“I've had a lot of help.” I looked pointedly at Verin. “We would never have been able to get the Jinx's name without King Verin's assistance.”
Verin grunted dismissively.
Grexed, RS insisted.
Shut up, I said without heat.
“Yes, we've already thanked King Verin for his part and asked him to convey our gratitude to his mother,” King Baha said. “But let's cease with such talk and endeavor to enjoy our meal together.”
As if it were their cue, servers swept in through a door on the far end of the room, bearing platters of food. They rotated around the table, allowing us to serve ourselves from the platters. Honestly, I would have been happy with a bagel and some cream cheese but when you're a queen you can't snub your nose at offered food, even if it's disgusting (which it wasn't). You must take a little of everything, taste it all, and then try to shove down as much as you can. If I was in for another day like the one before, I'd need the fuel anyway.
That's not the only fuel you'll need, RS said softly.
How much time have we got?
Fuck if I know, she grumbled. I can feel the hunger growing but when it will break me is anyone's guess.
Try to hold on, RS.
Yeah, I kinda figured.
I'm with you, RS, Kyanite surprised both the RS and me by declaring. I will give you all the strength I can.
Thanks, RS said in an awkward tone.
Yes, thank you, Ky, I added.
We're in this together, ladies, Kyanite said gruffly. We're a family.
It went quiet inside my head; a good quiet filled with warmth and love. It was a nice change.
We are family, in a way, I finally said. We share a bond even more intimate than those I have with my lovers. In the end, no matter how much they try to help us, it will be our strength and resolve that either saves or destroys us. I know I don't say this often enough but, I love you, both of you, and I'm glad to have you with me.
The silence that followed my words was even more profound than the one preceding it and peace came with it; a calm that held the knowledge that whatever happened, we'd go through it together. Truly together; experiencing it almost as one entity. That was more than most people got. I was suddenly and profoundly grateful for them.
Well, that's good cause it's not like you have a choice, RS finally broke the silence with her snark. You're stuck with us.
Kyanite and I both laughed. I, unfortunately, did so out loud. Everyone at the table looked over at me in question.
“Sorry. It's the voices in my head.” I grinned broadly.
“Oh, that's right!” Queen Sabah exclaimed. “You have a... a spell and a stone who speak to you, correct?”
“Yes, and they can be amusing when they aren't fighting.”
“They fight?” She asked in surprise. “In your mind?”
“Oh, yes.” I made an annoyed face. “It's enough to drive me crazy. Although, I believe hearing voices has already condemned me in that regard.”
The Queen laughed. “You must share the joke they told you.”
I went still. “Um...” I cleared my throat. “We've been having some problems, but we were sharing a rare moment of solidarity. I conveyed my gratitude for them; for having them with me. RS, she's the spell, decided to lighten the mood by pointing out how fortuitous my happiness is since I have no choice in the matter.”
The Royal Family laughed but no one else did. My men knew exactly what problems I was referring to and how the RS was the source of those issues. They were not amused by her making light of our situation. King Verin, on the other hand, may not have known exactly what was wrong with me but he was shrewd enough to be concerned. The collection of those grim expressions dampened the Royal Family's humor.
“Your Majesty, is there more going on with you than you've confided in us?” Prince Saif asked me carefully. “Because if there is, we would be honored to help you in all matters.”
“Unless you'd like to fall madly in love with me, Prince Saif, I'm afraid it's not possible for you to help,” I spoke without thinking, trying for levity, but the gravity of the situation permeated my words.
I also belatedly realized that I'd just let the proverbial cat out of its bag. Right in front of Verin. I winced, knowing there was a small chance that I'd done it subconsciously; the guilt of leaving Verin in the dark weighing on me too heavily. Either way, it was done, no going back now.
The Queen whispered something in her native tongue; something that sounded sympathetic.
“Well, I can't say the prospect isn't tempting.” Saif smiled at me, his eyes flaring brighter.
The table went silent again and into that silence came a low, rumbling sound. My shocked stare shifted to Verin, whose stare—no, glare—was focused on the Jinn Prince. And I wasn't the only one gaping at the Blue Dragon's display; the whole table watched him with wide eyes; especially Prince Saif.
“I was jesting! I merely sought to alleviate the pall.” Saif held up his hands in mock surrender and chuckled—a bit uneasily—while watching Verin as if he might pounce. “Love cannot be forced to bloom.”
Verin settled back in his seat. As he did, an expression of horror slid over his face. He looked down at his plate and started shoveling food into his mouth with desperate gusto.
“That being said,” Saif went on warily, “I can't imagine that it would be difficult for you to find a new lover, Queen Elaria. There must be droves of men who would kill for the chance to even be considered.”
“That's very kind of you to say.” I slid a look at my men to make sure they weren't about to go rumbly like Verin, but they knew court flirtation when they heard it and were unaffected by the Prince.
