snarl.
The expression freezes on my face when Mayah trails her fingers over my jaw and angles my head toward her. “I rather like his broody scowl.”
