“Very well.”
My back begins to ache from keeping my spine straight, but I hurry over eagerly.
The scent of spiced fruit and roasted meats wafts through the streets, mingling with the heady perfume of crushed amber scattered along the walkways.
“I remember the enduar markets of my youth,” Arion says unexpectedly. “There was a great deal more shouting among the locals back then.”
I smile up at him as he picks up a turquoise chunk carved in the shape of a snake curled around a flower.
The enduar on the other side of the stall, Flova, bows slightly.When he catches sight of the carving, his brows furrow.
“King Arion, it is an honor, but—” Flova starts, only for the elf to interrupt him.
“This is an interesting piece. Don’t you think?” he asks me.
I inspect the stone. It was pretty, but I don’t like serpents.
“Yes, it is lovely,” I say softly.
Arion smiles again, then glances back at Flova, who is still looking slightly confused. “What is the currency down here these days?”
“There isn’t one, Your Highness,” Vann’s voice says from behind. “Less than three hundred enduares live in Enduvida, with around eleven humans sharing our space. We have no need for shouting our wares. No need for money. This is all a gift, provided by the hard work of those around you.”
Whipping around, I look at him in shock.
Please behave, I attempt to break the laws of nature and say to him through my mind.
King Arion assesses him for a few moments.
“You’re the king’s lapdog, yes?”
Vann smiles, saccharine sweet.“Advisor.”
“The Cleaver, wielded by the Butcher of Giants,” Arion says cooly.
I tighten my fists, and somehow, King Arion notices.
“Lord Veryl, forgive me, it seems we are making the human uncomfortable,” Arion continues.
Before Vann can correct his name, the elf reaches out and tucks the stem of the flower behind my ear. The serpent’s head rests on my temple, and I reach up to touch it.
I almost remove it, but don’t out of respect.
“Here. A gift.Obsequio, in your native tongue I believe. To make you feel better,” he uses his waxy fingers to trace the shell of my ear. “Ah, it looks like they are starting. Shall we?”
I hardly have time to look back at Vann, eager to make sure he doesn’t do anything brash, as I am guided back to our seats.
The time passes quickly, and the conversation is quiet while I sit there.
Soon, Estela and Teo enter, dressed in complementary shades of blue. They are beautiful. A stunning pair—clearly meant to be together.
Watching Estela pledge her life to a noble king—a man devoted to giving the best life to her and their now joined people—momentarily makes me forget who sits at my side.
Tears slip down my cheeks as ancient rites weave their souls together, binding Teo and Estela in a magic that seems older than time itself.
I am so happy that it is her to take the first step in a new, exciting future. She had no easy life as the fully human daughter of an old Giant King’s consort. After Daniel cast me out of our shared dwelling, she took me in.
“It was a small thing,” she used to say. But it meant everything to me.