Kull glanced at me. “She won’t relent, will she?”
“It doesn’t appear so. Maybe you should listen to her.”
He crossed his arms.
“Maybe you should,” Heidel agreed.
“Fine. You may come. But only if you swear to follow my lead and stay out of my way.” Kull shouldered his pack. When he attempted to leave the room, Heidel blocked his path.
“No, I lead. I’ve traveled the Borderlands. I know the terrain.”
“If I take the light-rails, I won’t need to know the terrain.”
“The light-rails do not lead to the temple. Why are you resisting me?”
Kull stared at his sister. “You forget your place.”
“I am well aware of my place. Father knows I’ve traveled through the Borderlands. It is why he allowed me to escort you. I suggest you relent in your pompous chauvinism and allow me to do my job of protecting you.”
His voice turned to a growl. “I won’t forget this, Heidel.” His knives clanged together as he stormed into the hall.
Heidel fidgeted with her blade, her back turned to me.
I cleared my throat. “That’s an interesting knife,” I said.
She tapped the hilt, finally seeming to acknowledge me. “It is effective.”
“Is it?”
“Yes. When used properly. Did my brother give you a weapon?”
I showed her the knife.
“Good. Keep it close. This path we travel is one of grave danger.”
“I’ve heard.”
She left the room without another word.
I made my way to the dining hall. The king invited me to sit at the head table, though I couldn’t imagine why—I’d offended his spoiled, princely son. Though, come to think of it, perhaps that’s why the king wanted me to join him.
Soon after dinner began, the doors creaked open. The elf princess stepped through, followed by a few of her guards. With my vantage point from the head table, I couldn’t get a close look at her, but I knew immediately that she was a practitioner. Her embroidered robes, delicate jewelry, and long, silvery hair couldn’t hide her aura of magic. Her powers felt nearly as strong as my father’s.
So, she was a sorceress. And a good one. It seemed rather convenient that the crown prince of the Wults should be getting married to one of the most powerful elven enchantresses I’d ever encountered. If he stepped one foot out of line, I had no doubt she had the ability to deal with him—kill him, most likely—and start a war if she wanted.
I felt as if I needed to warn the Wults, but perhaps they already knew of the princess’s powers. Considering Kull’s ambivalence toward magic, I doubted he would take me seriously.
Kull greeted his bride-to-be with a quick peck on the cheek, then led her inside the room. I noticed the noise levels in the hall diminished quite a bit. She flashed a forced smile at the assembled crowd, then took a seat next to Kull, near me and the king.
King Herrick rose. “The Wults welcome their future princess.”
The enchantress nodded. Dinner continued, though I could hardly believe I sat in the same hall I’d come to earlier. After a few moments of eating in silence, the princess fixed her gaze on me.
“I felt your magic in the door just now. Earth magic. Where did you learn it?”
Gets right to the point, doesn’t she?
“I’ve spent some time on Earth.”
“Have you?”
“My mother is human.”
“I see.” She glanced at Kull and laced her fingers through his. “That explains it, then.”
Explains what? Why my ears aren’t as pointy as yours?
“I’m sure you must feel rather awkward in the elven city. Let me know if there’s any way I can help you feel more comfortable. I’d be happy to show you around.”
“Thank you, but there’s no need.”
“If that is your wish.” Her head bobbed in a brief bow. “You’ll have to excuse me for not introducing myself. I am Euralysia.”
“Yes, I gathered that. My name is Olive.”
“And I gathered that, as well. Teach me Earth magic some time? It seems fascinating.”
“Does it?”
“Yes. Quite fascinating.” She took a small sip from her goblet.
“I’m surprised you feel that way. Earth magic is nothing compared to elven enchantments. I think someone as powerful as you would find it boring.”
Her eyes darkened. “I’m only a novice at magic.”
“Are you?” What I’d suspected was true. The Wults didn’t know of her abilities, which made me wonder what else she’d hidden from them.
“I have only a casual interest in magic. These days, I’m more focused on the wedding preparations. They’ve become quite tedious.” Her laugh reminded me of butterflies and sunshine.
I took a sip of my wine to hide my smirk. Were the Wults really buying the flighty-girl routine? She was beautiful, for sure; maybe they couldn’t see past it.
“Tell me what Earth Kingdom is like. I hear it’s quite a savage place.”
Savage?
“I suppose that depends on how pampered you are.”
That laugh again. “I would travel there, but having my memories erased frightens me. How do you manage without your memories?”
“The crossing doesn’t affect me. I suppose having parents from both worlds has something to do with it.”
“Really? So you remember everything from Earth Kingdom?”
“Yes.”
“Truly fascinating,” she nudged Kull, “don’t you think?”
He looked up with his mouth full. “Ah, yessh.”
Euralysia turned back to me, her eyes silver under the flickering torchlight, and pressed her hands together. Her twining fingers reminded me of a spider’s legs. “It’s a shame that you’re leaving so soon; I’d love to hear of Earth Kingdom. And of its magic.”
That sounded like a horribly dangerous idea. Someone as naturally gifted as her could alter the course of both worlds with that much power. There wasn’t a chance in this world or the other that I would teach her.
“Yes, a real shame.”
Chapter 11
Heidel and I waited in the corridor. Despite my elven heritage, patience had never been one
