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Silia frowned. “As you can see, his choice is difficult. Both Cleona and Fiffany are quite lovely.”
“I do believe he’s looking for more than a pretty face.”
“As if you know his desires,” Silia huffed.
“I know that he appears bored out of his mind.” She couldn’t help but notice the way he steadfastly ate his meal, ignoring the ladies flanking him. “Have you ever thought he might be capable of choosing his own wife?”
“Given how busy his role keeps him, it’s my pleasure to help him find his perfect match.” Silia had a ready reply.
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate your effort.” Tongue in cheek, and it led to Silia once more scowling. Fionna had to admit to being amused by the verbal sparring.
The warlord’s mother speared a hunk of meat before stating, “I heard you claim to be a half-blood.”
“I am.” She grimaced.
That seems unlikely given few ever leave Srayth.”
“Probably because it’s so difficult to get anywhere else.” She’d flown in, which made the journey rather simple, but others had to do a long, arduous journey across the desert, and then cross the mountains separating Ulkruuba and Srayth in one of three spots.
“Who were your parents?”
Fionna shrugged. “I don’t know. They died when I was young. Because of my gift, I was sent to Mystic Keep to learn magic.”
“Gift?” Silia sniffed in disdain.
“You don’t believe in magic?”
“Tricks. That’s what it is,” Silia declared, rousing Fionna’s irritation.
“If you say so.” While not usually one for petty tricks, in this case, it was warranted. Fionna exerted a bit of power on Silia’s glass of wine, turning it to solid ice. When the woman tipped the goblet, it slid out in a huge chunk that hit her mouth, then landed on her plate with a clunk.
She ogled it before hissing, “You did this.”
“Me? As if I, a mere mortal woman, could turn wine to ice. Surely someone plays a trick.” Fionna managed to not laugh as Silia stewed beside her. In better news, she remained quiet for the rest of the meal.
A meal that took forever, but at least Fionna didn’t have to deal with two simpering women. Poor Kormac, he said not a word while his dinner companions nattered on either side. Apparently, they’d not given up on snaring a warlord as a husband.
When dessert arrived, Fionna finally saw a chance to escape and slid from her seat. She’d barely gone two paces when Kormac abruptly stood. Everyone went quiet and looked towards him. He did cut an impressive figure.
“I have business to attend, but do continue the feast.” And then that idiot, despite knowing how it would look, strode right for her, making it clear who he had business with.
His mother glared daggers. The women he’d dined with shot arrows with their eyes. Even the rest of the assembled guests held disapproving gazes.
If only they knew Fionna had no interest in him as a husband. Still, there was something about their clear rejection that riled.
They think I’m not good enough.It led to her offering Kormac a simpering smile and putting her hand back on his arm. “Lead the way, mighty warlord.”
Only once they exited did he chuckle. “That was strangely satisfying.”
“I am beginning to see why you wanted us to fake an engagement. Do your people act like that every time you pay a woman they disapprove of any kind of attention?”
“Yes, which is why I usually avoid showing any kind of personal attention.”
“You weren’t avoiding it just now,” Fionna reminded.
“Because if they think we’re sneaking around to fuck, they won’t question why you’re actually here.”
“Pretty sure they’re aware, given I’ve been to visit Lomar twice now.”
