Chapter 23: Appetite

Queen Cordelia inclines her head at me and turns to my father.

“Adrian, you have returned. I see you have brought your apprentice.” She says.

Her eyes glaze over at me. Her soft blond hair is so bright under the light that it’s almost white. Like starlight, or seafoam.

Her eyes are so blue they rival the sky in color.

“I have, Your Highness. This is my apprentice and daughter, Islet.”

She comes closer. I stiffen. Her presence is just as intense as the prince's.

“Rise.” She says.

I raise from my deep bow and cast my eyes to the floor.

“You look…familiar.” She says.

“She traveled over with me on the crown prince’s envoy with Princess Marilla and the Duke of Loreilei.” My father rushes. When he speaks fast, he’s nervous.

I try not to feed off his nervous energy and focus on not shifting my weight.

“You’ve no waist at all. Are you feeding her?” Queen Coredilia asks with a hard expression.

Father glances at me.

“You should see her eat, Your Highness, its a marvel-”