Page 104 of Crown of Hearts
Aries’ silver eyes shifted to Elara, and I tensed at the way they roamed her body.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce me, King Cai?” Even with the correct title, he managed to mock me.
I instinctively reached for her hand, and she laced her fingers with mine.
“Aries, this is Elara, Queen of Everness.”
He tilted his head. “You know I heard a tall tale that the two of you were engaged.”
Elara’s hand stiffened in mine.
“But you can never be sure these days with all the rumours going about. It’s so difficult to know what is fact and what is fiction.”
“It certainly is,” she replied.
“But then I thought that there was no way the two of you could be so foolish. Everness and Norrandale aligning? One might even call it an act of aggression against Argon. I’m sure the other kingdoms on the continent wouldn’t be able to ignore it either.” He looked to the diplomats for confirmation.
Linus, a tall man with long grey hair that had been neatly tied, chose to reply. “Cedia would definitely take an interest if Everness and Norrandale were to be united. Even if it was merely for the sake of considering new alliances.” What he didn’t say was that if Everness and Norrandale united, they would become a slightly bigger threat to some of the kingdoms on the continent.
This was a reckless game, and we were all playing with our very worst intentions.
“If one should be so lucky as to find an ally, one must certainly protect it. Trust is such a rare thing these days,” Theuses added.
“Very true words there.” Aries snapped his fingers and a servant showed up with a tray of wine. The servant offered to pour but Aries took the jug, ready to pour himself. He was mid-act when he looked up and met all our stares.
“Forgive me, would anyone else like anything to drink?” Our group remained silent. “This visit is most unexpected, but pleasant nonetheless.”
“Surely you must know why we are here,” Elara said confidently.
Aries gave her a look of challenge.
“I’ve heard my sister resides in your court. I’ve come to collect her.”
“And you decided to bring the King of Norrandale with you?”
“Cai was visiting my court. And since there is a peace treaty between Argon and Norrandale, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to revise the agreement. Two birds with one stone and all.” Her smile was decadent but fake.
“I must admit, the resemblance is quite eerie.” He rubbed his mouth. “I’ve heard many stories about the lost heir of Everness. It’s lovely to finally meet you in person.”
“If my sister has been here for the past few months, then surely by now you know of her illness and therefore I think it would be best if she were to return to Everness with me.”
Aries scanned all of us slowly. “You want to take Eloisa with you.”
“I think now that things have settled in Everness, it would be better for her to be home with her family.”
“Ah yes, how is Prince Lance? He must have been the shortest ruling king in the history of the kingdom.” He let out a laugh. “I heard he’s quite fond of the bottle.”
I sensed Elara bite the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from saying something she would later come to regret. “He’s just fine.”
Aries clapped his hands together, making Cordelia jump. “Shall we all have dinner together this evening?”
“Thank you for your hospitality, but I think we’re all quite tired from our journey and would prefer to take dinner in our chambers.” The last thing I wanted was to share a dinner table with this man, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to avoid it for ever.
His eagle eyes swayed back to Elara, and he stood up from his throne, holding out a hand. “Would you like me to take you to your sister?”
Elara stepped forwards but didn’t take his hand. He must have noticed me about to follow because he pointed in the opposite direction.
“I’ll have my servants take you to your chambers.” He looked to Linus and Theuses. “We can continue our conversation later.” Two servants stood ready to guide us and I clenched a fist at my side. I didn’t want Elara alone with Aries, but I also didn’t want to cause a fight within the first few minutes of our arrival.
