King Teo exhales through his nose.
Estela shakes her head, standing to take the stone slab from Lothar.
“That poisonous man,” she hisses.
Arlet takes a sharp breath.
“I don’t understand,” she starts. “He wants me to marry him?”
Teo nods.
“But why?”
“It doesn’t matter. No way in the fiery pits of hell will we ever let him anywhere near you. This is a trap—I’m sure of it,” Estela responds.
I agree with her wholeheartedly. Arion had betrayed us before in favor of a relationship with the giants. Even with the giants defeated, the elf could not be trusted. A man who lies is bound to do it again.
My fingers curl into fists so tight my nails bite into my palms. My arms feel heavy.
King Teo exhales sharply. “Two months,” he murmurs. “That’s what they offer?”
Lothar nods grimly. “Two months. No more.”
Thorne leans forward, eyes sharp. “King Arion does not request—he demands.”
Arlet stands abruptly, her chair scraping against the stone floor.
“I—none of this makes sense,” she starts, one hand pressing against her upper thigh while the other brushes hair out of her face. “Lord Thorne, you know his culture. His kingdom. What is he playing at?”
Thorne purses his lips. “Well, he is very keen to have a human. It’s no secret he remains unwed, and desires an heir.”
Arlet’s chest rises and falls rapidly. “So I… I must be the easy choice?”
Thorne shrugs, but Estela scoffs. “Who gives a fuck what he wants?”
I grunt, finding myself once again in agreement with my queen.
Teo studies the redhead at my side, his voice low but firm. “I understand everyone’s concern. However, the elves would not write something they did not intend to uphold. It would not be wise to let the decision go unconsidered.”
Estela frowns. “While that is true, we have spent considerabletime defining our laws and policies with personal choice in mind. The only person who can say yes or no to this offer is Arlet.”
Lord Ra’Salore scoffs. “Sacrifice is a necessary element of service in the council. The trade is a human bride for ensured peace.
“Peace with Arion,” Thorne interjects, his voice low. “Which would be in direct conflict with your allyship with Mrath.”
As words are shot throughout the room, I see Arlet build up her defenses. Her face goes blank, and her hands still. Slowly, she sits back down, and in an act I’m sure she doesn’t identify, she leans toward me.
I blink once. My tail, which had been resting on the floor under my chair up to this point, seeks the leg of her chair. It curls round as I let out a long breath. Then it pulls just a little.
Her head whips toward me, and I let go immediately, coughing once.
What are you doing?
Shifting forward in my seat, I put a little space between us and join the conversation.
“We have promised Mrath that we would assist her in claiming the elven throne. There was always going to be a war—this offer could hurt us just as much as it helps.
Estela purses her lips and returns her gaze to Arlet.