Page 11 of Pretense

Essie held Farrendel’s hand in the elven style of clasping their first two fingers with the backs of their hands pressed together as they navigated the branches of Ellonahshinel. “What do you think your brother wants?”

“I do not know.” Farrendel’s shoulders grew more tense with each step they took toward Weylind and Rheva’s set of rooms. Most of the royal family—everyone except Farrendel—had rooms on a large branch near the heart of the elven treetop palace. “But he would not have summoned us to come right away if it was something that could wait until the family gathered for dinner tonight.”

That was a good point, and it set her own stomach to roiling.

Essie and Farrendel strolled onto the branch with the royal family’s rooms, including the sprawling complex of treehouses that were the king’s apartments. The main sitting room had a large porch surrounded by columns formed of twining sapling trees grown with swirling designs and edged in gold. The new spring leaves provided a bright green decoration arching around the airy windows.

With a deep breath, Essie climbed onto the porch, then knocked on the door. Farrendel crowded next to her, tension wound so tightly through him that she felt it through the heart bond.

A moment later, the door swung open, revealing Queen Rheva, Weylind’s wife. Her long brown hair was down, and her usual soft smile rested on her face, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Elspetha, Farrendel. Please come in.”

Essie stepped inside, her smile dying on her face.

Jalissa, Farrendel’s sister, sat in the curving, cushioned seating grown into the walls, focused on her hands folded primly in her lap rather than looking at anyone else. Weylind stood near a chair, as if he had paused in pacing.

But what halted Essie in her tracks was the sight of her brothers Averett and Edmund sitting across from Farrendel’s family, both wearing grim expressions. Edmund’s frown deepened as he sneaked a glance at Jalissa.

“Avie? Edmund? What are you doing here?” Essie gripped Farrendel’s arm with her free hand, needing his warmth and strength to steady her.

Her brothers had come here with no warning. That meant whatever they had to say was something that they couldn’t send over the telegraph wires.

Weylind gestured at one of the empty cushioned seats. “Please. Have a seat.”

Essie forced her legs to move, and she tottered the few steps across the room before she sank onto a couch grown into the wall. Farrendel took the seat next to her, sitting close enough that she could lean into him. She faced Averett. “Mother? Paige? The boys? Julien? Are they all right?”

Averett let out a long breath. “Yes, yes, they’re fine.”

Essie deflated in relief, letting her forehead drop onto Farrendel’s shoulder. “You had me worried.”

“Sorry. I should have realized what this looked like.” Averett glanced first at Edmund before focusing on Farrendel. “We’re here for a public relations matter.”

Edmund stared at his hands rather than looking at either Essie or Farrendel. “One of my contacts reported to me that the Escarlish newspapers have gotten wind of the…circumstances surrounding Farrendel’s birth.”

Essie caught her breath. Underneath her hand, Farrendel went rigid.

Edmund still didn’t look at them. “I bought us a week to prepare, but that’s it. In a week, the story of Farrendel’s illegitimate birth—both the true version and highly lurid versions written to sell the scandal sheets—will be splashed all over Escarland’s newspapers.”

It wasn’t the death of a family member, but it was a death all the same. The death of Farrendel’s reputation. The death of the freedom he’d gained from his illegitimacy in Escarland. The death of what little respect he’d earned.

It had been only a matter of time before this story became public. But this was sooner rather than later.

Her stomach sank, and she glanced at Averett. “I guess you know, now. Edmund had to tell you.”

Averett rubbed a thumb over his palm. “I’ve actually known for a while now. Edmund told me even before he mentioned the file to you when you returned to Escarland the first time.”

“But you told me you weren’t going to tell Avie.” Essie glared at Edmund. She frantically searched her memories, but she couldn’t think of any time Averett had ever given an indication of knowing the truth in how he treated Farrendel.

“I said I would quietly bury the file. I didn’t tell you from whom I was burying it.” Edmund shrugged. “I’m sorry I had to leave you with that impression, but keeping secrets like this is my job.”

A valid point, even if Essie didn’t like it. Of course Edmund would have reported something like this to Averett as soon as he’d learned it.

Next to her, Farrendel hunched, as if curling in on himself in preparation for another blow. Farrendel’s family remained quiet and grim, simply listening. This was a scandal they had dealt with for over a hundred years. Absorbing it yet again was nothing new.

“Does the rest of the family know?” Essie could barely whisper the words past her tight throat. What would Mother think? Paige? Julien? Surely none of them would treat Farrendel differently once they knew. They all loved Farrendel as part of the family.

“I took them aside and explained everything once Edmund told me it was going to be outed in the papers.” Averett sounded weary, the lines creasing his forehead making him look older than he was.

Farrendel had both arms wrapped tightly around himself, as if he was trying to hold himself together. His breathing was rapid and shallow, the white look to his face telling her just how close he was to full-blown panic.

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