I blink. Truly? Does he have some power where he can smell deception?
If so, it doesn’t work. He is a horrid man, be careful,Ra’Sa says.
The giant king nods at the other king’s words, but he doesn't seem satisfied.
"If you were beaten and left, why did all the other slaves go with her?" he demands. "She rarely had access to the outside world."
With the Elf King a few paces away, it's in my best interests to remain collected.
"It pains me to say I do not know, Your Majesty. I was busy preparing her for the coronation. Whatever happened, whatever spell she used with her strange magic, was something I simply cannot understand with my feeble mind," I say as innocently as possible.
The men before me accept this, but theBrujabehind them tilts her head to the side.
The Six are also human, so a part of me worries she will call out my deception. She does not.
The giant king turns to the Elf King. “Do you want her?"
Ra’Sa’s rage flows through me, watching intently.
The elf’s head turns to me, studying my face. He scans my filthy form from my feet to the top of my head.
"I think I'm still partial to the flame-haired girl," he says quickly, as unbothered as ever.
I relax, but then I begin to think of all the humans I'd ever known with red hair, and one comes to mind.
Is he talking about Arlet? The sweet-natured weaver in Enduvida? There aren't many humans with the vibrant red color that she sports on her head.
When did he meet her?I ask my mate.
He was in Enduvida for a time. We invited the elves in hopes of making an alliance, and he betrayed us to the giants. He is the reason Estela was taken.
Our conversation is interrupted with the giant king’s voice.
“Take her away. But be warned, human, I may have need of you again.”
As the giants usher me out, I hear the Elf King say, "Do all humans in Zlosa tend to smell like rotten meat left in the sun?"
I clench my fists and walk through the door.
You did well,Ra’Sa declares.
I did? You don't disapprove of how easily I lied?
If I recall correctly, I was the one who told you to do it.
No matter. Most would probably wonder if they could ever trust me again if I openly showed such a conniving side.
You,Ruh’flor,cannot hide from me. I trust you.
You are sure of yourself.
Laughter rumbles through me, and I smile.
On the way out of the palace, the giants leave me at the steps. I notice that the carriage is gone. I look up at the guards, who stare ahead into the twilight. It illuminates the carefully curated gardens as the sun continues to dip down.
"Go home," one grunts, reaffirming my thoughts.
I take a deep breath and do just that, despite the chill. Resigned and grateful that the encounter with the kings went smoothly, I remember my daughters and what Hibsej told me. I will work hard tomorrow—for as long as it takes that I might see them again.