Page 81 of The Stolen Kingdom

A round table was waiting for them, and just as the four friends moved to settle down, a distinctive blue-haired woman walked into the tavern. Isen was the first to notice hissister. Clueless about what had happened between Eyphah and Maris, Isen welcomed his sister with a loud greeting.

A nervous knot formed in the pit of Maris’s stomach. She looked over at her mate, who appeared to ignore Eyphah’s presence and was more preoccupied with getting drinks for everyone, including Eyphah.

“Sister! Join us! Let us celebrate our victory.”

Maris noticed Eyphah’s inquisitive gaze. The silent question hung in the air for some seconds. Should Eyphah join them? Maris glanced at Valda and couldn’t quite pick anything out of the ordinary from her mate. There was no anger radiating from their bond, only tiredness. Looking back at Eyphah, Maris nodded at the other Sealian’s silent request, and Eyphah sat between her and Melvian.

The server brought the drinks to the table, and Valda quickly took hold of the mug. Cerberus finally jumped off her as she downed a couple of large gulps.“A nice cold beer after days under the sun surely is a blessing.”

“Agreed,” Isen said as he wiped his mouth. “Now, what did you want to talk about?”

“We were attacked by a group of Vulcanians on our way here. I took it upon myself to grab one of them and ask her where they were coming from,” Valda said, taking another sip.

“They are in Prospero,” Maris added.

“Prospero? Impossible. The city is too small!” Melvian said, appalled.

“That’s why it is perfect,” Isen mumbled before locking eyes with Valda. “What are you thinking?”

“You know exactly what I am thinking.”

“When do we leave?” Isen straightened his back.

“I wish we could leave right now. But we need to gather our men, see how many lives were lost in New Agenor as well. We need supplies and to heal wounds.”

“Good thing we have two Asclepius worshipers here!” Melvian grinned before looking at Maris. “We can divide and conquer. You can head out to Cressida and see how everyone is doing I can stay here and—“

“Absolutely not,” Isen snarled before his attention fell on Maris. “I beseech you to stay with us. I know Melvian hasn’t told you because she is stubborn, but she has been having contractions.”

Maris widened her eyes and turned to her friend. “Are you?”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Melvian.” Isen’s warning came in a whisper.

“If you are having contractions, I think it would be wiser if I stayed.”

“I am fine! Really! I—”

“I would feel more at ease if you stayed,” Isen said, placing a hand over Melvian’s lower back, yet his attention was on Maris.

“I will stay for the time being,” Maris said, ignoring the exasperated sigh coming from her best friend.

“If you are going to travel to Prospero, then you must be extra careful. We don’t know if the city has been taken over by Vulcanians,” Eyphah said, making everyone at the table tense up. “There is a large possibility that Princess Kenna—”

“Queen…” Valda rectified. “She is now queen.”

“Queen Kenna,” Eyphah wetted her lips as she said the name and continued. “She could be there. Tartarus, for all we know, she probably turned the place into her very own New Vulcan.”

“That is a possibility we will have to deal with in due time.” Valda’s voice was controlled, serene, and calculated. Maris noted her restraint, talking to Eyphah without letting the anger poison her tone.

A minute later, food was brought to the table. Stews and rice, and many cuts of meat were placed before them. The mugs were refilled, and everyone ate quietly, except Isen, who kept asking Melvian how she was feeling. Maris’s heart warmed at the quiet interaction between the two of them until her eyes trailed to Eyphah.

She had caught the Sealian looking at her from time to time and Maris wished she would stop. She didn’t want to imagine what would happen if Valda caught on to what she was doing. Before asking Eyphah if she was fine, she stood from her seat.

“Is everything all right?” Isen asked as he popped another piece of cheese into his mouth and then offered a bite to Melvian.

“I am fine. I just need to use the latrine,” Eyphah said and waved her hand dismissively. “Go on without me.”

---