He nods. “They are strange, but I wouldn’t have brought them if they didn’t seem interested. Their populations are suffering the same as ours.”
We all turn and leave the hall. I’m left wondering if it was a mistake to bring them here.
Chapter36
Tourmaline
ESTELA
I'm sitting on my bed, staring at the door connecting my room to Teo's room. Tomorrow is the festival—my wedding. I would be lying if I said there weren't butterflies in my stomach.
Liana had left a small phial of the powder she promised me. I look at it, nervous about what will happen after Teo and I are wed. So far, he’s been gentle and receptive. A part of me worries that will change.
I fall back on my bed and sigh. This started as an agreement to get Mikal back but has revealed itself as one of the most intricate plans of my life.
Teo has barely touched me since that morning in his room. Tomorrow night... it will be time.
I swallow just as someone knocks on my door. Vaulting off my bed, I rush to open. Every part of me knows it won't be Teo, but it still hurts a little when I don't see his tall, blue frame.
"Arlet," I say, smiling wide. She is an excellent surprise, and she's carrying two gowns. I push the door open wider. "Come in."
As Arlet steps inside, I close the door behind her. She walks across the room with the dresses, one blue and one pale pink, and hangs them on the back of my chair. "What brings you here?" I ask, sitting back on my bed and motioning for her to do the same.
"I just wanted to make sure you are all right," Arlet says, smiling warmly. "I know tomorrow is monumental."
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "You could say that."
Arlet nods. "I realized earlier today that I never apologized for becoming so distant when we arrived. I just was so happy, and you were determined to hate this mountain."
I frown and shake my head. "For good reason."
She looks up at me. "Do you still hate it here?"
"No. For better or worse, this will be my home."
She brightens. "I helped make your gown. Would you like to see?"
I smile in return. "Of course, I would love to."
Arlet stands up and unfolds the blue gown. It is breathtaking. The color reminds me of the clear sky on a perfect day, and the lace details around the neckline and sleeves amplify the elegant design. "Arlet, it's beautiful," I utter, running the soft fabric between my fingers.
"I'm glad you like it," she replies, beaming with pride. "It was one of the most challenging dresses I've ever made. I wanted it to be perfect for you."
"It is more than perfect," I reply, gazing at the gown with wide eyes. "Thank you. Is the other for meeting the elven king?"
She nods, then flushes. "When King Teo told me he needed my help, I decided to make this with... uh, seduction in mind," Arlet says, her face turning redder by the minute.
I raise an eyebrow, reeling back. "Teo asked you to seduce the elven king?" All I can think about is how he completely ignored all the women.
Arlet shakes her head. "No. I thought it might be useful to have a distraction if things got tense."
I nod slowly, my mind racing. "And did Teo approve of this plan?"
She shook her head. "I didn't tell anyone. Only you."
I take her hands. "You need to be careful with the king. I met him tonight when he arrived. He's very handsome, but he refuses to speak to the women. He doesn't seem... caring. Not like the Enduares."
Arlet's face closes. "He would change if he met his mate. Everyone says that our king changed when he met you."