Now, the dome-shaped ceiling was completely black, and only the torches on the walls lit the room. She suspected the night sky wouldn’t return until the mourning period for King Tove was over.
The dark fae at the table watched their approach with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. Becca looked like a cat sharpening its claws as she eyed Lexi like she was a goldfish in a bowl.
When Cole stopped at the head of the table, she expected him to release her hand, but he kept it.
“You all know my brother, Brokk,” Cole said. “And I’d like for you to meet Elexiandra Harper.”
The council members exchanged a look.
“You’ll be seeing her often around the palace,” Cole continued.
The man with the dark brown skin rose and bowed his head before extending his hand to her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Harper. I am Elvin.”
She clasped his fine-boned hand, and he gave it a small squeeze before releasing her. The other men at the table rose and introduced themselves, but they didn’t extend their hands to her. Becca remained seated.
When Elvin turned toward her, Becca crossed her legs and kicked her foot as she twirled a strand of hair.
“I’ve already met the half human,” Becca said.
They lifted their eyebrows, and Cole glared at Becca. She ignored him.
“We will start my father’s memorial service at noon tomorrow,” Cole stated. “It will be a subdued affair as will my coronation, which will be the following day. I will invite all of the Gloaming to attend both events,” Cole said.
“We’ll make sure to spread the word,” Elvin said.
Lexi couldn’t decide if she liked him or not. The others were openly disapproving of her, but he took her presence here well. Was it too well? Was he as helpful as he seemed, or was it all a ruse?
“What about Aelfdane’s seat at the table?” Durin asked.
“He had no children,” Alston said.
“His brother can take it, and if he decides he doesn’t want it, then it will remain empty until we can agree on a suitable replacement,” Cole said. “That is enough for tonight.”
Having been dismissed, the dark fae rose from their chairs. Most of them wouldn’t look at her, but Elvin didn’t hide his curiosity. She met and held his black eyes as he studied her.
“Until tomorrow then, milord,” Alston murmured before turning and walking out of the room.
When the others followed, no one spoke again until the sound of the front door closing drifted down the hall.
“Can you have the servants ready the hall for the memorial tomorrow, Brokk?” Cole asked.
“Yes,” Brokk replied.
“We’ll have a glass coffin and place some of father’s things inside.”
“I’ll have them take care of it.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
With that, Brokk walked away. He slipped out the double doors and into the hall. Left alone with Cole, Lexi didn’t know what to say or do. It had been a while since she felt shy or uncertain around him, but he was different from the Cole who left her, and she wasn’t sure what to make of him.
Cole clasped her chin and lifted her face to him. “Will you stay here, with me, for the next couple of days?”
“Will that cause problems for you?”
“No.”
