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“Last night, after dinner,” I whispered, feeling embarrassed to say it out loud. “I went to his room.”
Levos exhaled, flailing his arms in the air. “I specifically warned you not to be alone with one of them, and then you go willingly into their bed chambers in the dead of night? What am I going to do with you?” He rubbed his brow in frustration. “Did he hurt you in any way?”
“No, he was actually very polite,” I admitted.
“Don’t start thinking like that. He can control pheromones, remember. He could have screwed you for all we know and you’re over here under the impression he was the perfect cavalier.”
Shit, I hadn’t thought of that.
“I didn’t think?—”
“No, you didn’t, and you need to start. But, in the end, you were right.”
An hour later, Levos informed me that the troops had set off to the north. We all waited in anticipation of their return. I hated not knowing what was happening. I’d rather have been on the field with them than here in the safety of the court. I cleaned the same cabinet for thirty minutes as different scenarios of the battle played through my head. It was torture.
The next day was the same. The royals sat on their thrones, safe and unaffected by the battle. I couldn’t help but imagine their bodies hung up in the ceiling with ulyrium spears through their hearts. I smiled at the thought, but quickly shook it off, realizing I was taking pleasure in the thought of another’s death.
Two hours before dinner the warriors finally made their entrance back into the city. The alfar applauded and cheered as they marched victoriously. Bodies of the fallen were carried through the gate and set aside to be burned and sent to Valhalla. Another stack of covered bodies were brought to the castle, but quickly disappeared without anyone noticing. The creatures that came through the rift, I presumed.
We lined the walls of the throne room as the officers came in to kneel before the king. The dark alfar remained standing. I kept my head down, knowing I would have to face Gaelin soon. The king raised his hands, signaling for them to stand.
“My king, the threat has been eliminated. We have Otar’s body, along with some of the slain beasts. Our borders are secure,” reported Gaelin.
“And the rift?” asked King Lysanthier.
“Unknown, my king. We are still unable to track the rift’s opening.”
“Very well. I applaud all of you for your bravery. Tonight, we will feast in celebration. Ambassador Lyklor, you and your forces may stay the night, but I expect you to return home at first light tomorrow morning,” said the king.
“Of course,” replied Erendrial.
“I commend you on your invaluable instincts, Ambassador Lyklor. Today may have not been a victory if it weren’t for you,” said the king in a sour voice. I was sure it killed him to give a dark alfar a compliment, but the troops knew who they owed their lives to, or so they thought they did.
“We are all on the same side when it comes to this threat. I hope I have redeemed myself some in your eyes, king,” said Erendrial sarcastically. The king smiled and nodded. He waved his hand to dismiss the hall.
I rushed to Gaelin’s chambers. I ran a hot bath, prepared clean clothes, and had refreshments waiting for him.
Out on the balcony, I watched as the sun set and the moon rose. I loved the contrast between the stars and the night sky. The way you could create pictures and designs from drawing lines in between the radiant spheres of light. The sound of heavy boots came up behind me. I turned to see Gaelin. His face was long and heavy from the fight. I hesitated, not knowing how he wanted me to react.
“I have food and a bath ready for you,” I said softly.
His eyes were softer than the last time we had spoken. His movements calm and steady. He reached out, but I flinched away, remembering our last encounter. Seeing the hurt look on his face, I quickly recovered, stepping towards him.
“I’m sorry about the way I was with you before I left. I had no reason to react that way. Especially because you were right about everything. I was just angry about Lyklor,” he said.
“I know, and I’m sorry I had to go to him, but it was worth it if you came back to me in one piece. And here you are.” I smiled, reaching for him.
He wrapped his arms around me, inhaling my scent. He smelled of copper blood, sweat, and dirt. He pulled away, looking into my eyes as I spoke.
“No more fighting, okay,” I said. “Let’s just be here, with each other.”
“I’d like that very much.” He leaned down and kissed me softly.
“Now go take a bath. You stink,” I said playfully. I plastered a smile on my face until he was in the other room, then relaxed, proud of my performance. I looked back into the stars, wondering if Lilian was looking at the same sky. I missed her so much. I missed her songs, her laugh, her golden-brown hair. I missed knowing she was safe.
Dinner was full of excitement and laughter from the alfar. The food was abundant. The wine poured freely and the alfar were extra handsy with the servants. After the meal was over, I moved to the linen pantry to retrieve more towels and rags. I entered the dark room, setting my candlestick on the shelf.
“It’s not smart to have such a predictable schedule, Gen,” said a voice behind me.