Page 76 of Legacy of the Heirs
“Do you think the others were successful?” he asked. The three of them entered the city square, and memories of her family flooded back. She blinked them away, not wishing to relive the grief she kept so well at bay. The fog was thinning nowand twisted around the temple in a swirl resembling smoke until only a thin layer remained at their feet.
In doing so, it allowed a clear view of the area. Nyzaia leaned against the temple, with Farid and Jabir standing stiff on either side of her. She pushed off it when she locked eyes with her friend.
Elisara’s steps faltered when two others exited the street directly from Nyzaia’s right. Elisara’s eyes noted their intertwined hands before they separated. Caellum touched the small of Sadira’s back, guiding her to the others. They wore emerald green, the velvet of her fitted bodice mirroring his jacket, while the white flowers on Caellum’s cuffs matched the bottom of Sadira’s skirts. There appeared to be something different about the pair as they approached. The crowns atop their heads caught beneath a stream of sunlight before hiding behind the clouds. They looked regal, like king and queen.Like husband and wife.
“I guess that answers my question, given they are here,” Vlad said beside her. She had almost forgotten his question, distracted by Caellum and Sadira, who portrayed an image of a life once destined for her. She tilted her head, waiting for the stab of pain in her chest, but she felt nothing but indifference. Sadira’s demeanour changed, and she covered her mouth, running past Caellum and Nyzaia with wide eyes. Elisara turned to see the cause of the sudden shift in her behaviour.
“Larelle!” Sadira sobbed as the queen of Nerida approached from the street, connecting to Nerida’s gateway. Elisara released a sigh of relief as the two embraced. It reminded her of her friendship with Nyzaia. Caellum grasped Alvan’s hand, and the two shared a grin before patting each other on the back.
“When did they all become so friendly?” Nyzaia crossed her arms, and Elisara shrugged.
“They are neighbouring realms; perhaps that is why.”
“I also neighbour Garridon, and I can confidently tell you I will never embrace Caellum like that.”
Kazaar scoffed behind Nyzaia in agreement, and Elisara slappedhis arm. He grinned at her, and she smiled back, forgetting for a moment that they were not alone.
“Pay up,” said Jabir. Elisara turned to a member of Nyzaia’s syndicate as Farid solemnly handed him coins.
“What was that about?” Elisara asked a grinning Nyzaia, who shrugged.
“Just a bet.”
Kazaar frowned. “On what?”
“On the two of you.” Nyzaia smiled but said no more, stepping forward to clasp Larelle’s arm awkwardly, a subtle confirmation she was glad of her return. Elisara mirrored the action yet noticed the darkened circles beneath Larelle’s eyes. Elisara tilted her head, opening her mouth to ask what happened.
“Are we doing this? Or do you all need another moment to fawn over one another?” Sadira tensed as they turned to find Soren. The fallen queen spun on her heel and entered the temple, swinging her blonde braids behind her. Elisara felt some pain for Sadira; she also knew how it felt to have a tense relationship with a sister.
“Does she have to be here?” Nyzaia mumbled, gesturing to Soren as the group walked to the temple.
“If I am, then yes,” Sadira said elegantly, before adding, “Unfortunately.”
Nyzaia lit candles around the open room as the rulers and their entourage filtered in, each taking their spot at the chairs beneath their realm’s banner. The large, cracked stone table felt smaller with added bodies. Any additional guards—Vlad included—waited outside, but even the added presence of Alvan, Farid, Sadira, and Soren made it feel crowded. What would the Historian say if he were here to see this? His absence felt strange, given he had supported them through so much and always took charge when they were at the temple. She hoped he led his mission to find aid just as well, but who would guide them in his absence
The group stared at one another, waiting to see who would be the first to confirm their success. Elisara pulled the pouch from herside and tipped the talisman onto the table; it clinked as it landed. She was careful not to touch it as the fog from outside seeped into the room, encircling her legs. Nyzaia mimicked her and avoided the falling metal, too, while Caellum pulled the talisman from his pouch and rested it on the stone. Elisara frowned. How could he touch it?
Larelle went next, a soft glow in her eyes as she, too, pulled the talisman from her side and placed it on the table before her. Elisara shared a glance with Nyzaia.
“How can you hold it?” Nyzaia asked, addressing only Larelle. Larelle frowned and tilted her head.
“What do you mean?”
“Your talisman,” Elisara said. “How can you touch it?”
Larelle picked the piece back up, her eyes glowing again when she did. Amber returned to Nyzaia’s gaze when she reached for her talisman, prompting Elisara to reach for her own. She prepared to flinch and drop it, but the stone felt cool as she held it in her palm.
“What is the confusion?” Caellum asked.
“I could not pull my talisman from its place. It burned me,” Nyzaia answered.
“Mine tried to strike me with lightning,” Elisara confirmed.
Larelle rotated her talisman with her fingers, contemplating.
“I did not take mine initially,” she said eventually. “I picked it up, but I was not the one who pulled it from its place.” Elisara leaned back, sensing the tingle in her fingertips.
“It is a defence.” Kazaar gripped Elisara’s chair, his knuckles grazing her back.
