"I would like an update on the humans," I say. "As per our last report, we have thirteen in our city. Each has accepted the Fuegorra crystal. Are there any new mates?"
Ulla shifts uncomfortably, practically hiding behind Salo. I hone in on her.
"Ulla?" I prod gently.
She bites her lip. "Aside from Neela and a man named Luiz, Ismael and Drinya have started the matehood song."
I blink away the melancholy. "This is good!" My voice is a little too loud. "Have both of them accepted?"
She nods. "And the other pair is doing well. They’ve moved into Neela’s home. He has been training in cooking with me."
A smile tugs at my mouth. Another mated pair. "This is wonderful. Any others?"
The news is so good that it doesn't disappoint me when no one else answers. "How are the rest adjusting to the cave?" I’ve been so consumed with Estela, I’ve been a little negligent with my reports.
Fira speaks up first. "Arlet, the redhead, was a weaver as a slave. Not only did she figure out that the Ardorflame is a good source of light for humans, she has proved to be one of the best in my crew. I think she might even have a talent for gem setting. None of the others have shown much interest in the crafts."
I glance at Vann and find him trying not to look interested. Whatever he is doing with that woman is starting to annoy me. I shall speak with him later.
After thanking her, I turn to Salo. "I take it that none of them have started to exhibit magical abilities. Have any approached you as a stone bender?"
He shakes his head, so I turn to Svanna. She straightens. "Seven of the men are working in the mines. They worked in the lumber yards, so they are exceptionally strong. I believe the other four went to be with the hunters."
I nod. "Very well. Keep an eye on them, all of them. We want to make sure they are adjusting well," I say, addressing the whole council. "If there are any issues, I want them brought to my attention immediately."
Then, the door to the throne room is opened. Liana comes striding in with my mate trailing behind.
"Your Highness," Liana says, bowing deeply. "We have news for you."
The air grows thick. The timing feels serendipitous, and I wonder if she knows something about the mists. My eyes wander to Estela. The blood starts to heat in my veins when she meets my eye. "What news?"
Liana steps closer, into the throng of advisors. "The Fuegorra has chosenLady Estelato be one of its wise women. Our future queen is a seer.”
My eyebrow shoots up. I am shocked. Possibilities start to flow through my mind, more glimmers of good news in a sea of bad.
Except... she tried to kill me last night. My hope hardens as I look into her eyes. Fear is the only emotion present. Fear of whipping. As if she has any reason to be. Sadness lurks behind my anger.
The back of my throat is dry, my tongue is thick. "Thank you for telling me. If you would excuse us, we are in a council meeting."
Vann stiffens next to me. The meeting is just about to end, but Estela doesn't know that.
I watch Liana bite her tongue, clearly wanting to speak. "Of course, King Teo."
I watch them leave, still stuck in this impossible feeling.
“Forgive me, friends. You are all free to leave,” I say and Svanna snorts.
"Was there something you required of me personally, Your Highness?" Salo grits out, staying behind.
“Lord Salo, allow me to ex—” I start.
He holds up his hand. “Please. My brother believed in the possibility of mates to be the best discoveries for our people. He chattered about it nonstop. Do not dishonor him by feeling guilt over his death—he has given you all a gift. Let him rest in peace.”
My eyes burn and I think of Tirin’s First Cut ceremony, when he mined his own stone and had it placed in his chest. So eager. So bright. “Of course. May your brother rest in the stone.”
He nods his head once with a harsh, jerky movement. “Again I ask, anything else?”
I shake my head. "No. Thank you."