But the king merely waved dismissively toward the youngest prince. “Explain yourself, Nuwin. This is a closed meeting.”
Like his sons, the king was tall, broad, and powerfully built. But at nearly eight hundred winters, gray streaks lined his white hair.
Nuwin’s smile widened. “Considering Lady Seary has been using her new affinity to restore life to our continent’s crops, and the dying crops are the entire reason for this day-long meeting, I thought it was only prudent she attend.”
The king waved his hand again, looking more bored than interested, while Lord Crimsonale and Lady Wormiful shared a veiled look as their eyes narrowed.
My chest tightened. Nuwin had just revealed my purpose so casually after Prince Norivun had worked painstakingly to keep my reason for living in the castle a secret from this very council. Blessed Mother, I should have warned Nuwin.
I snuck a glance toward the crown prince. Sure enough, he was fuming. Straightening in my seat, I tried to calm my breathing, but my heart beat faster.
The other council members and archons from all of the territories, along with Lord Thisslewater, whispered to one another.
The crown prince’s wings tightened behind him, his tone low as he said through clenched teeth, “It would have been nice if you’d thought to inform us of her attendance sooner, brother.”
I kept my mouth shut since the crown prince’s aura was rising.
Nuwin’s smile faltered. “I apologize if I’ve caught anyone unawares, but I’m sure no one objects, considering the vast catastrophe we’re facing. Surely, if Lady Seary can correct such a problem, it will stave much diplomatic discussion.”
Lord Crimsonale’s expression turned glacial as he subtly leaned toward Lady Wormiful and whispered something behind his hand.
Straightening, Lady Wormiful eyed me coolly. “Have you managed to restore life to multiple fields, Lady Seary?”
I cleared my throat. I could lie, say I hadn’t, but I had no idea what affinities lay in this room. Since they were archons, I knew they were some of the strongest fae in our realm, and if one of them had a truth affinity, it would no doubt cast me in a scathing light.
Deciding honesty was the best option, I replied, “No, my lady. Only one so far in Harrivee, but I’m currently working on several fields in Isalee.”
Again, Lord Crimsonale and Lady Wormiful shared an unspoken exchange, but before anyone could comment, the king spoke.
“Very well. You may stay, Lady Seary.”
Sniveling, Lord Crimsonale turned his attention to the other council members. “Lord Thisslewater, thank you for joining us today. As I’m sure you’re aware, our continent has been struggling as of late.”
Lord Thisslewater nodded. “I’ve been told as much. It is a pleasure to attend this meeting with you all.” He brought a fist to his chest in traditional Solis greeting and bowed slightly in his chair. “If the Dresher Islands can assist in any way, we would be glad to do so.”
The rest of the table murmured pleasantries, before Lord Crimsonale said, “Would you be so kind as to inform us of the state of your crops?”
Lord Thisslewater launched into a rundown of facts and figures, his voice animated. When he finished, the scribe at the end of the table looked up from his parchment, ready to record whatever was said next.
Everyone watched Lord Thisslewater with rapt attention. All except for Prince Norivun, who drummed his fingers on the table, his deadly glare still focused on his brother.
King Novakin leaned on the arm of his chair, looking unimpressed. “Thank you for sharing that information, Lord Thisslewater. Now, as you might have surmised, you’ve been invited here today to discuss possible trade negotiations, in favor of your island’s export of food staples. I know the Dresher Islands don’t produce anywhere near what our territories do, but while we wait for the next celestial event to replenish our orem, several of my archons feel it’s necessary to secure further grain stores.” He gave Wormiful and Crimsonale a disdainful glance. “For a short time, of course,” the king added. His eyes traveled around the table, and each archon fidgeted in their seat at the king’s challenging glare.
The king’s look said one thing and one thing alone—we would not indefinitely depend on the Dresher Islands.
“I see.” Lord Thisslewater inclined his head. “And what export are you suggesting in exchange for the Dresher Islands to help feed the Solis?”
“Precious gems,” Lady Wormiful replied, “from Kroravee Territory.”
Lord Thisslewater leaned back in his seat. “Interesting, although I’m not inclined to believe that gems are something we covet. Our islands occasionally produce those as well, and the Nolus fae have an abundance of gems. Trade with them is more appealing in regards to jewels.”
Lady Wormiful scowled as Lord Crimsonale rapped his knuckles on the table. “Another option would be to purchase an island,” the Osaravee archon proposed.
The king’s expression turned downright glacial, and Lord Thisslewater’s eyebrows shot clear to his hairline.
“Purchase land? Are you that desperate for food?” Lord Thisslewater’s pale-pink locks glinted in the light when he sat forward more, reminding me of my acorlis vines at sunset. “No island is for sale, Lord Crimsonale. Besides, if we ever deemed to give up such a priceless resource, I can assure you the cost would not be worth it.”
“Agreed, we’ll be doing no such thing,” the king snapped, his eyes flashing daggers at Lord Crimsonale.
Lady Wormiful tapped her pointy chin. “But, Your Majesty, we must consider the possibility that our orem will never fully return, despite what Nuwin is claiming this female will do.” She sneered in my direction. “So what are we to do if we’re unable to feed our fae? If we cannot secure more food stores from the Dresher Islands, then I propose we consider trading with the Nolus.”
I stiffened. “Lady Wormiful, we will be able to feed our fae. I’m sure of it.”
The room grew silent. Everybody stared at me.
Recovering first, Taberitha gazed down her nose toward me, her lip curling. “How can you be so confident?”
I fidgeted in my seat since everyone was watching me. I didn’t know where my outburst had come from, but the last thing I wanted was for this talk to progress to discussions of war. “Because the Harrivee field has returned to life, and the courtyard outside of my chambers is flourishing with life. That’s two separate patches of land that I’ve healed. Prior to me, those parcels of land had been deemed entirely without orem. I can do this. I’m sure of it. We don’t need to change our way of life while we wait for another celestial event.”
The aura pounding from Prince Norivun was now so strong it reminded me of crashing waves on the Osaravee coastline. Too nervous to look at him, I turned my eyes on the king.