He leaves, and my insides are swirling vortex. Vann turns to me. "I will oversee the hunter group and tell you what I find later."
"Thank you, friend.” I place my hand on his shoulder.
"Strength, like the stone beneath our feet, King Teo. Congratulations on your queen," he says and slips out.
Chapter20
Opal
ESTELA
When faced with the option between spending the rest of the day in my room and going out to start working, I chose the latter. Enough time has passed wallowing in fear.
Liana leads me down the hallway, glancing back at me. "Do you want to go weave with your redheaded friend?" she asked.
I shake my head. "Do you garden down here? It doesn't seem like you have many fresh crops down here, but I have worked with plants and herbs."
The crystal-laden woman looks over her shoulder and bites the piercing in her mouth. "I'll send you with Ulla."
My eyebrows draw together. "Who's that?"
She smiles. "She's the head healer, but she also oversees the singers and the meals. You'll like her."
I glance up at the woman. "Why?"
Liana laughs. "She might be the other person who tires as quickly of Ma’Teo as you."
"Lead the way then," I say, following Liana down a flight of stairs and into what seems like a greenhouse. Rows of various mushrooms, all of which I can't identify, are growing on the shelves. A woman with silver hair pulled back in a tight bun is tending to one of the rows, humming softly to herself. She turns when she hears us approach and smiles warmly at Liana.
I freeze. It's the woman who keeps looking at Teo like he broke her heart.
"Liana, what brings you down here?" Ulla asks, placing a few mushrooms in her basket and wiping dirt from her hands onto her apron.
"I have someone who would like to help with your cooking," Liana replies.
Ulla's gaze falls on me, and her smile dims. "The king's bride." She yanks her gaze back to Liana. "Surely she should be working with something other than food. Perhaps the crystal caverns?”
Liana shrugs. “I should speak with the king before taking her there.”
Ulla raises her eyebrow. “You? Ask permission? Weren't you the one who just barged into our meeting, telling anyone who would listen that she was chosen by the Fuegorra."
Liana nods. "Yes, I was." Then she turns on her heel and leaves.
I stand there, unsure of what to do. Then, one of the other slaves comes in. He's wearing a bright expression, which softens his pockmarked face. My eyes study how he now wears a braid in his short hair.
"Hello!" he calls cheerfully. "Estela, right?”
I nod. “Yes.” Then I grow uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, what is your name?
His smile grows impossibly wider. “Luiz. I've been hearing all about you. Glad to see you are well."
My throat runs dry. "What do you mean?"
He smiles. "You were the first human mate. Because of you, they lined us all up and made us meet every Enduar. That's how I met Neela, my mate." His look is wistful, and I can see the love in his eyes.
I smile back at him, surprised by his kindness, especially since I had been rude to Neela during a dinner. Guilt festers in my chest. I've been shortsighted with these Enduares. "It's nice to meet you, Luiz."
Ulla watches us, confused. “Don’t you two already know each other?”