Page 47 of The Night Prince 6

Aquilan did not make an offer to see Rohannan at the Eryas Palace. While coming here had been the right thing, it could be seen as him visiting some of the humans within his empire. But asking Rohannan to come to the palace would be seen as recognizing him and the Separatists.

They moved on to Elasha, Cara and Haera. Rhalyf’s sister was, once more, regaling the group with funny stories. Most eyes were moist and cheeks flushed with laughter. Just like his best friend, Haera was definitely a crowd pleaser. He frowned as he took in how Haera’s boots were crossed at the ankle and angled on the table and how Vex was seated the same way. He blinked. Was Haera aping the Night King? Or were they similar all on their own? And how many times had he seen Rhalyf sprawled out like that in a sensually nonconformist manner that seemed to beg someone to judge? Elasha looked to be the one judging this time.

His niece’s arms were crossed tightly over her chest. And her expression was set in something that reminded him of a thundercloud on the horizon of a very sunny day. Her eyes were riveted on Haera, but then they would move to Cara and the hand that Haera had draped over Cara’s shoulders. He grimaced in pain for his niece. Jealousy was acid and it only harmed the cup it was contained in.

“We are heading back,” Aquilan announced to the mix of young people who, unlike Rohannan’s table, gazed up at him with honest smiles. “Elasha, Haera, would you like to accompany us? And where is Darcassan? Has he left already with the Bastons?”

“He did,” Elasha said, her voice a little chilly though he knew the chill was not towards him. She struggled to shrug it off with a smile. “He was very concerned with Gemma getting a good night's sleep as she is so young.”

“Yeah, he appeared insistent on it,” Haera said into her mug of beer.

Elasha flashed narrowed blue eyes at her. Her lips pressed tightly together. “The Bastons are important to the Empire.”

“Of course,” Haera nodded while everyone else looked elsewhere.

The Bastons had come to say goodbye to them earlier in the evening with his nephew practically shadowing them. At first, he had been glad that Darcassan was thinking of others–offering to protect the Bastons on the way home–but as Haera had indicated: his behavior had been strange. He sincerely hoped that Darcassan wasn’t keeping another secret–like going through a rift to Illithor–from him again. Though he thought that he was partially at fault for his nephew being driven to the desperation of such action by not going to him immediately upon learning of his great concern about the Leviathan.

Uncharitably, he thought, And where was his father in this? He’d told Vesslan and Elasha his concerns so much that they were classifying his worries as mad obsessions. But did neither of them think to check out what he was saying? Darcassan isn’t foolish. It is as if Vesslan simply decided it was untrue without any evidence.

Elasha got up from her seat. “Well, if we are all going back–”

“Oh, I’m not. I thought I would stay awhile yet,” Haera said pleasantly and Cara, immediately, brightened as did many at the table. More stories. More flirting.

“You don’t have to go back tonight at all! You can stay here,” Cara offered warmly. And perhaps hearing his niece’s jaw drop open, Cara quickly said, “You’re welcome to stay as well, Elasha. As always. I know you never do, but–”

“I’m staying.” Elasha sat down in her seat and made it seem that she would have to be physically pried away. “I’m staying.”

Aquilan felt a burst of sympathy for his niece. But he knew that interfering would do no good. She would have to find out what being a burr was all on her own.

“Haera,when you do make your way to Tyrael and the Eryas Palace, a suite of rooms will be waiting for you,” Aquilan told her warmly.

She beamed at him. “Thank you so much, King Aquilan. You are much too kind.”

“You are Rhalyf’s sister. I would see you more than simply comfortable,” Aquilan assured her.

Her smile faltered for a moment, but then she said softly, “Yes, well, my brother deserves all good things. I am glad he has found such a good, kind friend in you.” Just as they were about to turn and walk away from the table after they had wished everyone a good evening, she called out to Declan, “If you are free at any time tomorrow–day or night–I would speak to you, Declan.”

Declan slowly blinked at her like a mysterious cat as he contemplated her offer. “I will find you.”

“All right. Good!” Haera beamed. “Have a wonderful evening.”

“What do you suppose she wishes to discuss with you?” Aquilan wondered out loud as they had taken a few steps from the table.

Declan shrugged. “Though she acts as irreverent as her brother, I don’t think she asks for anything without good reason.”

“I quite agree with you.” Aquilan nodded.

In a way, he wished that Haera wished to speak to him. He had always been careful to steer clear of Rhalyf’s past and family. For he had been gently, but firmly rebuffed after the few times he had attempted it. He knew there was a story there. And it wasn’t that he was simply curious–though he, admittedly, was–but it appeared to him that Rhalyf was weighed down by this past and, as Rhalyf’s best friend, he wanted to relieve that burden. But he couldn’t see why she would wish to speak to Declan about Rhalyf and her shared history so it must be about something else. That was even more curious.

“I will find out tomorrow,” Declan told him.

“And will you tell me?” he teased.

Declan considered this. “If you must know, yes.”

“If I must know? Oh, I didn’t mean–”

“If it is something that concerns you then yes. If it would have a bad effect on you then yes,” Declan explained further.