by Kumar, Lisa
She bit her lip. Damn him, she wanted to lose consciousness. This was too much for her mind to take, let alone her heart.
He drew a gentle finger down her check, touching a few wavy tendrils that framed her face. His eyes blazed with soft warmth.
A pleasurable, hazy fog encompassed her, impeding all clear thought. She could happily ravish him right now.
“I need to see to your friend now.”
She blinked at him. Who?
“Lady Maggie. She still stands behind us. I’ll see her seated.”
Cal started. She’d forgotten Maggie. Though she shifted in her chair to throw her friend a contrite glance, her gesture was unnecessary. Eye-locked in a silent tug-of-war, Maggie and the king battled it out.
Oh, dear. The look Maggie sported meant trouble was coming.
The king stood up, not breaking his eye contact with Maggie, and addressed his son. “Nonsense, Relian, have a seat by your lovely companion. I will see to the...other lovely lady.” He stopped at the pause, giving her an arch look to match his words.
A thunderous scowl flitted across Maggie’s face. Then a smirk took its place. “I’m more a lady than you’ll ever be.”
Cal groaned. Maggie had a way of mixing up words. And while the meaning was usually clear, the hilarity value was always astronomical.
Talion’s laugh rang through the silent hall. “My lady, how right you are. I hope never to be a lady.”
Maggie deflated as a pin to a balloon, her cheeks pink. All challenge in her seemed melted away—for right now, at least.
Sympathy welled up, and Cal gave a pleading look to Relian. He muttered something. He straightened to his full height and stepped closer to his father, all but whispering, “Father, behave!”
Talion gave a wicked smile that indicated he would carry on as he pleased. He sidestepped Relian and towered over Maggie. Though he was more than half-a-foot taller than her 5’8” friend, his strong presence made the difference even greater.
The king inclined his head and said in a silvery voice, “Come, my lady, I will see you seated.” When Maggie’s face set in mutinous lines, Talion took her arm and put a hand on the small of her back, forcing her to move unless she wanted to stumble.
The unfolding interplay fascinated Cal unwillingly. She felt more than saw Relian take the seat to her right. By now, the whole hall was witness to the ongoing interaction. No one seemed unduly concerned. What a relief.
The king leaned down to Maggie after seating her. “My lady, I see we are going to keep each other on our toes. It’s stimulating to have someone to engage thus in my old age.”
Maggie recovered her voice and gave him a sour look. “Yes, I’m sure you need a human to keep you on your toes.”
A hand on her forearm startled Cal, and she turned to Relian, pasting a questioning look on her face. His features had returned to their neutral mask, though when he talked, his voice retained a measure of warmth. “I fear my father enjoys getting a rise out of your friend. Sometimes, I don’t know who is the father and who is the son.” He gave a slight chuckle in seeming wonder.
The strangeness of it all struck her again, but the fact the relationship between parent and child wasn’t so very different here comforted her. Annoyance, but also love, existed between Relian and his father. No, in this way, at least, they were similar.
As if reading her thoughts, Relian asked, “Humans also behave so, do they not?”
Gracing him with a small smile, she nodded. “We do. Sometimes, especially when we age, the distinction between parent and child is blurred.”
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 important, 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 awhile 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, but now her comprehension appeared to be fading. “Does this mean you’re not going to tell me?”
“Yes, that is what I mean.”
She released her breath in a huff. “Why can’t I know?”
“Humans perceive time from a unique perspective. It is not ours. As you are 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’m sorry I pushed.”
Seeing the puzzlement on his face, she faltered. Could he understand her? And what did it mean if he couldn’t? 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. You will learn.”
Servants, wearing a gray livery consisting of tunic and leggings for males and a dress for females, carried in large platters of food. They brought the platters around and allowed everyone to serve themselves.
Cal’s mouth watered at the tempting variety set before her. There were some breakfast meats, but the widest assortment consisted of breads, 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. They often didn’t come across wholesome food at home or school. 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, a black-haired male who looked too much like Relian for comfort, 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.
