AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do you take cream?”
I nodded. “I smell cinnamon. What is that other sweet smell?”
“Dried maragord peels and rose hips. It’s a simple tea, but one I prefer.”
I wanted to cry from sheer joy. Maragord was a delectable fruit that I rarely got the chance to eat. It grew in Northgall and the northern parts of Lumeria. It was utterly delicious.
I watched him pour the cream, his broad, clawed hands and long fingers looking elegant as he carefully served me tea. When I took the cup and sipped, he watched me carefully. I hummed with pleasure and smiled at the spicy sweetness and the richness of the cream. It tasted better than any tea I’d ever made for myself.
“This is delicious,” I admitted warmly.
He smiled. “Good.”
We sat in companionable silence, the three of us sipping tea as the world came awake with more chirping of birds in the forest. I admired the silver cup in my hand, an ornate, engraved design that looked like dragon wings but were actually those of a shadow fae with swirling flourishes that repeated all the way around.
I pointed at Gwenda. “You had a cup made for her?”
“Gwenda loves tea,” was his simple answer.
He didn’t explain how he apparently cared a great deal for the wood sprite. Gwenda smiled, flashing her serrated teeth before sipping again, the tiny teacup in both of her hands.
“They make these in Gadlizel?”
“You sound surprised.”
“I suppose I am.”
“Gadlizel is an extremely civilized city. We enjoy our tea as much as the next fae.”
I laughed. “I enjoy my tea in an earthenware cup with a chip on one side. This is far fancier than I’m used to.”
“You should have all the luxuries your heart desires.” His voice rumbled with silky sincerity.
For a moment, I was caught at the truth of it. He believed I deserved better. Besides Tessa, he was the first person to ever wish something more for me. I had to change the subject.
“What does Gadlizel look like?”
He finished his cup and set it on the tray. “It is a vast city spread across a valley midway up the Solgavia Mountains. The palace is closer to the peak. Our buildings are made of a pale slate that we quarry nearby. We have fine craftsman and artisans that have made the city one of the most beautiful in all the realms.”
“Is it more beautiful than Silvantis or Issos?” Those were the two great cities of Northgall and Lumeria.
“Much more beautiful.” He watched me, his gaze dipping to my mouth when I sipped my tea.
“I’d like to see Gadlizel.”
A crease formed between his brow before he set his cup on the tray. “You will. But we will stay in my villa for a time. It’s above the city proper.”
I didn’t want to wreck the peaceful morning, but I couldn’t refrain from telling him, “I want to search for my sister.”
He didn’t appear surprised.
“If she’s alive and truly living with the beast fae,” I continued, “then I must find her.”
“I know,” he said calmly. “I knew you would want to. But first, I must report to my prince. I’ve been away from Gadlizel for too long.”
“You’ve been here?” I gestured around us. “For how long?”
His gaze remained steady and poised. “A few months.”
