Page 100 of Crown of Hearts
“I knew we would.” I didn’t want to tell her that I was starting to have my own doubts for a while back there. I lookedaround the high trees and green branches. There was a path not too far off. “Any idea where we are?”
“More or less. I think I might be able to find my way back.” She let go of me and started making her way towards where she thought the road would be.
I stopped in my tracks behind her. “Elara, I’m really sorry about Ray.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
It might have been a coincidence, or it might have been the fact that she helped save my life with a price she wasn’t willing to pay. I didn’t want to think too much about it, but I couldn’t help my eyes from boring holes into her pocket, which I knew carried the dagger I’d gifted her.
Chapter 27
Elara
Cai and I were taking a morning stroll through the hallways when Anesta crossed our path. “Your Majesties, Cordelia and I are having tea out on the terrace, since the weather is so nice today. You should join us.”
“I’d love to, but I actually need to go and see Jack about something, he’s probably been looking for me.” He gave me a warm smile. “If you ladies will excuse me.”
Cai apologised and hurried off as I linked arms with Anesta. “Tea sounds lovely.” There was still a hollow feeling in my chest after the events of the past few days. I knew talking about it would probably help but despite spending the morning with Cai, it was like I couldn’t get the words out. Perhaps some time with my female friends was the kind of distraction I needed.
A table had been set on the terrace with fine porcelain and sweet treats to accompany the tea. Though I wasn’t hungry, my mouth practically drooled at the sight of the caramel truffles and lemon cream pies. I sat down next to Cordelia while a servant filled my cup. She’d only arrived in Everness sometime after the others and despite her joining on the hunt, it felt like we hadn’t had much time to catch up.
The palace grounds were busy with servants running about and a few guards doing their rounds.
“Don’t tell me you’re sitting out here with the hopes of seeing the soldiers train,” I teased.
“Of course not,” Anesta scoffed. “Unless we happen to see them around somewhere.” She looked over her shoulder as she said it, allowing me and Cordelia to chuckle.
“Easy for you to laugh,” she retorted with a smile. “You’re both in happy relationships.” I thought about it for a momentand realised she was right. Cai and I werein a good place. I could only hope it would last.
“Lord Thatcher is quite attractive,” Cordelia remarked, and I remembered how he was flirting with Anesta that night at the ball in Norrandale.
“True, but Lord Thatcher has no intention of making serious commitments as far as I’ve heard,” I responded honestly.
“It’s always the pretty ones.” Anesta sighed.
“What about Rhen?” I suggested, taking a sip of my tea. It was citrussy and I wasn’t overly fond of the taste, but it immediately made me feel warmer.
“He’s quite a few years older.” Anesta shrugged. “I don’t think he even takes note of me.”
“I would be surprised to see my brother in a relationship,” Cordelia responded.
“Why?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” She tilted her head to the side. “Rhen doesn’t really do relationships. At least not publicly. He’s always prioritised his duties. When we were young, it was looking after me. But I’m glad to see he makes a good soldier. I think he’s happy now.”
From experience, I knew what she said to be true. But that didn’t mean there wasn’t a maid secretly visiting his chambers at night. Not that it was any of my business, anyway.
“Don’t worry, Anesta, we’ll find you a rich husband,” I joked. “You know the Duke of Dankershire is looking for a wife.” I raised my eyebrows.
“The one you said wouldn’t shut up about horses?”
“What’s not to love about horses?”
She laughed and shook her head.
* * *
“We cannot just march into Argon.” Cai dragged his fingers through his hair with frustration. “We’d only manage to breach the nearest villages, and it would take far too long to reach Myrador Stronghold with an army.”
