We were enthusiastically eating a selection of fruits and fresh bread below the painting in the Library. I caught Talon's glance up at its triumphant depiction of the major Fae battle several times during the course of our meal.
"Do you know the story of that painting?" I asked, sorting through the fruit on my plate. My companion's face darkened, and he looked away painfully.
"I do know that story," he exhaled a heavy breath. "I know the story of the Dragon Lord and the Archer...That is not the original painting."
"What do you mean?"
"The original artwork was done by the actual dragon lord in the painting," Talon gripped the armrests of his chair. "It still hangs in the charred ruins of his home."
I was saddened and curious at the same time.
"Why would Valentin have a copy in his lib
