Page 28 of A Lie so Pretty and Poisonous

A wistful smile ached on Queen Mollah’s face, and the room quieted. Most of the nobles stared at me with somber expressions. A few of the women hung their heads, unable to look at me. A pit in my stomach formed as I realized I had said something wrong. “My apologies. Did I say something offensive?”

Gabriel placed his hand on my thigh, and I tensed. “Aurora, I should have mentioned this before. Angheal younglings are a sensitive topic. Dinner is not the place for this discussion.” His voice was calm and quiet.

“Oh, I apologize,” I responded hastily to the queen. “I did not know.”

“Gabriel, it is fine,” the Queen said tenderly. “It is better to discuss it here, amongst everyone, so she may understand the plight of our situation.”

All heads turned to Queen Mollah, apart from King Torrish, who continued to take interest only in his drink. “Aurora, our population is dwindling. Angheal women cannot produce offspring any longer, and we only have around twenty angheal younglings left in the entire seraph population.”

Pain was locked on each seraph’s face. Torrish’s slurred voice boomed, “And the filthy daemonites and dryads get to keep on having younglings like they are deserving of it!” His wine sloshed out of his goblet, splashing Mollah. She winced but pulled his hand into hers, which he yanked free immediately. The king stood with a slight sway, and Gabriel moved to his side.

Cora grabbed my hand, wide-eyed, and I pulled her head into my side. Percie’s shoulders rose, and his head hung down. Torrish’s behavior didn’t even faze Sellen, who kept eating the food on her plate with gusto.

Gabriel patted the king on the back. “Brother, I leave tonight to bring justice to those who wrong you in the name of Themis and to spread the word of your power by divine right. Let us toast to the longevity of your reign!”

Everyone raised their glass to Gabriel’s attempt to placate the king. “To King Torrish! Long may he reign!” The room cheered out in unison, apart from the younglings and me.

The king grinned at the toast, lifting his chin. Mollah stepped to Torrish’s other side and whispered into his ear. His glassy, red-rimmed eyes roved up and down her body, and he pulled her to him with a lustful gaze.

“Dinner is over,” the king bellowed. “I have more important things to do. Like my wife.”

Everyone stood, keeping their eyes off the head of the table, and moved swiftly to leave the banquet hall. Queen Mollah nodded quickly to a servant across the room, who directed the children to follow her so that they might be spared their father’s attention.

Gabriel grabbed my hand, and I took Cora’s. He led us silently through hallways and staircases until we reached the third floor. I didn’t dare speak.

Gabriel knelt. “Cora, would it be alright with you if I spoke with your mother in private?”

Cora looked to me. I tipped my head toward our rooms. “Go ahead, sweet girl.”

“Sure, Your Highness,” she chirped and then skipped down the hall, her ringlets bouncing as she went.

Gabriel stood and opened his mouth.

“Gabriel, I am sorry about today,” I sputtered out. “I offended you earlier and made everyone upset this evening with talk about younglings. I know I messed up, but please don’t kick us out. I⁠—”

“Rory!” He stepped toward me and cupped his hand to my cheek. Lapis-blue eyes searched mine. “What are you talking about? What happened earlier was a misunderstanding. We would never kick you out of the castle. You have done nothing wrong.”

“Had I done either of these things in Edenalee to any of the aristocracy, I would have been punished. I thought I did the worst possible things.”

He sighed. “We are not humans. Our principles are directed through Themis, and he is a righteous god.” Gabriel moistened his bottom lip with the tip of his tongue. “I should have told you about this unfortunate situation before having you in front of everyone. I hope my error didn’t cause you embarrassment.”

I unclenched my jaw. “I am not embarrassed.”

“Good. You couldn’t have known. My brother…he’s…challenging at times. Queen Mollah and the wine will make him forget all about this evening. Don’t worry. In the morning, you will still go see the scholars at the library.”

My posture softened. “Thank you. Is there anything else I need to know so I don’t blurt out the wrong thing while you are away? I would hate to embarrass you as your guest.”

His thumb caressed my cheek, and he moved closer. I certainly couldn’t step away from him now that I was but a night away from getting help. Hold steady, Rory.

Gabriel smiled. “I love how much you want to appease me. My best advice is to read some of our literature from the library on our history, customs, and culture. I hate that I must leave you here. I will try to send you letters if I can.”

“You will only be gone for a few days, right?”

“I hope so.” His voice dropped, and his eyes lowered to my lips. “Rory?”

“Yes?” My body tensed.

“Before I leave…let me kiss you.”