Was something the matter? Had I damaged the necklace? I examined it quickly and saw nothing wrong with it.
“I’d like you to have it,” she blurted out.
“What? No. It’s very generous of you, but I can’t accept it.”
“I could never wear it, and it’s perfect for you.”
The pixie barely knew me. Why would she offer me something so valuable? Maybe it was a cultural thing, and her kind was liberal with gifts, but where I came from, this wasn’t done.
“I appreciate the thought, Larina, but I cannot accept it,” I said more firmly this time.
Larina’s cheeks lit up bright purple. “I am so sorry.” She reached out a hand, released a little pixie dust, and the necklace disappeared from my fingers.
I felt a bit flustered and tried to explain. “Um… we humans avoid giving each other such special gifts unless it’s a birthday or anniversary of some kind.” I didn’t want to say it was flat-out weird for someone you’d only met to offer you such an extravagant present, so that was the best I could come up with.
Larina waved her little hands in the air. “I understand completely, My Lady. I need human etiquette lessons.”
Valeriana watched the entire exchange from the bed, looking puzzled, but she didn’t say anything.
“I’ll go downstairs to find Prince Jeondar to discuss… some arrangements,” I told the girl. “Larina will stay with you for a bit.”
They both nodded, and I made my way out. I had picked a pair of black leggings and a green embroidered tunic that went perfectly with my olive skin. I’d even used a bit of the makeup Larina had left behind last night. Large butterflies flapped their wings in my stomach at the thought of seeing Kalyll. I had so many questions for him.
I thought I might find him in the large dining room, but the servant there told me they were all at the stables. Somehow, I remembered the way there, and indeed, found everyone gathered in the courtyard. Jeondar was issuing instructions for the attendants, all relating to getting the horses ready and packing for our journey, while the others stood in a circle off to the side. It was so early that the sun was yet to provide enough illumination, and a few sconces still offered their magical glow.
“Good morning,” I said.
They all turned to face me and inclined their heads in greeting. I approached, feeling self-conscious about the way they were looking at me. There was respect and appreciation in their expressions, and even Kryn seemed to have removed the stick he carried up his butt.
I wondered if this was Kalyll’s doing, especially since I felt guilty about my mistake with the elixir.
The Seelie Prince broke the circle and stepped forward to greet me with a bow. “All the sunshine to you, Daniella.” He’d tamed his hair, tying it away from his face and adding a few small braids here and there. He’d also shaved, and his eyes were a lighter shade of blue that I hadn’t seen before. The circles around his eyes were still there but were not as prominent. He appeared slightly younger, I decided, and marveled at what a little rest could do for someone’s appearance.
With some difficulty, I shifted my attention to Jeondar. “How is your father?”
“He is well. All thanks to you.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” I paused, doing my best not to squirm under everyone’s scrutiny. “Um, I was wondering about Valeriana’s situation. Did you have the chance to make any arrangements?”
Jeondar nodded. “I did. I took care of it as soon as we arrived. In fact, there will be someone here to pick her up before we leave.”
“Oh, I’m so relieved.”
“You’ve been so good to that girl,” Cylea said. “I have no patience with children. I think I may be allergic to them.”
Silver huffed. “Give it another hundred years and you’ll want an entire brood.”
“You’re describing a nightmare.” She walked off, shaking her head. “I need to finish packing.”
“Me too.” Silver followed after Cylea.
“And me.” Kryn was next.
Kalyll walked into the stables without saying a word, leaving me with Arabis.
She placed a hand on my shoulder. “Are you feeling all right this morning? I heard it took a lot out of you to heal the king.”
“I’m fine. Thank you for asking. I’m used to working with a team of people who take care of extraneous things. In a way, I think that has made me soft.” I laughed.