The sun motif was evident throughout the room. Gold sunbursts had been worked into the tiles on the floor, into patterns on the marble and gold-leafed pillars, and all the way up to the top of the dome, where a sunburst glowed from its apex.
Father took a seat near the back, where a pillar overshadowed us, and where we were less likely to be noticed. Smart move on his part, as I’d already embarrassed him once this evening. Wouldn’t want it to happen a second time.
As we sat, servers appeared. They carried trays of food that they placed at each table. Each dish held a different representation of elven agriculture—a basket with breads made from stone-milled elven wheat, a saucer with candied fruit so sweet it made me pucker, sautéed vegetables, and plates of honey-glazed cakes.
I tried to remember the last time I’d eaten a genuine elven meal and came up short. Like everything they created, their food was perfection. I wondered how they managed to stay thin.
“There’s quite a gathering tonight,” Father remarked as he handed me a plate piled with food.
“Are there usually this many people at these dinners?”
“No, I’ve never seen such a crowd. I wonder if the high lord intends to make an announcement.”
We ate our food quietly. Heaven didn’t taste this good. I had the urge to eat as much and as fast as I possibly could, but I restrained myself, instead taking time to savor each bite.
From the doorway, a crowd of elves dressed in silver and white robes appeared, contrasting with the drab colors of the throng. The high lord I recognized by his headdress. He wore a round velvet cap. Layers of sheer fabric covered his wispy strands of white hair, leaving only his face uncovered. Silver thread had been woven into the fabric, creating a pattern of leaves and vines. The high lord’s family crest, a golden Gryphon, was stitched onto his robes and headdress.
The elven lord walked with an air of authority, although I noticed his shoulders were more stooped. He was old, even by elven standards.
We rose as the high lord stepped atop the dais. He waved at the crowd and smiled, though it looked strained. He offered a few solemn words of greeting, told us to enjoy the meal, and then sat.
“He’s late,” Father remarked as we took our seats. “This is very unusual.”
I glanced at the high lord, noticing he only took a small portion of food that he nibbled with arthritic fingers. “Is he well?” I asked Father quietly.
“Yes, he’s quite well.” Father snuck a quick look at the ruler and then turned back to me. “For someone of his age.”
The other elves took their seats around us. The VIPs filed in behind the ruler. They sat at the table in the center. I hadn’t paid much attention to them at first, but as the last few gathered in, my gaze snagged on the tall brute at the back, walking with a waif of an elven angel at his arm.
Kull had cleaned up. He wore dark leather pants, a tailored vest, and his slightly damp hair glowed in the fairies’ light. His hand was pressed to Euralysia’s back in a possessive way, as if to say, she’s mine, folks, keep your distance or I’ll break your skulls. She whispered something into his ear, and he smiled at her, a genuine, boyish grin that lit up his whole face. He’d never smiled at me like that before. And that’s when I realized what a delusion I’d lived in. Kull the Skullsplitter wasn’t for me. He never had been.
I pushed my plate away as hunger escaped me.
Ugh. I hadn’t expected this.
Kull and his bride-to-be took their seats at the round table near the high lord. Euralysia pushed her braided hair off her shoulder. She wore an artfully cut gown that left her neck and slim shoulders bare. The pearl-white fabric looked mirror smooth as it cascaded to the ground.
The first time I’d seen her, I’d gotten the impression she was a practitioner, a very powerful one. That feeling only increased as I looked on her tonight. Her beauty made a poor mask for her power, though I knew Kull couldn’t see it.
Chapter 33
“You’re not hungry?” Father asked me.
“Not anymore.”
He followed my gaze as I fixated on Kull. I tried not to stare at him, but I couldn’t seem to stop. I’d been so naïve to think I had a chance with him. But that was partially his fault. When we’d crossed to Earth, he’d known his memories would be erased. He could break my heart and get away with it.
“The Wult prince has returned, I see,” Father said. “Didn’t you travel with him?”
“I traveled with him.” I tried not to let my father hear the contempt in my voice.
“He seems quite taken with the princess.”
“Yes, he does.”
Stupid, stupid thing to say, Dad.
“And she with him. It will be a good arrangement for us all, I believe. There has been so much turmoil with the Wults of late. Their wedding will bring unity to both races.”
Was Father completely blind? Did he take social cues at all? Bill decided it for me—elves were completely clueless when it came to relationships. No wonder Mom and Dad had split up.
“Are you well?” Father asked me.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”
“You look pale.”
A water pitcher sat near my platter. I grabbed it up and took a sip without bothering to pour it in my goblet. Kull had played me. I realized it now. Perhaps he’d been attracted to me, perhaps I’d interested him for a time, but he’d never meant for anything serious to happen between us. I’d known all along. Why did this come as such a surprise? I took a long gulp of water, feeling its coolness calm me.
I’d almost dumped Brent for this guy. What was wrong with me? At least Brent was there for me.
The rest of the evening passed with a tedious slowness. My dad made small talk,
