Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2)(49)
“You alone were blessed by Sud to survive the massacre of our people, Ruby.” I met her eyes as she added, “Your mother, I heard, was not so fortunate.”
I clasped my hands tightly in my lap, my stomach lurching. “That’s right.”
“I’m sincerely sorry,” she said.
“Thank you.” I cast my eyes downward. My hands were trembling and cold. This conversation had gone on far too long and I just wanted it to end.
“But let us turn to more pleasant matters.” She sipped and asked smoothly, “Prince Kai, has your aunt found a suitable bride for you yet?”
Though a change in subject was welcome, it was startlingly abrupt. And it didn’t seem like this was a pleasant topic for Kai. He had the look of a cornered rabbit as he replied, “Aunt Aila understands that I do not wish to rush into marriage. I am barely eighteen summers, Your Majesty.”
It surprised me that we were almost the same age. All that restless swagger made Kai seem older, especially since he was so confident as captain of his ship. Then again, Arcus was king and he wasn’t much older. His serious demeanor always made him seem more than a few years my senior.
“Indeed, but the most powerful among us have a duty to produce heirs, as you know. It is good to start young. You have seen how it is with me. I cannot have children and the succession is now uncertain.”
Kai paused for several moments. “I will give the matter serious consideration, Your Majesty.”
“Perhaps since your mother is no longer alive and your aunt has not found the right woman, I may be of assistance in finding you a bride.”
His eyes widened. I stifled a laugh at his expression, relieved the conversation had lightened.
“You’re most generous,” he muttered, downing his drink.
The plates were cleared and dessert was served, tiny iced cakes and tarts filled with sweet berries and cream. In what I deemed a transparent attempt to ward off any further talk of nuptials, Kai carried the conversation, steering it into neutral territory. I pasted on an interested expression and tuned everyone out, mentally reviewing my plans.
“You have much on your mind,” Prince Eiko said, leaning forward across the table and speaking in a low voice so as not to interrupt Kai’s conversation with the queen.
I hoped the worry hadn’t shown on my face.
He added, “You must be nervous about your trials.”
“Yes, a little,” I admitted, glad that I had a reasonable excuse for anxiety. “I’m sorry if I was inattentive.”
He waved away the apology. “It’s only natural. Anyone would be preoccupied on such a night. And it’s difficult not knowing what to expect, isn’t it?”
He glanced at the queen, who was still engaged in conversation with Kai, and leaned in further. “I can tell you a few things without breaking any oaths. If you like.”
“Please,” I said, wondering why he would want to help me. What did he have to gain?
He pressed his fingers together, reminding me a bit of Brother Thistle when he was about to give a lecture. “Each trial tests a different ability, so the first, second, and third trial are all quite different from each other. They’re meant to push you to your limits so that only the strongest of Firebloods will have a chance of passing. However, strength of the gift does not guarantee success. There are other factors that come to bear on your success or failure.”
“What kind of factors?” I asked.
“Some of them are physical, like endurance, agility, or skill. Some things are mental, such as adaptability and perseverance. Your will, your decisions, can play a large role in the trials.”
Suddenly, I noticed the table had fallen silent. I glanced up to see the queen watching Prince Eiko.
“You come very close to revealing too much, my dear,” she said in silken tones. “She will find out more tomorrow, and that is soon enough, I think.”
Prince Eiko sat back, looking chagrined. “Of course.”
“Best of luck tomorrow, Ruby,” Queen Nalani said as she rose to her feet. Prince Eiko, Kai, and I stood as well.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I replied with a curtsy, when a question occurred to me. “Your Majesty, when you were telling me your history, you never mentioned what happened to the Frostbloods living in Sudesia. Perhaps next time, you can tell me more.”
She smiled, but it was cold, as if it were ice and not fire that ran through her veins. “Why, child, I assumed you knew. When it was clear that my people in Tempesia were lost to me, I rounded up all the Frostbloods living in my kingdom. Some of them became indentured servants, like my loyal Renir.” She gestured to one of the footmen standing against the wall and I blinked hard. How had I missed that? His eyes were a pale grayish blue, subtle but definitely the mark of a Frostblood.
“And the ones who refused to go into service?” I asked curiously, forcing myself not to stare.
She captured my gaze, her irises as cold and opaque as prison walls.
“I ordered my Fireblood masters to execute them all.”
THIRTEEN
THAT NIGHT, I WAS PACING THE plush, richly patterned carpet in my room when a soft knock sounded at my door. I opened it to see Kai, still dressed, a cup in each hand. “May I come in?”
Conscious of the thin fabric of my nightgown, I crossed my arms over my chest and backed up. “I suppose.”