Lannahi’s lips curved in a smile that was not entirely forced. “This is an interesting topic, and I would be happy to discuss it with you further. I am uncertain, however, if this is the right place for it.”
Mahrur looked as if he had something in his mouth that couldn’t be chewed but finally said, “Present your proposal by letter.”
This time Lannahi had to restrain herself from smiling too broadly. “I will ensure that the letter is carefully written.”
Mahrur spluttered. He was about to answer her, likely in a rude way, but his attention was drawn to something behind her back. “It seems that your father is looking for you,” he said, giving her a meaningful look. “Maybeheis not so certain thatyouwill be able to take care of your own business.”
Longing and anxiety squeezed her chest, but she answered calmly, “He hasn’t seen his daughter for several weeks. If I’m not mistaken, you would also like to speak with yours. Can I trust you will treat Lizaar with care while I go meet with my family?”
“Go,” he said, looking again at Sarkal.
Lannahi decided that with his abrasive behavior, Mahrur didn’t deserve even a polite nod and left without a word.
At the sight of her parents, her heart beat harder. Sarkal walked with Asirri arm in arm, nodding politely to the fae they were passing, unhurriedly as if strolling through a garden rather than a hall full of potential enemies. When Lannahi moved toward him, he turned and stopped with Asirri, waiting for her to join them. Her parents tried to make it look like an ordinary meeting. They had no intention of interfering in the affairs of landshapers, and they emphasized this with their behavior. For those who cared, the message was clear. Lannahi was acting on her own and her actions shouldn’t be associated with her father.
Sarkal was publicly stripping her of the apparent protection afforded by his vindictive reputation, but his actions chased away the specter of war that hung over her conscience.
Apparently, Lannahi needn’t have worried.
Chapter 26
As Lannahi approached, smiles appeared on both of her parents’ faces, but their eyes remained watchful. Thanks to Blann’s efforts, her hair had already reached past her shoulders and Souhi was able to put it up in a bun that masked its true length, but her parents weren’t easy to fool.
“Father, Mother, it’s nice to see you,” she greeted them.
When she gathered the folds of her dress to lift them and curtsey, Asirri grasped her hand.
“Daughter,” she said, squeezing her hand lightly and sending her a meaningful look. “We are glad that despite a flurry of new responsibilities, you nevertheless found time to come.”
Oh.
Lannahi shouldn’t bow. She was a queen. As absurd as it sounded, she had a rank higher than her mother. In the eyes of the fae, Lannahi was now Sarkal’s equal.
Lannahi smiled, blushing slightly. “I wish I could have attended last month.” She gathered her courage and looked at her father. “I hope you weren’t too worried because of me.”
Noticing the blush on her cheeks, Sarkal smiled, but in his eyes amusement mixed with concern. “Worrying about a child is the privilege of a parent,” he noted. “As far as I was concerned, I was ready to demand the invitation to Goldfrost just a few hours after you left home.”
Asirri sent her daughter a conspiratorial look. “I barely managed to persuade him to wait. I think he can’t get over the fact that you are an adult.”
“You left overnight,” Sarkal defended himself without much conviction. “I was in shock.”
Lannahi knew that her parents’ words were as directed as much at her as at anyone who might overhear them. Choosing her words carefully, she said, “I am sorry to hear that my departure has caused you pain, Father. I will gladly make it up to you, but please show me patience. I will send you an invitation as soon as I am convinced the landshapers have a sense of humor.”
The corners of Asirri’s lips quivered. “You see?” she turned to her husband. “She has not forgotten us. She is busy overcoming cultural barriers.”
Sarkal chuckled, attracting the increased attention of the landshapers standing nearby. “My musicians insist on performing songs about winter forests,” he said, casually changing the subject. “Are the trees there as impressive as the songs claim they are?”
Lannahi smiled and delved into a tale of natural wonders, songs without beginning or end, and sleigh rides. She didn’t talk about her rocky relationship with the landshapers or the threat of wild shapeshifters, and her parents didn’t ask about them either. This wasn’t a private conversation.
“I think you should remain on this side of the arena today,” Asirri said when the musical performances were being announced. “But next time you come and sit with us for a bit, will you?”
Lannahi nodded with a smile, though she felt torn inside. She would have loved to spend the day with them, but she understood that symbolism was important. Besides, she would have to take Lizaar with her, and she preferred to spare her the added humiliation.
And she didn’t necessarily feel like seeing Maal and Letiri so soon.
After saying goodbye to her parents, Lannahi started back toward Mahrur. After seeing her family who looked at her with genuine joy, the malicious glances thrown in her direction were like insect bites. When Lizaar’s father saw her, he moved away, abandoning Lizaar, and Lannahi felt as if someone had poured cold water over her.
“Don’t worry about him,” Mahhir said quietly.
