Page 31 of Pawns of Salistya

Alright, let’s try a different avenue.What do you mean by True Infinite? What is that?

I could sense his whole body pause, his eyes growing bright in shocked disbelief.You don’t know what the True Infinite is?

Clearly, or I wouldn’t have bothered to ask,I snapped back, giving into my irritation and confusion.

What are they teaching you over there,he muttered disapprovingly.

While he seemed preoccupied mulling over his thoughts, an idea sprang to my mind. Narrowing my eyes in concentration, I channelled my fire to create light within the space we were in. If he wasn’t going to show me his appearance, I would force it.

But no light would come.

I wouldn’t bother, he laughed. My ire rose as the sound of his laughter released a barrage of unwanted feelings within me. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard.

What are you doing to me?I demanded.

I’m not doing anything, Green Eyes. You’re in the Lull, a place fuelled by the mind, spirit and the stars. Your physical magic has no hold here.

Interesting.Are you in my mind? And, if you are, does that mean I’m in yours?

I saw the outline of his face cock to the side.Not quite. I called you, invited you to this place.

In that case, if I were to call you, I could invite you to this place?

It’s a bit more complicated than that. But for all intents and purposes, simply put, you would be able to.

So, how do I –

He cut me off, pre-empting my question,but you don’t have the powers required for that yet. Unfortunately for you, you’re stuck with me making the first move.

I couldn’t help the childish pout that formed on my face, which made him chuckle.

Patience, Green Eyes. You need to walk before you can run. Or, as was in your case, you needed to control your magic before you learnt to teleport.

How do you know so much about me?I decided there was no point in denying that he clearly knew more than I liked. Hell, I didn’t like that the man had the power to pull me to this Lull. Whatever this Lull is. There was nowhere for me to hide.

Knowledge finds those who are meant to see, Valare.His tone mimicked that of the Nyarellean woman’s.

My body went stiff.That’s not the first time I’ve heard someone say that,I whispered.

And it won’t be the last. Open your eyes, Valare. Seek the answers you require. They are closer to you than you realise. His body tensed as his eyes turned to his right, before settling back on mine.I have to go.

But –

His eyes somehow shone with disappointment, as though he wanted to stay as much as I wanted answers.Until we meet again, Green Eyes.

Chapter 13

We stood outside the Amarald Palace, waiting at the top of the stairs for the Queen of Nyarelle and the King of Marlyst to arrive. Their horses could be seen in the distance, making their way towards us.

I stood at Eliasson’s side, his arm loosely around my waist, his fingers mindlessly drawing soothing circles up and down my hip. Slaviya stood on his other side, keeping an appropriate space between us, her back rigid, signature scowl on her face. She wore a flattering moss green dress that circled her neck, bell sleeves flaring out to her forearms, the flowy material ending mid-way on her calf. Despite the requisite colour, her choice of attire surprised me, as the flash of skin is considered risqué for a Salistyanwoman.

I moved from one foot to the other, gnawing on my lip, anxious. Eliasson squeezed my hip, drawing my attention to him. ‘Stop it, you look stunning,’ he muttered.

‘What if teal wasn’t the right choice? What if it sends the wrong message? Maybe I should’ve stuck to blue.’ I groaned, nervously picking at the collar wrapped around my throat. The silky dress was held up by a simple tie at the nape of my neck. It fell to cover my body to mid-thigh.

‘It’s no secret you’re a Salistyan-born Arloman Queen, Valare. Teal represents solidarity between the two Doms. It was a strategic decision and the right choice. Don’t overthink it,’ Eliasson soothed me.

Don’t overthink it? How could I not?

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