Page 138 of A Legacy of the Light

I’ve actively avoided the king since his return, and have done a very good job at it. I have no clue as to why he would want me to join him now.

I follow the guard through the halls. “What was that room?” I ask.

“The Caibeal, my lady. Where we worship Dhia.”

I say nothing more as the silver-clad Seelie leads me to the door of the dining room where I last ate with Raghnall, and gestures for me to enter ahead of him. I take a steadying breath before confidently walking in.

◆◆◆

The early-morning sun streams through the window, bathing the room in golden light. Raghnall sits at the head of the table and lifts his eyes from the papers he is reviewing when he hears me approach. His eyes rake down my outfit. I opted for all black this morning, and am grateful I selected one of the shirts that wasn’t so fitted. Hume stands by the fire place with a smug expression.

“Your Majesty,” I bow when his eyes meet mine.

“Elsie,” he replies and returns to his paperwork. He indicates the seat to his left. “Sit. Join me for breakfast.”

Having no choice in the matter, I grind my teeth and walk around the table to take my seat. Once I’m settled, the king gathers whatever he was reading and hands it to the Seelie who appears with a tray of tea that she places between us.

“Hume, you are dismissed,” Raghnall says without even looking in his direction. The smug expression falls from Hume’s face and the urge to wave–or flip him off—as he leaves the room is strong.

King Raghnall pours himself a cup of tea then puts the pot down with the handle facing me. A quiet command that I pour my own tea. I take the handle, fill my cup and add some milk.

“Thank you again for the invitation, Your Majesty. I imagine not many Seelie are so honored,” I say, breaking the tense silence.

“Indeed.” Raghnall stares at me, scrutinizing every move I make.

Pastries, fruit, eggs and toast are brought to the table and the staff who bring them out make sure everything is within arm’s reach of the king before retreating out of the dining room.

Being in Raghnall’s company has never been enjoyable, even when he’s attempted some form of civility. But with his entire focus on me, and no one else in the room with us, his company is downright painful. I wonder how much indigestion is tolerable to get me out of here sooner.

He fills his plate. Only when I’m sure he’s not going to take more food, do I fill my own.

Halfway through eating our breakfast, King Raghnall puts his knife and fork down, tilts his head to one side, and studies my face. The action mirroring what he did in the chair at the ball.

“How did you enjoy your first Seelie ball?” he asks, smirking. The prick knows exactly what he’s doing.

I hold down my embarrassment with every ounce of willpower I have. Pride fills my chest when my cheeks remain the same color and I hold the king’s dark hazel gaze; so much like Tavish’s and yet so different.

“It was certainly eye-opening,” I reply, keeping my tone flat. He’s trying to rattle me and I will not let him.

His smile deepens and the darkness in his eyes dances with menace.

“I do hope it didn’t offend.”

“Not at all. Humans aren’t as . . .” I pause, looking for the right word, “free with their private lives. But I am by no means offended. I had a wonderful evening, actually.” I allow some of the challenge to slip into my reply, thinking about how that evening ended.

Raghnall holds my gaze for another moment and finishes his food in silence.

“You left with my son.” Not a question.

I finish eating and gently place the cutlery on the plate before giving him my attention.

The corner of his eye twitches when I look at him fully because I made him wait. If he’s going to ask me such personal questions, he can sure as shit wait for a response.

“I did.”

“Where did you go?”

Where is he going with this?