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And with that, I turned and headed for the door. Darith followed me, looking just as relieved as I felt.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” she said, as the doors behind us closed.
“No.” I sighed. “I suppose not.”
“See? I told you it would be fine.”
It was a disaster, but thankfully it was over. I survived my first audience with the Elven Queen. And, miraculously, I hadn’t made a complete fool of myself.
“I’m just glad it’s over.” We made our way back to my rooms. “I don’t think I could take another one of those.”
“I’m sure you’ll be called on again,” Darith said, matter-of-factly. “The queen seemed to take a liking to you.”
I frowned. “I don’t know about that.”
“She did,” Darith insisted. “I could tell.”
Queen Menthe didn’t have any tells. Only millennia-old cordiality.
“Well, even if she did, I’m not sure I’m ready for another audience.” We turned the corner, and I saw a gilded wall panel of an Elvish lady braiding her hair as a warrior kissed her collarbone. A tongue appeared from his mouth and I looked away. “I think I need a break.”
“I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to rest.” Darith glanced at me, a calm expression on her face. “The queen is busy with other things at the moment. I don’t think she’ll be calling on you soon.”
“I hope you’re right.”
∞∞∞
As I pondered tonight’s events, a sense of dread filled me at the thought of being called on by the queen again. I needed to be prepared if I was going to survive another audience. But first, I needed time to rest and gather my thoughts. Reading about something wasn’t the same as experiencing it.
The door of my bedroom opened as I braided my hair.
Darith poked her head into my room. “A courtier is waiting for you.”
I stood up. “A courtier? Who?”
“He didn’t say. But I think it’s best if you see him.”
I followed her out of my room and down the hallway. We stopped in front of the front door and Darith opened it. A man with long, dark hair was waiting. Dressed in finely made clothes, he had an air of authority about him. In his hands, he held a covered tray.
“I am here on behalf of lord Maeven,” he said formally. “He’s aware that Midarians experience difficulties with Elvish cuisine and he thought you would appreciate a more familiar meal.”
He lifted the lid off the tray to reveal a delicious-looking roasted chicken with rice and pickled vegetables. My stomach growled in appreciation.
“Please tell him I’m grateful,” I said as he handed the tray to Darith. “And please thank him for his kindness.”
The man nodded his head before leaving.
Darith shut the door and carried my tray over to the dining room. She blinked twice, and the lights went on.
“Well, that was certainly unexpected.”
“Lord Maeven is known for his generosity.” Darith set the tray down on the table. “He’s always sending food and gifts to the guests of the Aeglire.”
I sat down. “He seems like a kind man.”
And a sharp one.
The gold chandelier above the table moved closer to me.
