[ELARA]
Dinner is a long affair, extending long past midnight. Platters of food are brought in to replace the empty ones. This is followed by recitation of tales from the battlefield—everyone praises King Eldric after every sentence is spoken. I realize there are commanders of the army among us.
I’m not allowed to leave, nor do I get a chance to speak to Magnus as he is occupied in conversations with ministers.
Somewhere during the night, Lady Celia requests to retire from the gathering. Ruelle does the same, repeating her mother’s words. I join in too, and thankfully, when King Eldric nods, we’re allowed to go.
“You would’ve liked Kian,” Ruelle says sadly as she walks by my side. “He was a good man.”
“He’ll be in a better place tomorrow. In the Goddess’ Meadow,” I say, hoping it w
