Page 46 of Draekora

Narrowing her eyes, Alex wondered about the fairness of him not only picking up her language through the bond, but also the ability to use it sarcastically. Instead of saying anything more, she sent him a mental image of her whacking him over the head with a pillow. In return, she received a deep belly laugh before she felt his presence vanish from her mind.

After that, she lay back down again and fell asleep with a smile still lingering on her face.

Alex’s second day in the past turned out to be much more relaxing than her first.

She was collected early in the morning by Kyia and delivered to a small sunroom to breakfast with the queen, of all people. On her own. Thatshouldhave raised Alex’s anxiety levels, but the truth was, this version of Niida seemed nothing but welcoming. This was proven again when Alex took a seat in a cushioned chair and the queen merely reached over and squeezed her hand comfortingly, sending her a friendly smile before returning to sip from what looked like a mug of hot chocolate. Indeed, when Alex’s breakfast was brought in on a platter, she too received a serving of the decadently rich liquid.

The queen, seeing Alex’s delight at the drink, said in broken words of the common tongue, “It’s guilty, my pleasure. Keep our secret, yes?”

Alex hadn’t been able to deny Niida a return smile and nod of agreement.

“You can speak my language?” she asked hesitantly, not sure if she was supposed to remain silent or address the queen more formally as befitting her station.

Niida gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Only basic convention.”

“Conversation,” Alex corrected without thinking.

Fortunately, Niida laughed again instead of demanding Alex’s head. “Astophe and Roka more—uh, better?—yes, they better versed in common tongue. But I get by simple. Will learn proper now, to speak you.”

“You already speak it very well, Your Highness,” Alex semi fibbed, touched by the queen’s gesture. “And I’m grateful for you making the effort.”

They ate the rest of their meal in companionable silence, with Alex relaxing even more as the sun streamed through the windows of the room and thawed her lingering tension.

But the relaxation couldn’t last forever, and all too soon the queen had to excuse herself to go about her royal duties. Left alone, Alex wasn’t sure what to do, not until Aven walked in.

Forcing her body language to remain unruffled, she even managed to partly return his smile of greeting, ignoring the twist of her insides as she did so.

“Good morning,LasaAeylia,” he said, standing before her and surprising her with his perfect use of the common tongue. Then he winced and switched to Meyarin, saying, “Forgive me, I forgot that Roka mentioned you’d prefer to remain informal.” He shook his head as if at himself. “I know you probably have no idea what I’m saying, even if my brother informs me that your language lessons are coming along well. But he wrote this for me to give you anyway.”

Aven handed over a scrolled piece of parchment with a silvery-gold shine to it, and she realised it must have been made from the trees in the forests surrounding Meya. It was very pretty, as far as paper was concerned.

Unrolling it, Alex read Roka’s words inscribed in a running calligraphy, perfectly written in the common language:

Aeylia, I’m sorry for not meeting you in person this morning, but my father requires my assistance regarding a matter of urgency. Being at the beck and call of my people is but one of the perks of inheriting an immortal kingdom.

At that, Alex could imagine the prince she knew rolling his eyes and she had a feeling this Roka would act the same. She smiled to herself and continued reading.

I should be back early this evening to continue our lessons, but until then, my brother will take good care of you.

Alex had to still the sudden trembling of her hand.

I’ve informed him that you have caught on well to our language but your knowledge is rudimentary and needs much improvement. Don’t worry; he won’t try to engage you in scintillating conversation just yet. I believe he has plans to show you around the city so that you may acquaint yourself with the glory that is Meya. I only hope you will have enough energy left for our evening lessons upon my return.

Again, Alex could pick up a note of dryness to Roka’s tone, and it helped ease the knots in her stomach at the idea of spending the day playing tourist with Aven.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions in both your tongue and ours. At my urging, Aven began his own language lessons last night and, like you, will soon be fluent. Enjoy your outing, and I’ll see you tonight, Roka

Alex read the note slowly a second time just so that she had time to stifle her panic before meeting Aven’s eyes. He was looking directly at her, waiting, it seemed, for her reaction.

Giving herself a mental pep-talk, Alex reminded herself that this was not the evil Aven of the future and it was at least possible that she might make it through the day in his company without being threatened, stabbed or Claimed. Having little option but to go with it—the alternative being to scream and run for the hills—she summoned her courage and gave him a tentative smile.

The beaming grin he offered in return was so dazzling that she was momentarily dumbfounded by his radiance.

“Don’t look so scared, Aeylia,” he told her in Meyarin, clearly seeing through her attempt at courage. “I’ll look after you today. You have nothing to fear.”

Deciding to show some spine, Alex quietly lied, “Atari sae, Aven. Genada torra kin de sae.” Meyarin for, ‘Thank you, Aven. That’s very kind of you.’

The startled look on his face was well worth her words. “Roka was right—youarea quick learner.”

---