“You were there.” Ailithir nodded at me. “You know what we face. I would very much like to hear your account.”
Taken aback, I stared blankly at him. Seeing Ferris’ scar, I’d envisioned a monster. Detestable. But this man looked atme with a kernel of respect few other men had. And he’d been relieved to see Ferris unharmed.
When I'd saved his life during Winter's Tide, he had not dismissed me for being a woman.
But what he presented on the surface didn’t matter. He’d hurt Ferris—that was enough.
“O-of course.” I found my voice. “Ferris was there with me. He’s a better storyteller.”
“Yes,” Laiserian drawled. “A little too good of a storyteller. All the more reason for him not to tell it.”
“I’ll have you know,” Ferris argued. He grimaced. “Shit.”
A Solheart had departed their table and strode toward us. King Ailithir held up a hand. “I’ll handle him.” Turning on his heel, he blocked the Solheart’s path before he could reach me.
Relieved, I took a few steps away. I’d been scrutinized and belittled by enough men.
“Want to dance?” Ferris leaned in. “It's a good way to escape.”
“I don’t know how to dance,” I admitted.
“Want to learn?” He grinned.
“Not tonight, she doesn't," Laiserian interrupted, joining his brother’s side. “This room is a war zone, and I’m keeping you in my sight.”
“You’ve never been good at that, Lais.” Ferris smirked. “In fact—” He winced, touching his side.
Laiserian’s eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Ferris said quickly, turning away.
Frowning, I looked between Aenir’s royal family, trying to gauge their dynamic. Ferris seemed different than usual—uncomfortable and tense. But I couldn’t read anything further. I suddenly felt like I knew nothing about him at all.
Though perhaps I needn’t read their faces. Ferris had been more willing to throw himself into mortal peril in Gwynford, in Tsuyan, than return home.
The monsters of the dark felt safer than his family.
In that sense, he and I were exactly alike. Nobody would think my father a bad man, from a first meeting.
“Think Mare’s alright?” Ferris asked, nodding toward the dais.
Lady Rohan looked less a Paragon and more a princess—she was beautiful. Paragon Tiernan stood by her side, arguing with a pair of Solheart men.
“She will be.” Laiserian folded his arms. “The bride will draw all eyes away from her.”
I’d almost forgotten this was a wedding.
A man cut through the crowd to approach us, departing Agendra's side. The Paragon remained across the room, watching me with his brilliant, topaz eyes.
Ferris visibly brightened. "Liam." He grinned. "I didn't realize you would be here."
"Isn't that my line?" Liam stood opposite Ferris, looking him up and down. "Aren't you supposed to be in a dungeon?"
Laiserian arched an eyebrow and gave Ferris a pointed look.
"As if any dungeon could hold me." Ferris flicked a hand dismissively.
I bowed my head. "We've met, but I don't think we've ever had a chance to talk."
