The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga, #1) - G.A Aiken Page 0,91
her because Gemma’s reaction was nearly the exact opposite. She seemed unimpressed with everything in the elven city and suspicious of everyone. And the more Elouan spoke, the more suspicious Gemma seemed to become. True, she hadn’t said a word, but there were some beings in the world who got their point across with silence. Gemma was definitely one of those beings.
“I simply don’t understand,” Laila continued to argue with Lord Elouan. “Why does he object to seeing us? Could you at least make that clear?”
Elouan tossed his silky white hair over his shoulder before snidely replying, “I don’t have to make anything clear to you. My king has made his decision and he doesn’t have to explain to you or anyone else.”
“So he didn’t tell you either?”
The elf’s eyes narrowed the slightest bit. “Watch your tone with me, centaur.”
Keeley tugged on Laila’s arm. “Let’s just go.”
But Laila wasn’t done. She pointed a finger at Elouan. “Do not forget to whom you speak, elf. I am my mother’s heir and—”
“And nothing. You are not your mother, and therefore do not have any of her power here in our lands. As for being her heir . . .” He shrugged. “Life changes.”
That’s when Gemma cracked her knuckles. Again, she didn’t say anything, but the elven royal guards abruptly appeared, standing behind Elouan, their weapons gripped tight.
The emissary glared at Gemma but spoke to Laila. “Is that why you brought this one here? To threaten us?”
Gemma blinked in surprise. “I’m just standing here.”
“Like hells you are, human. You’re a War Monk, everyone knows what that means.”
A small smile curled the corners of Gemma’s mouth. “If you truly knew what that meant . . . you’d be much nicer to my friend.”
“Or we can just go!” Keeley suddenly announced, motioning with her head. “Really. Let’s just go.”
“Fine,” Laila snapped. “But this, Lord Elouan, will not be forgotten.”
They turned to depart, Keeley leading the way back out, but Gemma suddenly tossed over her shoulder, “Give Beatrix our best.”
“Oh . . . I will.”
Laila and the sisters stopped, Laila spinning around to gawk at the elf. And she saw the truth on his face.
Slamming down her front hoof, she barked, “You motherfucker!”
Keeley pressed her hand against Laila’s hip. “It’s all right,” she soothed.
“It is not all right.”
“It is, Laila. It is. A mistake,” Keeley added, glancing at Elouan, “but their right to make it.”
“You’re threatening me too?” he questioned, smirking. “Like your War Monk sister?”
“My sister didn’t threaten you, and neither have I. But an alliance with Beatrix is, in my opinion, a questionable choice on your part. But at the end of the day, also none of our concern. So good luck to you.”
Without waiting a moment more, Keeley headed back the way they’d come with her sister beside her; and, after a withering glare in Lord Elouan’s direction, Laila followed.
When they reached the rest of their travel party outside the forest, Laila was absolutely livid.
“How dare the king and Elouan take sides with Beatrix without speaking to my mother first!” she angrily announced before either of her brothers could ask her how everything had gone.
“Isn’t that what you did with me?” Keeley asked.
“What?”
“You sided with me without speaking to the elves first.”
“We don’t have to talk to them! We’re centaurs!”
“Isn’t that what they think about themselves?”
Now, even angrier, Laila slammed her front hoof again and demanded, “Why are you being so bloody calm about all this?”
“I guess I just don’t see the point of getting upset. Besides, we can still get the dwarf army if we find Sichar’s gold.”
Laila dropped her arms to her sides. “And how do you suggest we do that? If the elves do have it, I doubt they’ll give it to us now.”
Keeley didn’t have a chance to respond because the gray mare was bumping her in the back with her muzzle.
“Did they find it?” she asked the horse, which was when Laila and Gemma glanced at each other. Gods, had Keeley finally lost all reason? Was that why she was so calm? Because of insanity? Not all insane people began tearing their clothes and crying to the heavens. Some became very calm . . . just before they started destroying everything.
The horse didn’t seem to respond to Keeley in any way that Laila could see, but Keeley then asked her, “Do you know where they are? Good. Take me to them.”
Keeley mounted the gray mare and rode off, forcing the rest to rush after her.