Page 124 of A Queen's Game
Chapter Forty-Nine
Elyse
Elyse approached Keyain’s suite, stomach aching with apprehension. Just because Marietta said she would accompany Elyse to the library that afternoon didn’t mean shewantedto go. Perhaps Keyain guilted his wife into it.
Two guards stood outside his door, surprising Elyse. That was new. The male on the left nodded to her in greeting. Elyse remembered meeting him once with Keyain. She returned with a tight smile as nerves knotted her stomach, and she knocked on the door.
A moment later, Marietta answered, her round face lit with excitement and black curls loose around her head. “Thank gods,” she said, stepping out of the suite. “I’ve been dying to get out of there. Amryth—the guard who’s usually with me—was on an assignment this week, so you’re a blessing.”
Elyse blinked, taken aback by her excited chatter and lack of greeting. “Oh, of course, Lady Marietta.”
“Just Marietta. Titles grow tedious after a while.” She looked up at Elyse. “Shall we, my savior?” Marietta looped her arm through hers and started down the hall.
A surprising laugh escaped Elyse’s mouth. How was Marietta this okay in her presence? How was this not awkward for her?
They descended to the first floor of the Noble’s Section, heading towards the Central Garden. “You would think Keyain would at least come andwalk me—” she emphasized the words with her hands “—when Amryth’s busy. Being trapped in that room is dreadful. Would not recommend.”
“Recommendation noted.” The nerves knotting Elyse’s stomach loosened, Marietta putting her at ease. “I’m glad I called on you when I did. Keyain mentioned you’re alone here in court, like me.”
“Alone is one way to put it. Others might say an anomaly. Many of the courtiers aren’t eager to befriend the first half-elven lady.”
“Trust me. You’re better off without them.” Elyse bit her tongue, not sure why she felt the need to say such a thing.
“Is that so? Please elaborate because that would be the first bit of useful information I have received about this gods damned court.”
“Well, they’re all liars; they live for gossip.”
“Unsurprising,” Marietta muttered.
Elyse glanced at the scowl on her face. She couldn’t help but smile. “None of them are worth your time. Once you’re in the Queen’s Court, you no longer fit in with them.”
Marietta’s head snapped to Elyse, eyes roaming her face. “That’s what happened to you. You don’t get along with them anymore.”
Stunned silence held Elyse at how quick she could read that from her. “Uh, no. I choose not to interact with them.”
Marietta nodded her head. “And you also don’t get along with them. Perhaps one day you’ll share why that is.” She gave a pensive look, playing with a lock of her hair. “Between you and me, those who consider me less because I’m a half-elf don’t deserve my time.”
A smile spread across Elyse’s face as they stepped into the sunshine, the summer’s heat hitting her like a wall. Marietta tipped her face toward the sun, grinning.
Across the courtyard, groups of courtiers lounged near the fountain in the building’s shade. All too aware of their pressing stares, Elyse led them to the garden path that cut to the library. She halted at the sight of Sylas, who stood before the path’s entrance in deep conversation with two females who stole glances in their direction.
Gods, of course, they were standing right there, and of course, she and Marietta drew their attention. “Let’s go this way,” Elyse said, pulling Marietta away towards the farther path.
“We can just ask them to move if that’s what you’re avoiding.”
“I’d rather not talk to them right now.”
Marietta studied her face, then whipped her head back to the group. “Well, it looks like the man is heading right for us, anyway.”
“Oh, my gods… I don’t need any more rumors.”
“What do you mean?” Marietta asked as Elyse half dragged her into the gardens, quickening her pace.
“He’s from Chorys Dasi and is friends with Brynden.”
“Who’s Brynden?”
Elyse slowed to look at Marietta. “You really don’t hear any of the court gossip, do you? Not even from Keyain?”
