Eli and Reba replaced Tristan, and Austin found himself utterly incapable of falling asleep. He tossed and turned and eventually hugged a pillow and listened to Eli’s account of the night, including Kas’s threat. According to Eli’s retelling, Austin had firmly established that Eli’s position was higher than Kas’s. Austin wasn’t entirely sure whether Eli was exaggerating or if he had done just that.
Reba had been with the other guards outside the hall and had little snippets of gossip of his own to share.
“Oran was there.”
Austin tensed.
Eli asked, “Did he approach you?”
“No. I saw him talking to one of the Asar guards.”
“I bet he’s seeing if there’s work going,” Eli said. “And given what they’re dealing with, I’d say they’ll take anybody who’s capable of fighting. If they hire him, that’s the last we’ll see of him, and good riddance.”
Good riddance was right.
“Apparently, Desor is about to lose his position as chancellor,” Reba shared, then cast a wary look at Austin. “Not to talk badly about Tristan’s father. I don’t mean to gossip.”
“I hope he falls down the palace steps, rolls all the way to the ocean, and drowns.”
Eli and Reba exchanged matching looks of surprise. Eli recovered with a grin. “Ialsoheard that he’s in danger of losing his position. He’s been promising the queen that he’d bring Tristan back to their court to be part of their army. This is his last chance. If he doesn’t get Tristan back to court this time, then he’s out.”
A thin ray of sunshine pierced his black mood. Austin made an agreeable sound.
“How did Desor end up with Tristan and Hal?” Austin asked. “Do you know?”
Tristan had made it sound as if Desor had bought him and his brother, but who on earth would have merfolk tosell?
“They’re related by blood,” Eli said.
“What?”
“Distantly. Desor’s uncle mated with a mermaid, and they had Hal and Tristan together. A lot of this is speculation, but I know for sure that when he died, she vanished. A family member had them then—a human one—and they went from there to Desor.” Eli paused in thought. “I wonder if that’s why they spend so much time on land?” He cast a curious look at Austin. “Are both of your parents merfolk?”
“My father was human.” And he had two mothers. One a dead human, one a dead mermaid.
“But you’re more drawn to the water than Tristan.”
“Tristan has to swim every day. I don’t.”
Eli and Reba exchanged knowing looks.
“You getverygrumpy if you miss a day,” Eli said.
“No, I don’t.” Did he?
“You—”
Austin growled. Eli wisely changed the subject, continuing to chatter about the delegations.
“Can we invite any of them here?” Austin asked.
“You can do whatever you like. Do you want to gloat over Desor?” Eli asked.
“Nicias can come for a meal,” Austin said. “Tristan didn’t get the chance to talk to him at dinner.”
“Let me grab some paper. Reba can deliver the message tonight, inviting him to…breakfast? Lunch?” Eli asked. He cast a quick, assessing look over Austin. “Lunch.”
Eli left.
