Page 46 of The Princess of Nothing
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Light sprayed throughan arched window, brightening the hallway. Neoma’s voice heightened as her and Kiros’s discussion grew heated. His tone remained steady, although I could detect the slight stumble on words as he attempted to reason with her.
“They’re not going to hurt him,” he stated.
She scoffed and placed her hand on her hip. “I am amazed at your arrogance, although I should be used to it by now.”
He shook his head. “If it were down to you, we’d have no monarchy.”
“That’s not true!” She hissed. “I’m concerned about an old friend of both of ours.”
“They are elves.” His tone thickened. “It’s not our problem. If Davidson wants to fight for them, then that’s up to him.”
Her eyes bulged. “He wants more rights for them. They’re not treated fairly. And to stop the cutting down of the forest. He’s been thrown in the dungeons for doing nothing more than being a good person.”
She caught my attention. I wanted the same thing as this Davidson fellow.
“He will be released. He was threatening the king. What did you expect? It’s treason.”
“Father will have him killed. You know how he deals with problems. You could talk to him, plead with him, but you won’t.”
“Davidson will be fine. There is no reason to.”
They stood inches from each other, both with balled fists. She pulled her fingers up to her white necklace and fumbled the red pendant. He toyed with his ring. I understood. Silent threats. Secretly, I wondered who would win if it came to a magic duel.
I stepped between them. “Please, let’s not fight.”
She rolled her eyes and let go of her necklace. “You.” She twirled dark ringlets of her hair around her finger. “You’re the same as him. I knew nothing would change around here.” Her eyes narrowed. She looked from me to him and tutted. “Whatever, what’s the point in saying anything?”
She stormed away, kicking the leg of a tall stand as she did, sending it crashing to the ground. The blue vase that had sat on it shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces.
Kiros ground his teeth. “She never listens. I know my father will let him go. He didn’t have a choice. Davidson threatened the crown. His hands were tied, even if Davidson was a friend once upon a time.”
I placed my hand against his chest and kissed his lips for a moment. “I know. You’re doing your best.” I despised my own words, but I needed something from him today, so I had to be on his best side. Now that he thought he was in love with me, it made things easier. “I needed to talk to you actually.”
His gaze trickled down to mine, his lips curling into a bright smile. “What is it, darling?”
My hands were clammy. I touched his fingers and linked them with mine. “Back home.” My eyes watered on demand. “I have a friend. Her name is Morgana. Well, she’s imprisoned, possibly executed.” My stomach twisted so much, I felt vomit crawl up my throat, biting my breath. I swallowed thickly, closing my eyes for a second. “I must know if she is still alive. If she is, then, is there any way you can have her released?” I’d waited until now, giving her the best chance. It was all I could do. I wanted to ask after the elves too, but even Kiros didn’t have that much power. One thing at a time, and Morgana was my priority.
