Page 60 of Of Blood & Stone

“No, Your Grace. I understand.”

“Good. Now, what is there to report about the prince?”

Elnok’s face grew hot. He already knew what she was about to do. She would share his desire for the healing tree, using it as leverage to get her cure. It would be smart. Calculated. She didn’t owe him anything. Slowly, he backed away, lungs sinking into his stomach. He needed to leave this place undetected, find Kharis, and convince him to return him back to Vutror. Better to get out of this blood-soaked kingdom and see Orym one last time than decay in a prison cell.

“He can’t hold his wine,” she replied, “Other than that, there’s nothing impressive about him.”

Elnok froze.

“Curious,” the High One replied, “What happened?”

“He drank two sips and threw it up. He’s only had salted rice, boiled potatoes, and water since.”

The High One straightened his back. “Perhaps some fruit from the gardens would do him well. See to it you provide him some of our best today, will you?”

Sylzenya paused. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“Excellent. So, no information of why he’s been gone these last ten years? No reasons as to why he never returned?”

She shrugged, “If I had to guess, it was because he and his brother developed bad blood.”

Elnok’s eyes burned.

How did she know?

The fountain. The wine. He’d probably said something in his delirium about Tosh before he passed out last night.

Damnit.

But this was smart of her, giving the High One parcels of truth. Still, she could ruin himandget her cure. Surely she’d take the opportunity.

“Very well. Keep a careful eye on him. Now, go and follow through on our deal. If you do good work, I might give you the cure sooner.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

They left the trees and returned to the main path. Elnok quietly retreated from his hiding place, disbelief warring inside of him. Before he could make sense of it, Elnok dashed from tree to tree, a newfound energy lighting up his veins as he found his way back to the healing pool before they did.

Closing the heavy door soundlessly, he slowed his breaths, picking twigs from his hair and throwing them across the room. He straightened his posture, hands laced behind his back as he absently studied the carved image of a monster.

The door opened.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” the High One announced as he led Sylzenya in. “We’ll begin our discussions about the treaty between our kingdoms in a few days. I’ll have one of my Dynameis send for you.”

Elnok bowed. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“Excellent.” He smiled at Sylzenya. “I’ll see you in a few days as well.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” She bowed.

Once the door slammed shut, Sylzenya spun, fists clenched and smile gone. Elnok thought he liked her face earlier, the way the sun shone on her small smile.

But anger fit her well.

“Hope you enjoyed the conversation,” she said, approaching the wall and slapping her hand against the sandstone. “You’re lucky he didn’t see you.”

Elnok crossed his arms. “I’m afraid I never left this room.”

“Save it,” she interrupted. “I know every hiding spot in this place, and I sure as hell know when someone else is using it.”

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