The Dark Legend by Phoebe Ravencraft

Author:Phoebe Ravencraft
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Phoebe Ravencraft

Plastering a smile to her face, Wren tried not to despair and addressed Spellbinder.

“Madam President,” she said. “It is my honor to be in your presence. I bring warmest greetings from Her Majesty, the Queen.”

“Thank you, Ambassador,” she said. “Allow me to introduce you to my cabinet.”

She went around the table introducing each man and woman present, confirming Wren’s suspicion on Lumendrake’s identity.

“And I believe you know General Blackstone,” Spellbinder finished.

“Only by reputation,” Wren said. “A pleasure to meet you, General.”

“Likewise,” Blackstone said. “Hopefully, you’ll be better at convincing these people of what needs to be done than the last clown was.”

Wren winced as Blackstone proved Kenderbrick’s assessment of him as all-too accurate. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air until Wren broke it.

“Well, General, I am hopeful I can help broker a deal that benefits everyone,” she said.

There was another brief pause as everyone tried to read Wren’s intentions. She smiled pleasantly.

“Why don’t we start dinner?” Spellbinder said. “Ambassador, your escort can wait outside, or, if you prefer, I can have them seated in the staff room to partake of the meal.”

“My soldiers do not eat on duty,” Blackstone growled.

Wren sighed. If the general had not been present, she’d have told them to go eat. In this environment, she wasn’t worried for her safety.

The soldiers went out, and the president signaled a servant to inform the kitchen it was time to serve. Spellbinder seated herself, and the rest of the government officials followed suit.

A second servant began pouring wine. Wren took the opportunity to get her bearings. Lumendrake and Minister of Internal Security Goldenfawn sat next to each other and spoke quietly among themselves. According to Kenderbrick, they were both Shendali and often voted together. But Goldenfawn was more progressive in her views.

Minister of Finance Waterdown was seated immediately to Spellbinder’s left. Wren tried to remember what Kenderbrick had said about her. She was pretty sure Waterdown was a Freyalan liberal, but the exhaustion she felt was causing personality traits to merge in her mind. The headache she’d sensed got going at full strength. She hoped the food would help refresh her.

Wren had the guest’s position at the other end of the table. Not far from her right was an empty chair.

Honeyflower had her own seat at the table. Wren was surprised. She’d assumed the Captin of the Elite Guard was working. Apparently, her counsel was appreciated in these sorts of discussions.

The meal began with a soup. Wren feared it might be muktada given the nearness of Revelation Day and this being a formal state dinner. But apparently, her elven hosts had decided to spare the humans that custom. A light yellow in color, the broth contained noodles and what looked like chicken. Wren didn’t recognize a single flavor in it. She thought she might have caught a hint of basil, but she wasn’t sure. Regardless, it was absolutely delicious – sweet and salty and refreshing. By the time the servants had collected her empty bowl, she was already feeling better.

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