The aroma of food forced her attention back to the table. Her stomach rumbled. Relian leaned in close, his breath hot against her cheek. His hand stroked down her arm. She forced herself 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 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, her eyes begging her to enter the conversation.
Maggie shot a grin at Cal, 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 eyes roaming over the platters.
Cal fought back an eye roll at this display. 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. It’s not really a breakfast food, anyway.”
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 is why I know so much more than you.”
“Really? 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 and discussion.”
“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.
“Let us now eat,” Relian cut in before Kenhel could add any more melodrama. “Everyone is waiting for us to begin. You can have your explanation while the ladies eat.”
Chapter 16
This garden beckoned to Cal, just like the others on the palace grounds. She reached out, touching some prickly-looking bush gently. It stung slightly but didn’t tear the skin. Cal welcomed the sensations, the discomfort more real to her than the events controlling her life. This she could deal with but the other....
Cal spared a glance at this “other.” He felt very real walking next to her, she had to admit with chagrin. She didn’t want to spend time alone with him, no matter how short. Relian was dangerous, to her heart and mind. But until Maggie returned from changing her dress, she was stuck with him. Mirth and pity welled up at the remembrance of how Maggie spilled juice down her gown. Her friend had been jumpy during the meal, not that Cal had been much better herself. Fortunately, she’d managed to keep her gown free of food and drink.
Now, though, she almost wished she’d dumped something on it. At the thought of honey, fruit, and other foodstuffs smeared on her grand gown, she fought down an irrational spate of giggles. That would have been a sight: a future-maybe-princess dirtying her gown. Yes, that would’ve gone over well with these elegant people. But it would’ve been worth it just to get away from him. And his damned handsomeness.
“I believe breakfast went as well as it could.” Relian had been quiet for some time, so he shook her from her thoughts rather abruptly.
She couldn’t keep the shock from her voice. “Was that before or after Maggie spilled her drink on herself and Kenhel? Or was it the disastrous introduction to the few members of your father’s court seated nearby that you refer to? Please tell me because I don’t know.”
A faint smile played over his face. “I quite think that Lady Maggie was disappointed her drink chose another victim besides the king to drench. Instead, it had the bad grace to land on Kenhel. My illustrious father wouldn’t have been pleased to be so inundated, so I’m glad Kenhel took the flood for him.”
Cal released one of the giggles that bubbled up again. “Yes, I think you’re right. Her face said it all, didn’t it?”
“As humans, you wear your emotions on your face—Lady Maggie even more so than you.”
She slanted him a sour look. “I’ll try not to take exception to such comments, but it’s hard, especially when phrased that way. We already feel quite conspicuous as it is, so no reminders are needed.” Relian bowed his head in acknowledgment.
“As for your father, is that why he delights in teasing her so?” What Cal really wanted to say was antagonizing but didn’t think it wise. “I’m glad the juice didn’t touch him. I would’ve hated for him to become angry at Maggie.” Casting her gaze upon the path’s stones she fiddled with the lace edging one of the gown’s long sleeves.
When he spoke, his voice held an edge of exasperation. “My father is king, but he’s not a monster. He wouldn’t have been happy, but he is just and would have recognized it for the accident it was. To answer your other question, I do believe he likes to tease her.” He paused, hesitating. “Her easily discerned emotions can be quite heady to people of my race.”
Well, at least there appeared to be one less thing to worry about. Her mind blanked at her next thought. What did he mean about emotions being heady? While she wanted to find this out, she wanted to clear up her previous question beyond a doubt. “So Maggie wouldn’t have gotten into trouble?”
“No, not unless she committed the act on purpose. Even then, the punishment would not be too dire, unless she repeated her actions. As it stands, she would’ve come away with nothing more than a mild reprimand and maybe not even that.”
“Oh.” She bit her lower lip. “Your people didn’t seem all that delighted to meet us.” Seeing his eyes darken and his lips parting to form words, she held up her hand. “Don’t get me wrong. Most were perfectly respectful and cordial, well, except for Eamon and a few others.”
