Page 36 of Bound to the Elvin Prince

He swept his arm out to encompass the room. “As we do not age much beyond what you see here, many times over the years I’ve felt every bit as old as my father.”

Her curiosity peaked. How old was he and, most importantly, did she want to know? Yes. She’d brave any possible fire to find out that answer. “How old are you?” Realizing she practically demanded the answer, she said, “If you don’t mind telling, Your Highness.” She added his title to the end, not sure how to address him in public.

To her surprise, a smile broke out on his face. “You humans are all so concerned with time, though I suppose it’s to be expected. No, I do not mind, but I don’t know if the truth will serve you well, especially at the dining table. I believe we’ll have to wait a while before I reveal what you seek.”

She narrowed her eyes, getting lost in his explanation. Was he doing it on purpose? While he always spoke formally, she’d been able to understand him after a moment or two of thought. Now her comprehension appeared to be fading. “Does this mean you’re not going to tell me?”

“Yes, that’s what I mean.”

She released her breath in a huff. “Why can’t I know?”

“Humans perceive time from a unique perspective, one that is not ours. As you’re operating very much on human perception, I don’t believe this is the time or place for such discussion.”

His words grated on her. To her ears, he sounded condescending. “What? You’re saying I can’t understand another perspective of time?”

He turned his head, his face implacable. “I said no such thing. I merely advised time to learn more of our ways before going into such weighty discussions. After all, that’s what truly sets elf and man apart—immortality. Many humans in the past could or would not accept that fact, and fear all too soon followed.” He didn’t talk further.

Her heart sank. She apparently touched upon a sensitive subject. An apology might dampen his displeasure. Lord, was that all they did—apologize to each other? They weren’t setting a very good precedent. “I shouldn’t have pushed. Sorry.”

Seeing the puzzlement on his face, she faltered. Couldn’t he understand her? Cal began again, this time a little bit louder. “I’m sorry I pushed for an answer. You’re right. I know virtually nothing of your ways.”

The confused slant of his eyebrows relaxed. Was it her imagination, or did his face soften?

“Think not on it, my lady.”

Servants, wearing a dark blue livery consisting of tunic and leggings for males and a dress for females, carried in large platters of food. A few trays even...floated behind them? Cal blinked. Yeah, floating trays, wow. The servers set the dishes on the tables and allowed everyone to serve themselves.

Cal’s mouth watered at the tempting variety set before her. There were some meats, but the widest assortment consisted of soups, bread, pastries, cheeses, and fruits. A small grin crept over her face. Maggie smiled back, though she’d been unnaturally quiet since entering the great hall and the king’s watchful eye. Maybe the veritable feast before them would ease their worries for a while.

She glanced around the table, taking in the lords and ladies arrayed there. For the most part, they stared with an open curiosity devoid of any hostility, except for the occasional elf. One in particular, the black-haired male from before, glared as if he wanted to smite her.

Iciness shivered down her spine. She’d be avoiding that one. Relian seemed friendly in comparison. And that was saying something, considering his mixed signals. Hopefully, he and Relian weren’t friends or close relatives. That’d be awkward.

The aroma of food forced her attention back, and her stomach rumbled. Relian leaned in close, his breath hot against her cheek. His hand stroked down her arm. She tried to hold still, though inwardly her body squirmed from the excitement and agitation exploding in her veins. He had her so worked up, she itched to grab him and lay a big one on—

“I hope the food will be to your liking. I’m afraid we do not know what is eaten in your world.”

Cal offered a weak smile, hands and shoulders tensed in an effort to stop the shaking his proximity caused. Had he noticed anything? Nothing probably got by those eyes of his. “I’m sure it’s fine. We aren’t picky eaters.” She glanced at Maggie, silently begging her to enter the conversation.

Maggie shot her a grin, her eyes sparkling alarmingly, before she turned that charming smile on Relian. “Whatever is served is fine as long as it’s not sushi.” Her nose scrunched up in distaste. She gave the king a look of distrust, her gaze roaming over the platters.

Cal fought back an eye roll. She doubted anyone here but she and Maggie knew what sushi was. “You probably don’t have to worry about that here.”

Throwing the amused-looking king one more wary glance, Maggie nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.”

Kenhel, seated by Maggie and across from Relian, seemed fascinated by the mention of this new food. “I almost dread to ask what this sushi is by the expression on your face, Lady Maggie, but find I want to know.”

Relian shook his head. “You are ever as curious as a child.”

Kenhel preened. “Ah, thank you, that’s why I know so much more than you.”

“Really?” Relian snorted. “I don’t ever remember this quest for knowledge stretching to the studies that our tutors assigned us. I believe I constantly surpassed you.”

“Well, naturally. I was referring to studies that can only be learned through observation.”

“Let me guess,” a droll Relian replied. “Through the observation of and the resulting flirtation with ladies.”

“How well you know me!” Kenhel clutched at his heart in mock delight.

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