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“Well, that has definitely changed. I am living proof of that,” I said, taking a bite of a date.
They both looked at each other before dropping their heads uncomfortably. “Sorry,” I whispered.
Madison took my hand this time. “Don’t ever apologize for that. We’re here for you. Whatever you need,” she said kindly.
I smiled, shifting awkwardly. One of the other servants came rushing in, signaling for Madison to follow her. Madison exhaled, getting to her feet. She bent down and gave Levos a small kiss. He looked at her tenderly, pinching her chin in between his fingers. She smiled before following the servant out of the room.
“Looks like things are good with you two,” I said, happy for my friend.
“They are. Gaelin told me last night he is going to make me a lord, which will allow me to take a mistress. Madison will never be forced to sleep with anyone she doesn’t want ever again,” I smiled, knowing what this meant to him.
“That’s amazing. He’s going to make a great king,” I said heavily. “Have you seen him?”
He shook his head, looking out into the fields below us. “He didn’t come back to his room last night?”
“No, nor this morning. At dinner last night he was so cold and distant.”
“He’s putting on his armor, Gen. He needs to appear unwavering now that he is to be king.”
I nodded, understanding the logic. A few moments went by as we sat in peace. I hit him in the boot playfully. “I know you have another lady to dote over now, but would it be too much for me to ask you for a gift?”
He smiled, leaning in towards me. “What do you want now?”
“Hey now, I don’t ask for a lot?”
“Out with it.”
“A dagger, made of apophyllite crystal.”
He sat up straight, frowning. “What in Odin’s name do you want a dagger made of apophyllite for?”
“I think it’s pretty and I want to be armed when I go out in the fields to pick herbs. I’ve almost been eaten out there a couple of times already.”
“You’ve what? What haven’t you told me?” he said in surprise.
“Not important. Can you have it made or not?”
“Yes but promise me it isn’t going to end up in the king’s chest. I would really hate to have to watch you get beheaded. I like your head just where it is.”
I laughed, enjoying the image of me standing over the king’s bloodied body. “I’m not stupid. I know that apophyllite won’t kill him, but if it makes you feel better, I promise. How long do you think it will take to get?”
He shrugged. “I can have it for you by dinner. I will have to get it made. Weapons aren’t usually made out of crystal, unless it's ulyrium as you well know, but since I’m the cousin of the soon-to-be new king, it shouldn't be a problem.”
“Thank you, Levos.”
“You’re not going to tell me what the dagger really is for, are you?”
I shook my head. “Not now, but I will tell you one day,” I said, getting to my feet, leaving him on the terrace alone.
I still didn’t know what my premonition meant, but if Otar was somehow going to make another appearance I wanted to be ready for him. I wasn’t all too confident the apophyllite dagger would kill him, and I still had no clue what the sigil meant, or why I fed Otar my blood.
I rounded the corner of the main hall and slammed right into the king and two of his advisors. He looked down at me with a haunting smile. I stood still, too afraid to move. I began trembling, trying to will myself to run, but I was planted to the floor.
The king waved his hand and the two alfar left his side. He took a step closer to me, dragging his hand along my arm. His eyes were hungry and dark. He licked his lips before pulling my body into his. My chin began to tremble. He never had taken me during the day. In the daylight, I was safe. The darkness of night was what I had to fear.
“I’m sorry I was unable to fulfill my promise about taking you last night,” he whispered, swirling one of my curls around his finger. “I’d like to make it up to you, darling Genevieve.” That was the first time he had ever used my name.
“I have my chores to do, Your Grace,” I said, hoping to escape.