Page 50 of The Stolen Kingdom

And yet, the unsettling sensation lingered. She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

“Your Highness? Are you coming?” Eyphah’s voice broke through Maris’s thoughts.

“Yes…” Maris replied, her voice quieter than intended.

She didn’t turn immediately. Her gaze lingered on the empty streets outside, her frown deepening as the strange feeling clawed at her chest. But with a sharp inhale, she let it go and stepped inside.

They gathered around the large dining table. Maris took her seat at the head, with Eyphah settling to her right. Across from Eyphah sat Isen, with Melvian comfortably at his side.

It wasn’t long before food was served, filling the air with the warm, spiced aroma of the meal.

Isen sighed deeply as a plate was set before him. “Blessed be the Gods! I’ve missed this,” Isen almost sobbed, grabbing a piece of casabe and filling it with spiced pork. His first two bites were huge, almost vulgar, and Maris frowned at that.

How long has it been since he had a proper meal?

Her chest tightened at the thought.How long has it been since Valda had one?

Maris’s hands dropped to the table, her appetite wavering as she watched Isen devour his second casabe within moments.

Her mind drifted to Valda. Was she eating well? Was she safe? In the dreams, Valda always seemed strong, composed. But reality might be another story entirely.

Maris shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts.If something was wrong, I’d know. I’d feel it.

Wouldn’t she?

And yet, Isen was here now. Perhaps somethinghadhappened.

Maris played with her food and tried her hardest to hide her discomfort, but of course, nothing could escape Eyphah’s prying eyes. The older woman moved her hand and touched Maris’s arms, calling for her attention quietly as Isen talked about how much he missed Sealian seasoning.

“Are you all right?” Her voice was low, intended only for Maris’s ears, but Melvian turned her attention from Isen to Maris.

“I am fine,” Maris lied.

“Are you sure?” Eyphah prodded again.

Feeling Isen and Melvian’s eyes on her, Maris sat up straight, moved her hand away from Eyphah’s grip and nodded.

Isen cleared his throat before speaking. “I know you are wondering where Valda is.”

That was a complete understatement. She wanted the other woman there with her, and she was hurt that she didn’t even dare to come with Isen. Was she going to be mad that Valda was there? Probably. Would she kick her out? Maybe. Maris didn’t know what she would do until the moment came—and Valda wasn’t even here to give her the chance to find out.

“I am worried about her,” Maris said, taking a piece of casabe into her mouth.

Eyphah scoffed at the mention of the Skylian Queen’s name.

Isen smiled. “If it eases your worries, just must know she has healed almost completely. She still feels some soreness in her chest.”

“Completely normal for her injuries,” Melvian interjected Isen’s words.

“She can run again. She has no trouble breathing and has gone back to training.”

Maris nodded. “Good. I am glad she is feeling like herself.” Pouting, she turned back to her food. She wanted to ask so many questions, but she didn’t even know how to start. Her lower lip trembled as she inhaled deeply. “I can’t feel her sometimes. During the day— I mean—” She swallowed hard. “During the night, I can feel her.”

“We are on the move during the day. We have moved operations over to Umbriel. As … ironic as it may sound, we have turned into the rebels.” He eyed his sister, but Eyphah’s attention was on Maris. “We are on the run all the time. I suppose she blocks the bond, so you don’t worry about her. When we are sleeping, she stays up later than usual. She says she is praying to Ouranos but…” Isen grabbed a glass of water and took a couple of sips. “She is well physically, and to me, that’s what’s most important.”

Maris understood what he meant right away.

“Any words from Skylian rogues?” Eyphah asked, desperate to change the topic.

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