Page 30 of Prince of the Sun

“New. Question.”

I stare at him, shocked by the tension pulsing in his jaw.

Fine. If he’s not going to answer that softball, I might as well just go for what Ireallywant to know.

I cross my arms. “What’s Elaërion like?”

Daerios sucks in a breath. “I saw the books you were reading in the library. You already know the answer to that question.”

“Books are one thing. Hearing about it firsthand is another.”

“Fine. Bite first.”

I roll my eyes and shave off another sliver with my front teeth.

“I don’t think anyone would legally call that a bite.”

“What are you, the eating police?”

“I am right now.” He jabs a finger at the vaaska. “Bite.”

I sigh and do as he says. “Now. Tell me about Elaërion.”

“Elaërion is… it’s beautiful. Or, at least, itwasbeautiful. Before.”

“Before what?”

He hesitates. “There was an incident. Many years ago.”

“Before you came to our realm?”

“Yes.” He nods. “Just before then.”

“Is that why your people came?”

He laughs hollowly. “You’ve asked far more than one question, Kallister.”

“Sorry.” I feel my cheeks turning pink. I’ve been too eager. Come too close to revealing my true desire.

“Take a bite, and then you can ask more.”

I roll my eyes and take another bite, chewing slowly, feeling guilty about how amazing it tastes. Swallowing, I ask, “What are your brothers like?”

“Saechon is the oldest. He’s a hardass, but he’s always looking out for the rest of us. Brannion has a collection of spears and sabers that would make any human shit themselves. And Lûth…” A smile plays at his lips. “Lûth is my favorite.”

“Aren’t we not supposed to pick favorites when it comes to family?”

“Oh, come on. You’re telling me you don’t have a favorite sibling?”

I look down at the half-eaten flatbread. “I actually… don’t have any siblings.”

“Only child?”

A pause. “Not originally.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”