“Were they?” She asked.
Rian Swiftgait laughed bitterly. “I knew your ancestor. Torin Shadowhock. Your very presence means he escaped.”
Elsbeth laughed without meaning to. “You’re very old. The Reeds have been around for over a millennium. The Mad Queen gave her protection, and we have flourished ever since.”
“Your people are hidden behind an enchanted wall.” Rian pointed out, his emotions well hidden.
Elsbeth prickled. “We used to have villages, extending as far as the coral fields and trenches.”
“What happened to them?” He asked blithely.
Her mother’s face flashed before her eyes. “The Undine poisoned our creed, those they could reach. King Irvine took the throne, and war broke out. Every creed is against another. Enemies and allies change day by day.”
Rian’s dark brow arched. “Perhaps my herd would have been safer in Midnight.”
“Racing for the king?” Elsbeth bit out defensively.
“Am I to kiss your feet, for a chance to fight for you instead of race for him?” Rian curled his lip.
Her cheeks warmed.
“You’re a—” Elsbeth bit back the insult, her fists clenching. She shook her head to clear it. “King Irvine is dead. Too many of our creed have fought in the trenches. Too many of our innocents have died at the hands of our enemies. The Kelpies have made peace with the Selkies, Nymphs, and the Mer.”
“But not the Undine?” His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward in his chair.
Elsbeth felt her lips peel away from her teeth, of their own volition.
“Where has your brother gone?” Rian Swiftgait asked.
“Tarsainn. The city of the Mer. They have called for aid.” She said through gritted teeth.
“And he has left his creed behind?” Rian cocked his head to the side. “To come to the aid of the Cursed Ones?”
“To come to the aid of his friends. His allies.” She corrected.
“Who rules the Undine now?” Rian pressed.
Elsbeth’s jaw hardened. “King Irvine’s wife. Elaine Cruinn.” Her words were clipped. “It is said that only a Cruinn can sit on the High Throne—the Heart of the Lake. Elaine is a Cruinn in name only.”
“I have heard this name before. Cruinn.” Rian brushed his thumb over his lip. “Your brother is mated to a Cruinn.”
“Maeve,” Elsbeth answered. “She is his Shíorghrá.”
“Your brother mated an Undine.”
“Maeve saved my life.” She snapped.
“Do my questions bother you?”
“Yes.” Elsbeth hissed. “I’ve never met someone who asked as many questions as a gossiping mare.”
Rian’s impassive mask broke, his eyes wide as a shocked chuckle escaped his lips. He seemed as surprised by the outburst as she was.
A moment passed, and neither one spoke.
Elsbeth reached for her cup and took a sip, eying the strange Kelpie over the rim of her glass.
“I cannot speak for my herd.” Rian looked down at the place setting, adjusting the plate to line up with the utensils. “But I will fight for the Reeds. I owe your brother a kindness. Iowe Maeve Cruinn more. She faced the Dark King for the sake of our freedom. If someone must rule the Undine, I would prefer it be someone who thinks of Kelpies as more than entertainment.”