Relian’s frown deepened. “His disrespect will be taken care o—”
She cut in. “I’m not worried about that. I just got the impression they weren’t overjoyed by our presence. In fact, I get that feeling from most everybody, even you at times. For the most part, any emotion is kept under wrap, but there’s a disapproval of sorts lurking right below that carefully controlled exterior.” Barreling on without stopping for a pause, fearing the answer and yet wanting the truth, she asked, “How does this all go back to emotions being heady to your kind and your father teasing Maggie?”
“I’m not sure I comprehend all your words, but I believe I understood the meaning well enough.” A perplexed expression played over his face, only to give way to its usual impassiveness.
Had she imagined seeing a glint of worry in his eyes? But the reaction of his people to her and Maggie didn’t seem to overly concern him. And what was this about comprehending her words? She’d been clear enough.
“Our ways are different from yours. While my people may seem more reticent in displaying most outward emotion, especially among strangers or newcomers, never doubt it’s there. Your emotions are a source of fascination because of their very liveliness. As for your other concern, remember you are as foreign to us as we are to you. True acceptance takes time. I don’t think you are delighted to be here, either. You can see this wariness in us as we can see it in you.”
She kicked at a pebble. At best, his clarifications marginally helped to explain what he left unsaid. The mountain of jumbled questions gnawing at her mind threatened to topple. It was a very unsatisfactory feeling. Cal battled the urge to demand the truth out of him. He’d only retreat farther if she did. Even knowing all this, she wanted answers, damn. Her shoulders slumped.
Relian’s hand came to rest on her tense back. “Patience. I think this is something humans haven’t developed overmuch when seeking answers to the unknown.”
His gaze caught hers, drawing her in and making her body rise up in mutiny against her mind. Cal should be frustrated with the stratifying comments he’d made about their races, but her body no longer responded to her dictates. She was dimly aware she nodded her head as her mouth followed this treacherous path. “No, I guess not. We tend to want nice, neat, tidy answers that leave little room for interpretation.”
“Then we are not so different.” He gave her that earlier faint smile, making her heart beat faster, even though she frowned in displeasure for the very same reason.
“We may have the patience to wait a long time for an answer. But when that answer comes, we want it just as clear, neat, and tidy as you do.”
She fought to grasp what he said. Was it his accent, his words
, or something else that caused her distortion of hearing? Maybe she wasn’t listening well enough. After all, her brain did feel fuzzy right now.
“—my lady? Cal, are you feeling well?”
“What?” Cal glanced at Relian, missing most of what he’d said. “Oh, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
His face slightly cleared. “You had a most peculiar look on your face. I feared you might be ill.”
What? “Why would I be ill?”
For once, Relian floundered, seemingly at a complete loss for words. “I...well, I had heard that humans could be sickly.” His concerned gaze roamed her face.
The idea flabbergasted her. She’d viewed Relian as beguiling and imposing but as worried? Where did he get such strange information? Their misconceptions of humans already baffled her, and she’d been there for less than a day. That he would be the type to fret over something as mundane as her health had never occurred to her. No, that wasn’t right. It wasn’t mundane to her, but she’d assumed she served as a means to an end—an end she couldn’t guess at.
A frisson spread through her. Might he actually be concerned about her wellbeing for its own sake? Cal hastened to subdue her racing heart by offering him some reassurance. But it had nothing to do with wiping that concerned look from his usually composed face. Totally didn’t. “Some are, that’s true, especially as they get older. As for me, I’ve never suffered from more than a cold or flu. Plus, I’m still young, so I don’t have to worry about age yet.”
Relian murmured something under his breath, something that suspiciously sounded like it contained the words age and problem. She wasn’t sure of what he said or if she’d misunderstood him. “What?”
He just shrugged. “It’s not important right now. I believe I hear Maggie and Kenhel rejoining us.”
***
In spite of Cal’s pleading glances, Maggie had backed out of the tour when she arrived in the gardens. Kenhel departed shortly after. His duties as commander of the guard called, as did his still wet leggings. Cal didn’t know if this affected Maggie’s decision, but she refused the offer of sightseeing after Kenhel had. She merely sent Cal a knowing smile and said something about being a third wheel. Cal shot her a dirty look. Thankfully, the two elves had seemed oblivious to the modern phrase.
