The Lion Soul by Amy Sumida

Chapter Eleven

Kaelen and I got dressed in utter silence. His knights moved the dining set back to the center of the room, then stood around the outskirts as Kaelen, Vaarda, Nimalta, and I sat down to discuss what had just happened.

I was still a bit shaky, my mind whirring in shock, but I was recovering quickly. I had been an outsider from the start, so although it disappointed me that I wouldn't be able to truly become one of Kae's people, I wasn't crushed by the idea that I might be rejected by the Fae. It's hard to mourn something you never had. Oh well, there went my nobility.

“Do we tell Queen Vervain?” Nimalta asked.

“Of course, we tell her!” Vaarda exclaimed. “We must tell all the warlords as well. Everyone needs to know what Ry'zaran has done.”

“And the possibilities that his actions have presented,” Nimalta added gently.

“How could this possibly lead to peace?” Vaarda huffed.

“He said Rieyu is a bridge,” Kaelen noted as he took my hand.

I squeezed his hand but then let go, uncomfortable with such displays in front of other people.

Kaelen's expression shifted to disappointment, but he didn't protest, just slid his hand away as he said, “Rieyu is a new race—part Fae and part Farungal.”

“Fae-rungal,” Nimalta said with a soft smile my way.

“I am Shirie,” I said firmly. “And it is only my animal form that is part dragon.”

“That's a good distinction,” Kaelen said with a look of relief. “You're right; you have no other Farungal features.”

“Which will only make it more difficult to convince the Farungal that he is a bridge of truce,” Vaarda said.

“Perhaps you should delay our trip home, my lord,” Nimalta said to Kaelen. “Wait until after you've spoken with the other warlords before you return to Varalorre.”

“No,” Kaelen growled. “I won't put Rieyu through an interrogation or allow him to be scorned.”

“They would never mistreat a valorian,” Vaarda huffed.

Kaelen's expression went odd and a bit bitter. “The status of warlord does not immediately ensure honor or kindness.”

Vaarda went quiet.

“I'm taking him to Varalorre. We can figure this out within the safety of the mists,” Kaelen declared.

“Will they even let him through?” Nimalta whispered.

Kaelen gaped at her, then at me.

I squared my shoulders. “What will happen if I attempt to go through and the mist rejects me?”

“You will not be able to pass,” Kaelen said. “That's all. You won't be hurt.”

“Then there's no risk in making the attempt,” I said. “I would like to try.”

Kaelen nodded, though he still looked shaken. “We leave in an hour.”