Page 100 of The Awakening of Essensia

Willem’s jaw dropped in mock offense. “I would never,” he said. He winked at Vaelira. “Unless asked.”

Vaelira laughed. “Maybe if you were five years older,”

He looked stunned for a moment, then laughed so wholeheartedly, it made her giddy.

This. This was what she needed. A distraction. She took a long swig from the tankard and let out a breath as it settled warm in her chest. The little flame seemed to swell in answer.

She was learning to master that flame, when she wasn’t training or buried in the archives with Galfri, teaching herself to keep her blood cool and pulse steady when frustration or anger rose, and practicing how to hone her essensia through the amethyst. It was a work in progress. She usually practised early, before the research made hours slip away, the sun never far off by the time she returned to the barracks.

She glanced around the table and considered mentioning her research but thought better of it. Nothing she’d found felt solid enough to say aloud. Especially not here, where anyone might be listening. What was the point in worrying them when she had no answers?

The chair beside hers scraped back, and Elijah slid in. His hair was combed back, a loose strand curling against his forehead. His clothes were immaculate, his jacket a deep indigo that shone in the firelight, his shirt an even deeper, pearlescent blue. He leant forward, turning to her with a smile that hinted at a shared secret.

“Nice clothes,” she said breathing in the scent of soap and steel.

He dipped his head. “There’s a party at the palace. I stayed long enough for the right people to see my face, but I’d much rather be here.” His eyes darted to her lips.

“Way to ruin the mood,” Willem muttered, crossing his arms. Vaelira straightened, clearing her throat.

“I’ve ordered another round of drinks,” Elijah said, still grinning. “We’re celebrating.”

“You’ve got that right,” Willem said, raising his drink high.

Elijah laughed. “Not the festival, but let’s discuss it later.”

“Hold on,” Vaelira said, scowling. “You can’t do that. What’s got you in such a good mood?”

“I’m always in a good mood.”

“Liar,” Erryn said. “Tell us.”

Elijah sighed, glanced over his shoulder, and leaned across the table “My mother no longer has an interest in our lovely Vaelira.”

Vaelira sucked in a breath. She hadn’t heard a word since the Queen’s deadline had passed. The uncertainty had gnawed at her like something unseen chewing through her from the inside. The relief hit so fast, she was breathless when she spoke. “Why were you waiting to tell me?”

He shrugged. “Dramatic flair?”

She frowned, and he gave her an apologetic look.

“She only confirmed it this morning,” he added quietly, as if he knew exactly what the waiting had done to her. “Apparently she has more pressing matters that require her attention.”

“Hang on,” Willem said. “I think we’re missing something. Since when did your mother have it out for Vaelira?”

“This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Axel added, nodding.

Elijah turned to her. “You didn’t tell them?”

She shrugged. It had never even occurred to her to mention it.

He leaned back and clapped his hands together. “I guess it doesn’t matter now.”

A barmaid bustled over. She set down a tray loaded with drinks beside Elijah, bending lower than necessary, her full cleavage merely inches from his face. She flashed a sultry smile his way, but he didn’t even glance at her.

Instead, his hand disappeared under the table. Vaelira felt his fingers slide across her thigh, then squeeze right above her knee. Her breath caught before she could fully register the touch.

He gave her a knowing look, as if to say I’ll explain more later.

Across the table, Willem was watching the barmaid leave, his mouth open.