Whispers sifted through the room.
The sun’s glow shifted until the room dimmed.
I knew I shouldn’t say a word, but still my lips parted. Lioran shot a warning glance in my direction. I held his gaze only for a second before it returned to Elric. My family, my people, would suffer if a rebellion took hold.
“A rebellion?” My voice grew louder than I intended. Lioran took in a sharp inhale.
“Yes, whispers of overthrowing the monarchy. Nothing has come of it yet, but since Bailoc has rejected outside efforts, I imagine it’s only a matter of time.” Elric’s eyebrows raised.
“Why would they reject outside efforts?” Lord Mavik asked.
“An opportunity arose for a most prosperous alliance through a marriage between the king’s eldest daughter and an ally that could offer relief to Bailoc. It did not come to fruition.”
“Why not?” A lady’s voice piped in from the back of the room.
“Their princess refused to participate.”
“And they allowed it?” Lady Aura asked.
“I can’t speak for her. Surely only she could explain her logic,” Elric scoffed.
Cora assessed me.
“How have you heard news from the human realm?” Lord Orion’s voice boomed between us.
“The High Court is in communication with a fae lord that lives on the other side of the wall.” Elric watched me, waiting for my response.
My knees began to buckle beneath me, but I held onto Cora.
“And how does this fae lord know? I wasn’t aware there were fae who chose to live on the other side of the wall.” Lord Orion folded his deeply sun-kissed arms over his chest. His eyes were midnight blue, almost as dark as the onyx I wore around my neck.
“He is in regular communication with Bailoc. I assure you, he is a trusted source,” Elric said.
“A fae that allied himself with our enemy?” Lord Mavik asked.
“Bailoc can solve their situation, and we will work to solve ours.” Lioran’s voice roared above the murmurs. “We will aid our people with whatever resources remain. We will not stop searching for a solution.” Lioran stepped in front of Elric.
“Lord Orion and I plan to review inventory from the surrounding villages to assess how to streamline our shipments.” Fyn tilted his head to Lord Orion. “We will gather what information we can from other territories too.”
“We needn’t seek out support from Kybar yet,” Lioran interjected.
“Your Highness… soon, we may not have a choice,” Lord Orion protested.
Elric hesitated before his lips parted. “Prince Pyrran would want to help.”
“When the time comes, I’m sure he will be glad to,” Fyn spoke quickly, before Lioran could respond.
“We will exhaust every resource,” Lioran said.
“Oh, I certainly hope you will, Your Highness.” Elric’s glare cut to me again, lingering too long.
Chapter 22
Fyn held the door to Lioran’s study. “Lioran will be here soon.”
“Fyn, I need a moment with Aelira…alone.” Cora’s words were sharp. Fyn turned toward me, his brow raised. “Fyn. Now.”
I nodded and he left. The crisp chill of the leather met my skin as I sank into the sofa.
