“Your Majesty.” Orion didn’t acknowledge her as hecontinued to eat. “We need your help in this war. Even with the combined armies of the three other kingdoms, we don’t have enough forces.”
He didn’t say anything. Jorrar gave her an encouraging nod.
“They have made creatures that can nullify magical abilities. They were also able to open a temporary portal and brought more forces in before it closed.”
That got his attention. His eyes snapped to hers. “And how did this happen?”
“At their camp. We were there and unfortunately, Andras got a hold of my blood. Luckily it wasn’t a strong enough portal to last long. But it was enough to cause issues.”
“Why were you there?” Jareth asked. “Are you so reckless you would put yourself in that situation? And you’re asking for our help?”
Temper barely contained, she snapped. “I was saving your brother’s life…after he was kidnapped and tortured for almost a month. Just like I was. Maybe if you were willing to help in the first place, these things wouldn’t have happened.”
Jareth went still, surprisingly silent, but Orion radiated fury. “Your manners are still abysmal,Your Highness.Demanding our help when your general obviously can’t do his job and needs to be rescued.”
“That general is your son,” Ava seethed through her teeth. “How could you be so callous you wouldn’t even care to help your own family? Do you have any idea what we’ve all been dealing with down there the last few months? Of course you don’t?—”
“Enough.” Orion stood from his seat, Seraphina following. “I’m done with your impropriety. Search the archives for whatever you need, but tonight’s dinner is over.”
He was gone from the room before anyone had a chance to respond.
Ava released a groan and put her head in her hands. Theywould never get him to agree to help. She would try every day while they were here searching their libraries, but she wasn’t hopeful.
Casimir put a hand on her shoulder, his thumb swiping back and forth. “This is going much worse than I expected,” she muttered.
Quiet laughter came from Jareth.
“Have something you’d like to say?” Ava asked.
“Honestly, that was the most entertaining dinner I’ve had in a long time. No one ever talks back to him. And you doing exactly that was quite amusing. Are you always this insolent?”
Ava threw her napkin down. “I’m running out of patience. War isn’t looming anymore. It’s here. We don’t have time for your father’s pride to get in the way.”
He shrugged, then pointed at Casimir. “I assumed you would be the one causing problems. That we’d be in a fist fight before the night is over.”
Casimir leaned over the table and gave Jareth a menacing smile. “The night is still young.”
“If you two are going to have it out, at least do it outside,” Quinn chided. “And Jareth…What is with this food? Do you really eat like this all the time?”
He raised a brow. “Right. I forgot you all eat like barbarians.”
Jorrar stood from his seat. “This is unproductive. We should retire to our rooms and get some rest.”
Ava stood and followed suit, bidding Jareth goodnight before they were sucked into another argument.
Ava loungedin a chair in their private garden, their companions asleep in the grass around her. She’d changed into a comfortable ensemble made from pale lavender silk—billowing pants and a subtly cropped top with sheer long sleeves. As much as she didn’t like the people in this kingdom, she loved the clothing.
Casimir had gone to bed, but she was too wired to sleep, assuring him she’d join soon. She needed time alone to think. Tilting her head back, she gazed at the stars, utterly breathtaking this high up, like lanterns in the sky.
And like she often did when she was struggling, she longed for her mother’s steady presence, her sound advice. She would know exactly what to do, how to go about getting Orion’s help. Ava was too hot-headed and feared she had already ruined their chances.
“Hey.” Quinn approached, wearing a similar outfit to Ava’s in a pale blue color, and sat in the chair beside her. “Why aren’t you asleep?”
Bastien woke up and approached, purring and settling beside Quinn, his midnight fur like velvet in the starlight. The most standoffish of the animals, he was the perfect fit for Quinn.
“I really don’t know how to convince Orion to help. And my brain won’t shut off. And I’m starving.”
Quinn gave her a mischievous grin. “Are you up for an adventure?”
