Page 68 of Under the Lion Star

As much as I loved the humans we saw in Keldsfen, I realized rather quickly that I did not care for the human king as a person. All the same, he would have to be tolerated, as returning to war was not something I wanted for Fjorn.

Chapter 22

Leor

I did my best to ignore the evidence of destruction throughout the town as we spoke with King Doran. Liras had painted a grim picture when he first brought Orin home. My younger brother was catatonic and muttered something about eyes repeatedly.

But being here, surrounded by the tangible reality of what he had done. It was difficult to bear.

My assurances to the human king were a lie. Regardless of what he had done, Orin wasn’t a threat to Fjorn or anyone else, but I needed to know what level of risk I was dealing with by protecting him.

“Did the witness have a description of the attacker?” I asked, feigning genuine curiosity.

“Unfortunately not,” Doran sighed. “She was only certain he was an elf based on the curve of his swords. The beast apparently donned the hood of his cloak throughout the slaughter.”

“Soldiers on both sides have been known to take souvenirs,” I offered.

“She also said he was nearly seven feet tall,” Doran raised a brow. “Not that I wish to disparage my men, but a human who could level a small town on his own? Not likely.”

“Fair,” I hummed my agreement. “I’ll look into it. Surely, they would have boasted to someone else. The rumor mill in Galvord runs constantly, so I will keep my ears open.”

“I’ll leave it in your hands,” Doran shrugged. “Take it as my first show of trust. One of many between our countries, I hope.”

“Me as well,” I said resolutely. “I would prefer not to find myself in another war.”

“You and be both,” the king huffed out a laugh. “I’ve had my fill of battle.”

I nodded despite the awkwardness. On more than a few occasions, Doran faced down my battalion, and each time resulted in his retreat. He was a fine leader, but the Fjornishmen who fought beside me were a force to be reckoned with.

“No love was lost between my father and I, as you could have guessed. The entire basis of the war was because my old man couldn’t keep his cock to himself.”

I schooled my features, not wanting to give away my surprise at that detail. Few understood why Doran’s father, King Morlan, had decided to destroy Haerbor nearly two decades prior. It was an attack that seemed to come out of nowhere yet led to a long and bloody conflict between two countries that had been at peace.

He muttered something about half-elf bastards before opening the floor to discuss a new trade agreement.

“I think Keldsfen would be an ideal port of trade,” Zialda said, but the slight waver in her tone betrayed her lack of confidence.

“Tell me,” Doran spoke around a mouthful of food.

“It’s nearly equal distance between Galvord and Krannol. Given Haerbor is no longer inhabited; we could move shipping operations into Keldsfen, assuming the harbor is deep enough to dock larger trade vessels.”

“It is,” I supplied, having already come to the same thoughts my queen had.

“Its unique space as a town where both humans and elves live could alleviate some of the cultural disconnects,” Zialda smiled as she spoke. “It might smooth over any confusion as goods are traded from one country to another.”

“True,” Doran stroked his chin slowly, turning to me. “I’ve been thinking of other ways to create more cohesion between our peoples.”

I kept my eyes on him but didn’t move to speak. It was clear that he wanted to propose something to me but was hesitant about my reaction.

“Your brother,” he continued. “He is of age?”

“Nineteen,” I responded, already knowing where this was heading.

“My daughter is recently eighteen,” he waved his hand at Princess Kira, who continued to stare at her fingers in her lap. “Perhaps a marriage alliance would benefit us both.”

“I am open to that,” I replied, keeping my tone even. “However, Orin has only recently returned from the war and has become something of my right-hand man.”

The king nodded his understanding.

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