Iryth beams up at me. "Wonderful. What a joy to have the Lady Estela eat with us."
As I start to say my hello, Arlet appears. Things between us are not unpleasant, but I still feel uncomfortable.
She reaches over and pulls me close. "Estela, I'm so glad to see you," she says. She's a forgiving woman, and I appreciate that.
As we sit down, I look at the two Enduar women. They are quite a bit different from human bodies with their long torsos and stunning fingers. Iryth passes Svanna their baby, and the miner kisses her child tenderly.
It's a sweet scene, but a part of me feels pain at the view. This is the kind of childhood that Mikal should have had.
Iryth misinterprets my stares for something else. "We have been caring for him since his parents died a month ago. He is a healthy baby. Do you wish for one?"
Arlet stiffens next to me and I suck in my own breath. Reaching for my glass, I take a long drink. "I do like children. I raised my brother after he was born."
Svanna pauses as she eats, and I see a look pass between the two women. Telepathic thoughts, no doubt.
"What happened to your mother?" Iryth asks gently.
I take a deep breath and look at Arlet. She hadn't known me then—so she understood the basic stories, but I had never gone into detail. Details are almost always painful.
"My mother was placed in the breeding pens with my father. She gave birth to me nine months later, and was given a small den with my father," I say softly. "Unfortunately, the Giant King had been picking out slaves to pass to his favorite councilmen and saw her. He took her as his comfort woman soon after I was born. She was a fertile human—she was pregnant more than once. But the king always ensured it was taken care of.
“Until I was nine, and she fell pregnant for the last time. He was traveling a lot that year, and she bribed the herb workers to let her keep the child. She died in childbirth. I was all Mikal had left."
The room falls quiet as the weight of my words settles over us. I take another sip of my drink, grateful for the warmth it brings to my chest.
"I'm sorry," Iryth says softly, her eyes full of compassion. Arlet puts her hand on mine, and I smile up at her. “I completely understand why you would want to take your time to think about children.”
"It is the past," I say, forcing a smile. "I've learned to cope." For so long, I had kept my secrets close to me. There is no family among those considered not much better than animals, but there is power in speaking about my story. I am surrounded by friends, like a warm blanket.
"That's why you have been so insistent on bringing your brother back," Svanna says.
I nod, feeling a sense of comfort that she understands.
Iryth holds her child closer, and Svanna holds them both, tucking their little family in the crook of her arm.
“I know the king is waiting until after the Elven King leaves, but if you bring the issue up in the council meetings, I will gladly support you. We could send a few scouts to the giant border," Svanna says.
I am touched by Svanna's offer. "Thank you, Lady Svanna. Your support means a lot to me."
Iryth smiles at us. "Would you like to hold Sama?"
I pause, knowing what a great act it is to trust another with a child. I nod, reaching forward as she passes the baby over the table.
As I hold Sama, I'm reminded of the time I spent caring for my brother. Sama looks up at me with big, bright eyes, and I can't help but smile.
1 Witches.
Chapter35
Selenite
TEO
The arrival of the Elven King Arion is a quiet affair. Estela is at my side, standing a few paces away and fidgeting with her gown. Mother Liana, Lord Vann, and the rest of the council are also present.
As King Arion approaches, I notice that his step is light and his face is serene. He is the son of the last king, and I do not know him. Despite the weight of his crown and the responsibility that comes with it, he carries himself with ease. There are twelve elves traveling with him, all sporting the same long, blond hair and pointed ears. Their skin is pale gold, unlike our blue. They also lack our useful tails.
I settle further when I see Turalyon and Lord Lothar. They smile and nod. Their faces are tight, but they appear unharmed.