I rise, cheeks burning at the mistake I’d made.
“What can I do for you, Korithax?” She asks, her piercing eyes landing back on him.
“We’re just passing through on our journey,” he says, voice guarded. “As you know, realm jumping depletes magic the farther one travels. I don’t require long to replenish with your realm being as close as it is, but we would be grateful for a night’s hospitality.”
Virena eyes him with suspicion. “And where might you be travelling to?”
“That is of no concern to you, Virena. I simply ask for your hospitality.”
Tension thickens between them, the clouds darkening at her feet and shifting more erratically to match the scowl on her face. I watch carefully, silently praying that she doesn’t mean any harm to either of us. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she smiles again, slow and sly.
“Daisy, sweet child. Come here.”
I feel Korithax stiffen beside me at her summons. I glance at him, and he offers me a small nod of approval, despite his jaw being tense. I step forward toward the throne, and Virena’s eyes widen as she takes my hand. Her touch is warm despite her gaze turning icy.
“A mortal,” she breathes. Her eyes snap to Korithax, "You bring a mortal as your bride?”
“Yes,” Korithax growls.
Virena leans forward, her silver-blue hair floating on a phantom breeze. “Sweet child, has he captured you against your will? Speak truthfully. I can save you from this beastly man.”
“Rude,” Korithax mutters.
“Shush, demon,” she snarls.
Remembering Korithax’s words of being a unified front, I smile warmly, trying to put on the most queenly voice possible. “No, Your Highness. I’m to marry him of my own free will. I love him dearly, and I’m extremely excited to become his wife. No mortal man could ever compare to my Kori.”
Virena stares at me for a long, unsettling moment, trying to read the truth in my eyes. Her unwavering gaze has my palms starting to sweat like I’m under interrogation.
Finally, she nods. “Very well. You may stay until morning, Korithax, as thanks for your continued trade with FjellheimHeights. I shall have your room prepared by one of my servants and ensure you are comfortable.”
“Room, as in, singular?” Korithax asks, narrowing his eyes.
“Well, yes. As a soon-to-be married couple, I do not see why you would need separate rooms. I know you have not had problems in the past sharing your chambers, Korithax.”
I quickly step in, ignoring her last comment despite the sting in my chest. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you, Virena.”
With a flick of her hand,we’re dismissed and escorted back outside the citadel into the royal gardens. The second we’re out of earshot, Korithax grabs me by the waist, yanking me close. To any poor soul watching, we probably just look like a passionate couple in a lovers’ quarrel. In reality, his grip’s just shy of bruising.
“Why did you just agree to one room?” He hisses against my ear.
I bat my lashes innocently. “You said we had to look like a real couple. And shocker—real couples tend to sleep in the same bed.” I gasp as his grip tigthens. “She was suspicious. I did what I had to.”
He studies me for a long moment before nodding and loosening his grip. “You did well. She’s not easy to deal with.”
I beam, borderline smug. “Aw, look at that. My first interdimensional diplomacy session and I didn’t get turned into stone. Gold star for me.”
He raises a brow, ignoring my sarcasm entirely. “Kori?”
I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Sorry. I figured ‘Korithax, Prince of Screaming Death and Suffering’ might sound a little too formal. Just trying to make us seem more couple-y y’know?”
A smirk curves his mouth, which is annoyingly attractive. “I like it.”
“Of course you do,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.
We spendthe rest of the afternoon wandering the floating islands. I marvel at the creatures that inhabit the realm, so alike Earth's animals, yet made entirely out of something new. Delicate air sprites zoom by, one landing with a soft giggle on one of Korithax’s horns. He swats it away with a scowl, making the sprite laugh even more before three of them float towards me. They weave in and out of my hair, whispering quietly when they whizz past my ears.
A plump sprite floats over, landing on my shoulder to whisper into my ear. “She who was lost is not lost at all.”
