“I saw you conversing with one of them. Twice.”
“That’s true, I did. They approached me.”
“And do they know who you are?”
“They do now,” I reply.
“Do you know who he is? The tall one?”
“He’s Daegan. Apparently.”
“Daegan Vaelor, son of Taevis Vaelor. Taevis, their Prime Leader.”
“Okay…”
“Their family line used to be dragon royalty, before they lost the war and we declared the entire continent our kingdom.” He pauses for dramatic effect, and I remain silent as I wait for his carefully selected next words. “I don’t trust them.”
I don’t answer, only raise my eyebrows in question.
“He’s about your age. See if he’ll let you get close to him. They’re up to something.”
“Then why allow them to stay?”
“I invited them because we’ve left them alone for too long. They think they govern themselves, but I need to remind them who rules over these lands.”
“And you expect them to let me of all people get close to them?”
He smirks. It’s a cold, intimidating smirk. “You’re a beautiful, smart elf. Some say the most beautiful in the kingdom. I know you’ve spent your youth studying and learning, rather than getting up to mischief like some of your peers, but I know you’re capable. Use the gifts I’ve given you.”
“I’m an awkward loner,” I respond.
“You’re not.”
“He hates me,” I say plainly. “And he was all over that female that accompanied him. She’s probably his girlfriend.”
“He doesn’t know you.” He doesn’t even address my second point.
“And what about Sir Greenwood? You know he’s trying to court me.”
“Don’t worry about him, he’ll always be there,” he says, remaining stoic as a statue in his grand chair.
I want to tell him that this is a horrible plan that simply won’t work, but he is the king, and when the king gives orders, you bow your head and agree to the terms. There could be worse things to ask of me.
“I’ll do my best, Father.”
“Good.”
I exit his office feeling defeated. I feel like I’m incredibly close to figuring out the last piece of the puzzle, I have Adrian Greenwood pursuing me, and now I have to butter up a miserable dragon who hates me but is also following me and possibly wants to kill me. And at the same time, I kind of want him to follow me and trust me so that I can take him in as an ally. I don’t know how I’m going to manage it all.
The only good news is that I’m certain Father has no clue what I’ve been researching, what my intentions are.
With most of the day still ahead of me, I decide to sneak some lunch from the kitchen, then spend the rest of the day in the library.
Before I can reach the kitchen, however, I’m interrupted.
“Elysande!” I hear a deep male voice call from behind. I spin, already anticipating the green eyes I will face.
“Sir—” I stop myself. “Adrian,” I say with a steady, affirming breath.
