Iwatch Ra’Sa leave while I stand in Hammerhead Hall, surrounded by Enduares. The other Enduar spoke to him, and then he just… left.
But not before looking back at me.
There was something vast and tortured in that look. His sky-blue eyes had turned stormy, and that unsettled me.
Did he pity me for the things I shared?
He had no way of knowing that I had once gone to the breeding pens. There was no way in heaven or hell that he knew what happened when I laid there on that table, or what I did.
I start to sweat, and my pulse quickens.
The king finishes his speech abruptly after getting the men to promise that they won’t go anywhere near the gem ceremony today.
To be honest, I had dreaded putting the crystal in my chest. Despite all the obvious benefits, I wasn’t sure if I wanted a mate. I just wanted a protector—someone to give me and the girls a home.
A mate feels too personal. Kind of like letting myself finish for a man.
I bite my lip as some of the attendees of King Teo’s little party begin to approach. Letting out a deep breath, I smile broadly.
“You are brave, woman,” one of them says. He looks at me with deep, steel-gray eyes.
I dip my head. “Well, thank you for listening.”
Another, with white hair steps forward, places his fist over his chest and bows to me.
“I am called Sikur. I will look for you after the ceremony. It would be an honor to be mated to a human like you,” he says.
Something twists in my gut, and I think of Ra’Sa. “My, what a compliment.”
More men begin to swarm, but Niht splits through all of them.
“All right. Off to work. I’m sure Melisa doesn’t want you drooling on her fresh clothes,” he calls.
I grin up at the aging Enduar, noticing the lines just starting to show in the corners of his eyes.
“Thank you, Niht,” I say as sincerely as possible.
He winks at me. “Always here to help a woman in need.”
I laugh. “I’m sure. Give my regards to Glyni.”
He smiles, and I turn to walk out of Hammerhead Hall.
“Good luck at the ceremony!” he calls after me.
Once away from the hordes of large, muscled men, I lean against one of the pillars and let out a long breath. Staying in Enduvida is the right choice.
But the Fuegorra…
I think back to Glyni’s offer. I could go with her and the other elves. But it doesn’t seem like a place suited for children.
You don’t have to decide right now.
So, instead, I wonder where Ra’Sa has gone. The Palace? To see his mother?
It shouldn’t matter. Not after what he said, but I catch sight of his silver hair and oversized shoulder, and I feel pulled from my spot.
I look around me, finding the area mostly empty, and follow behind him at a safe distance.