Total pages in book: 210
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Tyree’s eyes bore holes in my face. Will he out me?
They must not know everything about the elven race, or they would be questioning why I—a supposed vegetarian—am able to devour half a boar without keeling over in agony.
“Eventually, they sailed home with promises to return one day.” She glides around the table. “It was centuries before another ship arrived from this distant land, again filled with valuables but also a letter, pleading for a conjurer. The distant land had adopted our way of light and shadow. The ruler wished to have one at his side so that he could face the shadow taking over his land, to help bring them into the light. A sister left with the sailors nearly twenty years ago.” She ends her stroll at Tyree’s back. “So you see, we know where you have come from, Defender of Kal’ana. But you are here now, as a gift from the stars and the sea.”
“Only two decades.” Tyree folds his arms across his chest. “And what was this ruler’s name?”
“King Cheral.”
Surprise flashes across Tyree’s face. By his smug expression when he asked the question, he wasn’t expecting an answer. “You are saying Kier has one of your conjurers?”
“If their ship survived the journey. It is too far for a messenger to travel.”
That seems to give him pause. “And there are no casters here, in Udrel.”
“Not for thousands of years. A blessing. They tend to bring nothing but trouble to everything they touch.”
“I cannot disagree with you there.” Tyree taps the table’s surface, his thoughts elsewhere.
“I’m sure I speak for all when I say this has been an exciting but tiring day. Tomorrow will be ten times this as we begin our grand celebration, presenting the kal’ana to the people of Udrel. They will travel far and wide to witness this miracle. The pillars of our temple will shine, even through the fog.” King Hadkiel stands, and everyone rushes to their feet a beat after.
Everyone except Tyree, who leans back in his chair and picks at his blueberries.
A ghost of a smile passes the king’s lips. “I trust that your accommodations will be far better than previous nights. My royal guards will escort you when you have finished your meals.” Collecting my hand, he raises it to his lips. “Good night, kal’ana. Sleep well. Tomorrow, you will bring hope to many.”
King Hadkiel strolls out of the dining hall, trailed closely by his conjurers. The guards move in.
“Kal’ana.” The plume-feathered leader gestures toward another doorway. I guess it’s time for me to return to my room. That’s fine, I’m finished and I’m exhausted.
“Don’t stay up too late, oh blessed one,” Tyree mocks.
On my way past, I pluck a slice of juicy roast and dump it onto his plate over his potatoes, hoping the meat juices soak in and make him ill. “Enjoy.” With my head held, I march away.
The servant hangs a crisp white robe much like the style the conjurers wear on a hook by the dressing mirror and then ducks out of the room.
“Good night,” I mumble.
The bolt on the other side clicks in answer.
With a frown, I return my attention to the mirror. I would prefer a royal chamber, but otherwise, King Hadkiel hasn’t spared expense. The gown tonight was immaculate. The nightgown I wear now is made from the softest spun material my fingertips have ever grazed, the scooped neckline trimmed in a delicate fine lace.
Unscrewing the jar the servants left on the dressing table, I smooth the night cream over my cheeks, hoping it might erase evidence of my recent trials so I may be ready for my “presentation” tomorrow to these people I am to rule. The scent is pleasant—of rose petals and lavender.
It reminds me of the royal garden at night. Thoughts of that stir a twinge of longing. I doubt I’ll ever see Cirilea again, certainly not how I have always known it.
Is there anything left there for me?
A soft thump sounds behind me. “You’re right at home here.”
I jump at the sound of Tyree’s voice and fumble the glass jar. It slips from my grasp.
He dives to catch it a split second before it shatters on the ground. The move puts his face inches from my chest, his hand braced on my bare shoulder.
“How did you get in here?”
“Through the window, naturally. Lower your voice.” He pauses, his breath skating over my flesh. “Primping for the king?”
“Maybe. Jealous?”
He snorts.
“I thought you would be occupied with your servant by now. What was her name again?”
“I can’t recall. Get changed. We’re leaving.” He’s heading back to the window, his newly acquired gray cloak billowing out around him.
“For where?”
“Away from this fucking place. Don’t tell me those conjurers don’t make your skin crawl.” He leans out, assessing the plummeting fall below.
I will admit, they are unnerving with their soulless black eyes and prowling. “We have food and clothing and a bed. We’re safe here. Why would we leave? So we can end up dangling from a net again? Or maybe this time they throw us into that firepit. We can’t even speak the language outside these walls!”