Chapter Forty-Nine

C HAPTER F ORTY-NINE

I’m convinced my expression has frozen into a permanent scowl as Darius and I observe Kirian from across the table outside a bakery while he savours a slice of spice cake. According to him, the sweet loaf is an Aeris delicacy with its intricate blend of spices, all drenched in syrup.

Not that it matters when that is not what we are here for.

As Kirian relishes another bite, his eyes twinkle with pleasure. Meanwhile, armoured Aerian soldiers parade down the street opposite us. Kirian’s attention briefly shifts, followed by a scoff. ‘You would think, with all the Aerian soldiers they have, that this kingdom would be better protected.’

Darius lets out a playful chuckle. ‘Like your land is?’

‘One must take precautions regarding one’s people,’ Kirian retorts with a derisive smile.

My patience thins. ‘Why are we really here, Kirian?’

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, which he then meticulously folds atop his lap, Kirian looks up at me. His stare is bold as if he expects me to draw back in fear. ‘The Fallcrowns mentioned the predicaments you were facing with Hedris after the treaty was broken.’

My brows pinch in confusion. ‘Arlayna told you that?’

A flicker of distaste shadows his expression. ‘Yes.’ His voice strains. ‘She is quite the . . . informative one.’

I find that hard to believe. It was clear from when I last saw Arlayna that she has likely given Kirian hell with each letter they have sent each other.

‘What she has failed to mention,’ Kirian adds, his gaze flickering towards Darius, ‘is that you’re a Rivernorth.’

Darius eases back in his chair, his casual manner showing that he feels no threat whatsoever. ‘Well, believe it or not, there is more to me than my name.’

Kirian mimics Darius’s position, igniting a competitive air of male powerplay between them. ‘Still. You hold a powerful title in all of this, Darius. You’re the last standing Rivernorth, and others such as Hedris feel threatened by that.’

‘And you?’ I ask. ‘Do you feel threatened?’

‘It depends.’ He shrugs. ‘The only threat you could pose is if you came for my people.’

Which I’m certain Dusan and his forces have tried to do before.

‘ But ,’ he emphasises with a raised finger, ‘I believe we can help each other.’

Darius and I share a look of unease. This is what Arlayna mentioned. Kirian wanted us on his side.

‘Hedris believes he has the higher ground, especially now that Terranos is being ruled by someone unknown, and Emberwell by you,’ he says.

‘And you think forming an alliance with us will help?’

He nods once, shooting me a charismatic smile that doesn’t suit his title of shadow king.

‘You’re a Dark Elf,’ Darius reminds him, his voice a mix of intrigue and arrogance. ‘Not exactly a favourite among the Fallcrowns, or any other Elves.’

‘And yet the Fallcrowns can’t help you. They have their own issues right now, and whether you like it or not, the Aerian leaders won’t side with you.’

Much to my annoyance, he is right. The Aerian leaders never warmed to me, and it’s clear after our meeting that now Hira is gone, they won’t help, even if Lorcan is their nephew.

‘You’ve brought a lot of trouble with you, Nara,’ Kirian says, his gaze flitting between Darius and me. ‘Your union has.’

The mere mention of union rattles Darius. Despite Emberwell’s gradual acceptance of us, scepticism still lingers elsewhere, especially towards a shifter and a former human.

Darius leans in, his laugh carrying an edge of menace. ‘Suppose we entertain your offer. What’s in it for you?’

Kirian ponders briefly. ‘Let’s just say I’m not without adversaries,’ he confesses with a tight smile. ‘Eventually, a time will come when I’ll likely seek the same help I’m offering you now.’

The wind tousles my hair, stirring contemplative thoughts about what might come of this as it weaves through the sandy expanses of Aeris, lifting grains of dust in its wake. An alliance with the Dark Elves seems like a death wish, but having no one else at our side if Hedris ever attacks is worse.

‘And when that day comes, I hope you both will be by my side, regardless of the situation.’

‘And if we aren’t?’ I ask.

Kirian looks at me, his cold smile indicating the gruesome thoughts that must be running through his head.

‘He won’t do anything,’ Darius says. Kirian’s gaze cuts to him with a raised brow.

I frown, noting how casual Darius looks right now. He’s smirking as he lounges in his chair and drums his fingers on the table.

‘Won’t I?’ Kirian questions, seeming amused.

‘No,’ Darius retorts. ‘You won’t. You’re not that stupid.’

‘Darius—’

‘No, no,’ Kirian says to me, crossing his leg over his knee. ‘I’m curious to know what he means by that.’

Darius stares at him with a narrow-eyed expression. ‘He already knows that half the Elves will never side with him,’ he explains. ‘Thalorians are seen as outcasts – I would know. My people were too.’

I glance at Kirian to see what his reaction might be.

He simply rolls his forefinger and thumb together while giving Darius a twitch of a smile.

‘But of course, everyone knows that.’ Darius chuckles. ‘And I assume that even though you are exchanging information with the princess of Terranos, you’re not guaranteed safety. The High Elves still despise you, and with the new reign in place, they will likely come for you one day. You need as many people as possible on your side, and you know that losing us would only cause you issues in the grand scheme of things.’

A heavy silence hangs in the air between us once Darius finishes.

Then Kirian expels a sigh. ‘You got me there, dragon.’ His gaze slides to me and then back to Darius. ‘Assuming I am never to act upon my threats – you still need me and my people.’

I roll my tongue across my teeth, still annoyed, still contemplating.

‘It is either us, or no one at all. So .’ Kirian tilts his head. ‘What do you say?’