Page 191 of Salt in the Seas
“Not for a wedding.” Kendalyhn’s face held mock shock that made Aeliana laugh.
“There are too many rules in your culture.”
“I agree,” Enla said.
Kendalyhn side-eyed the future queen while finishing up the braids scattered throughout Aeliana’s hair. The Recreants weren’t ready to trust Enla, with good reason, but Aeliana couldn’t help seeing all the ways she resembled Gaeren. It made it impossible to see her as an enemy.
“You wear a dress most every day,” Aeliana pointed out. “So you either have a different set of rules, or you’re above them.”
“I would much rather wear trousers,” Enla admitted. “But yes, I’m expected to dress differently because of my role. When my meetings are done, I always change. These tight shoes come off too.” She frowned down at her dainty slippers.
Aeliana opened her mouth to ask another question, but Kendalyhn chose that moment to dust a powder on her face, making her cough.
“Hold still,” Kendalyhn said sharply, reminding Aeliana of the days when they were always at odds.
True to form, Aeliana ignored the other woman’s instruction, pulling the clamshell from her pocket and opening it to reveal the pea-sized gemstone. “Enla, do you know anything about this type of gem?”
Enla leaned forward, her head angling to study it. “It’s beautiful. But I’ve never seen anything like it. And my father has many gems,” she added dryly.
“It’s from Sayhla Island,” Aeliana murmured, turning it so light reflected off each perfect edge of the gem.
“Sayhla Island?” Enla’s eyebrows rose and she looked again. “It could be a fabled Sayhleen pearl. They’re said to be a source of power, one the old kings and queens enslaved the Sayhleens to procure. I didn’t think they were real. If they were, my father would have one. In fact, don’t let him see you have it.”
Aeliana bit her lip and closed the shell before tucking it back in her pocket.
“I’m glad you and Gaeren worked things out, love.” Iris gave Aeliana a knowing smile.
Aeliana glanced back at Enla, but the other woman’s face had regained its passive, almost vacant, look. Was she sifting the future again? Seeing how the Sayhleen pearl might be of use? Or looking to see if Gaeren and Aeliana’s friendship was destined to become something more?
“Yes.” Aeliana drew the word out slowly. “It’s good to have friendships to lean on when war is looming.”
Kendalyhn snorted, and Aeliana was grateful when Enla’s response cut off whatever Kendalyhn was about to say.
“After our council meeting tomorrow, I can officially begin preparations. Your fight is the same as ours, even if my parents can’t see it.”
Aeliana hesitated, no longer sure if Gaeren planned to fly to Mt. Vescano with her or if he’d stick around to see through Enla’s shift into power. She wouldn’t blame him for staying, but she couldn’tdelay her trip. Not when they had no idea what Mayvus planned to do.
“Can you see what Mayvus will do? Do you know how we can best defeat her?”
Enla shook her head apologetically. “Perhaps if I had something that belonged to her, I could sift her future. Definitely if she was here with us. I’ve seen you and Gaeren taking ships to fight her in the Northern Sea, and I’ve seen him defending you at the fortress in the Myndren Mountains. But those scenarios are dependent on his choices. Even if he was as predictable as the seasons, which he’s not, Mayvus’ choices will create new branches, and I’ll have to sift them all over again.”
Aeliana shuddered.
“You have choices to make too,” Enla murmured, her eyes glazing over.
Aeliana squirmed until Kendalyhn told her to sit still while she painted her cheeks. The whole idea of dressing up for a wedding in the middle of everything going on felt silly. Tonight she’d leave with Durriken. She’d find a way to break the curse. And then they’d finally be prepared to face Mayvus on their own terms.
Was Enla seeing all that? Was she seeing Aeliana succeed?
“Close your eyes,” Kendalyhn instructed, and Aeliana welcomed the ability to block everything out as Kendalyhn painted her eyes with Enla’s kohl.
Enla’s chair creaked, and Aeliana peeked to find the future queen standing. “Give my brother my regards. And tell him he’ll regret his gift if he gives it, even though it’s the right gift to give.” Her gaze shifted and her face went slack. She sucked in her breath before focusing in on Aeliana again. “I wish you success,” she whispered. “But few paths hold it. Don’t let him get hurt.”
As she slipped out the door, Aeliana’s pounding heart felt deafening. Did that mean Gaeren would come with her despite the meeting tomorrow?
“What was that about?” Iris asked.
Aeliana shook her head, and Kendalyhn clucked her tongue, grabbing Aeliana’s jaw and holding her face still.
