Chapter 706: Gifts
Elaine giggled. "Let’s keep that between us, shall we?"
"No wonder the place seemed a little dated," R’lissea said, tapping her chin. Her eyes widened as Elaine raised an eyebrow, and she quickly added, "I’m sure it was in style when you had it built!"
"That it did. The old rustic feel was a little less old when I had it remodeled last. I do hope she enjoys it. When she’s around, that is. Perhaps she’ll use it as an embassy, or find another use for it."
"Embassy?" R’lissea tilted her head.
"It seems I’ve said too much." Elaine covered her mouth with a playful wink. "The emperor won’t be pleased if he hears about that. He’s so serious with his plans and all."
I regarded her again, taking a seat as she offered it. This Elaine was nothing like the warrior I’d spent an eternity watching fighting and dying. Her attitude now almost matched her seemingly young exterior, making it easy to overlook the hundreds of years behind her youthful face. Even if she seemed in her mid-twenties, I couldn’t lower my guard, even without the teased hints about Elise.
"How are you finding the city?" Elaine asked me.
I looked at my lap. "I haven’t gone out much. It’s...scary out there."
She pursed her lips. "Really? Has the reception been that cold?"
"IT’s because she won’t go anywhere without Fable and Fyren staring over her shoulder. It’s natural people feel uncomfortable," R’lissea said.
I flushed slightly. That wasn’t entirely my fault, as they stuck with me no matter what I said.