Ruenen bit his bottom lip.
Marai answered for him. “Then at least we’ll die fighting for a cause we believe in. One last stand of the fae, to show them we aren’t weak.”
A tapestry of silence hung in the air; weighty threads of worry and anger and mistrust woven together.
“You should have time to discuss amongst each other. I’ll leave you be,” said Ruenen, standing. He gave another bow, flashed an honest smile, and exited the tunnel.
“Do you trust him?” Keshel asked once Ruenen’s footsteps were merely distant scratches in the dirt.
“With my life.”
Keshel looked away from her, but not before Marai saw the disappointment in his eyes.
“I find it hard to believe that he’s worth all this faith,” Aresti said. “Even if he’s as good as you say, he’s one human prince.”
“His council has already agreed that if you join us, they’ll provide you with shelter. They’ll incorporate you into their society.”
“You already told other humans about us?” asked Keshel, going rigid once again.
“That’s why I’m confident that this will work,” Marai challenged back. “If they’re willing to overlook their prejudices, so can we. I believe we can work together. I believe we can find common ground.”
“I think you’re blinded by the prince’s charm and smile,” said Leif. “He’s young. He’s new to the throne. He could change his mind in an instant after we help him win the war.”
Marai said, “I know it’s not easy to trust when we’ve been so hurt. It took me a long time to trust him, too. But as I’ve said before, there are many good humans out there. I believe in this future.” She looked straight at Thora and Raife. “I want you to have your own families. To see the world outside of this cave. It won’t happen overnight, but I know it can.”
Marai’s people exchanged wary glances.
Raife got to his feet. “Give us time to think.”
He meant that they didn’t want her in the room. Marai nodded, not taking offense. She moved to exit the cavern.
“Are you leaving?” asked Kadiatu, appearing at Marai’s side. She nervously glanced down at Marai’s fingers.
For a moment, Marai held her breath, then Kadiatu latched onto Marai’s hand.
“Don’t go, please. Stay the night. Eat with us. I . . . want to understand. I want to get to know your prince.”
“He’s not my prince,” Marai said, but felt the corners of her mouth twitch. “We would be happy to stay, if you’ll have us.”
Kadiatu beamed. “Of course, we will. No matter our decision, you’re always one of us. You’re family. And if the prince is your friend, then he is welcome, too.”
Marai gave her a rare smile. “Thank you, Kadi. Let me go tell Ruenen.”
Dusk was falling, and she found Ruenen standing by the river, peering up at the rising moon. His whole body was illuminated in a tangerine glow, highlighting the copper strands in his hair. He smiled when he spotted Marai coming towards him.
“That didn’t go horribly, did it?”
Marai shook her head. “No, not horribly.”
“Did they say no?”
“They want us to stay the night.”
Ruenen’s smile widened to show his dimples. “Then it went well.”
Marai stared up at the sky, too. The desert sunset splashed veins of orange and red through the clouds. “You never told me about your plan to make Nevandia a place for magical folk.”
Ruenen pushed his sleeves up, and his bare arm brushed against hers.
“I hadn’t thought about it until I met your family,” he said with a chuckle. “When I saw them, they reminded me of you when we first met. So rigid, so closed-off. Skeptical of everyone trying to show any ounce of kindness.”
“I don’t believe I’ve changed that much,” Marai said, but as the words left her mouth, she knew they were a lie. She’d softened in the months she’d known Ruenen.
“Right, of course,” Ruenen said, nudging her gently. He gazed back at the dusky sky. “If I’m going to lead, I want to do things that matter. It’s not about winning the war. I want to enact change.” His eyes opened wider when he glanced back down at her.
“What?” Marai asked, stilling.
“The sunset . . . you look like you’re glowing,” he said in awe. He raised his hand slowly and took hold of the end of her messy braid. He stroked her hair beneath his fingers, gold-flecked eyes sparkling as they grazed over her face.
Marai’s fingers inched towards the other hand at his side. One gentle touch sent a shockwave of warmth through her, fire snaking under her skin.
Ruenen’s fingers entwined with hers. At that moment, Marai couldn’t imagine any other place she’d rather be. Ruenen dropped her braid and traced one knuckle across her cheek. She leaned into that touch, surprising herself. His face came closer and Marai tilted back her head. It was instinctual; her body wanted to be near him. Nothing else on earth felt more natural than standing with Ruenen by the riverbank.
Scuffling footsteps in the dirt sent Marai jolting backwards, leaving the empty space between her and Ruenen feeling as massive as the ravine.
Keshel stood at the mouth of the cave. His eyes tightened as he took in the scene before him.
“Come in for dinner,” he said, then turned on his heel back inside the cave. It wasn’t a request.
