Chapter Twenty Six: Common courtesy

I turned my head toward the entrance just as the heavy doors groaned open.

Eilís walked in, but he wasn't alone. The woman from the hallway was still with him, walking half a step behind. Up close, she was even more striking—her movements were fluid, possessed of a grace that only came from years of high-court breeding or, more likely, the predatory confidence of a high-ranking wolf.

Eilís eyes swept over the table, skipping over the King and his cousins until they landed on me. He didn't smile, but his jaw tightened.

“You’re late,” the King remarked, though his tone was more curious than angry. He was looking at the woman behind Eilís. “And I see you’ve brought Lady Kiya with you. I thought you were still in the Western territories.”

Kiya stepped forward, offering a slight, elegant bow. “I returned late last night, Your Majesty. I couldn't miss the chance to see the new addition to the family.”

Her voice was like silk, smooth and perfectly modulated. She turned her gaze to me, her eyes unreadable. There was no Malia-like bite in her expression, but there was something else—a quiet, analytical depth that made me feel like she was reading the fine print of my soul.

Eilís pulled out a chair for her, gesturing for her to sit. She turned and smiled at him before adjusting her dress to take the seat. My chest sent out a pang. He never pulls out chairs for me.

Eilís finally sat down in his usual spot next to me. He didn't say a word to me, not even a greeting. He just picked up his glass and took a drink.

“Kiya and Eilís grew up together,” Devon whispered to me, leaning in slightly. “She’s one of the few people who can actually get him to sit still for more than five minutes.”

I nodded, my throat feeling suddenly dry. I looked at Eilís, but he was staring at his plate, his hands resting on the table. The silence between us felt like a physical wall.

“We were just discussing the library, Eilís,” Devon said, trying to break the tension. “I offered to show Raven the collection later today. I assume you have no objections?”

“I have none.” Eilis replied, his voice tight.

Kiya reached across the table. She rested her hand on Eilís’s forearm while she laughed at something Lord Harkan said.

Eilís didn't move. He didn't pull away or look uncomfortable. He just kept eating.

I watched them. Nobody else at the table seemed to think it was strange. Not the King, not Devon, not even Malia. They all acted like it was normal for her to be that close to him.

“It’s actually quite fascinating,” Kiya said, looking at me. She leaned her chin on her hand. “The bond between a wolf and a human is usually so loud. Especially in the beginning. There’s a frantic energy to it.”

She looked back at Eilís.

“But looking at you two, mating seems to be so easy. From what I’ve seen since I walked in, you don't act like a mated couple at all. There’s no pulling, no constant need for contact. It’s almost as if the bond isn't there.”

The table went quiet. Eilís froze with his glass halfway to his mouth.

I looked at Eilís, waiting for him to say something. I wanted him to tell her she was wrong, or to at least look at me. But he didn't. He just set his glass down and stared at his plate.

Kiya reached out again. She smoothed a stray hair away from Eilís’s forehead. He still didn't move. He let her do it while he treated me like I wasn't even sitting there. 

What I was feeling wasn't jealousy, it couldn't be. I had no feeling for Eilis other than the fact that we were stuck together. But he should at least show me some common courtesy as his mate.

I looked down at my own plate. I didn't feel like eating anymore.

“Maybe we are just different from what you're used to, Lady Kiya,” I said. My voice was low. I didn't look up to see her face.

Kiya hummed. “Perhaps. But in Caravia, we usually trust our senses over words. And my senses are telling me something is very quiet between you two.”

I bit my lip. Eilís stayed silent. I wanted to get up and leave, but I stayed in my seat, watching her hand stay near his face.

Finally, Eilís set his glass down. The sound wasn't loud, but it made Kiya pause. He didn't look at her. Instead, he turned his head and looked directly at me for the first time since he’d walked in.

His eyes were bloodshot and dark as he stared at me. He reached out, his hand hovering over mine for a second before he rested his palm over the back of my hand.

His skin was burning hot against mine.

“Quiet doesn't mean absent, Kiya,” Eilís said. His voice was a low, rough growl that made the table go still again. “The South has their own ways. We are finding our own.”

He squeezed my hand once. It wasn't a romantic gesture, but it was a solid weight, a reminder that I wasn't standing here alone.

Kiya’s smirk didn't disappear, but she did pull her hand away from his forehead. She leaned back, looking satisfied that she’d finally forced a reaction out of him.

“If you say so,” she murmured.

“Anyway,” the King said, his voice loud enough to break the tension. “Since the family is here, we have work to do. Eilís, you’ll be in the war room with the generals. Kiya, I expect you to join us. Your report on the Western territories is overdue.” 

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Kiya said. She didn't look at Eilís this time. She looked at me and gave a small, polite nod that didn't feel polite at all.

Devon cleared his throat. “And Raven? Since Eilís will be busy with the generals, I’ll take her to the library now.”

I looked at Eilís, hoping he’d say something. Maybe he’d tell me to stay, or tell Devon he’d take me himself later. But Eilís just stood up. He didn't look at me or Devon.

He turned and walked out of the dining hall without looking back. Kiya stood up a second later, smoothing her dress. She followed him out, walking close to his side just like she had when they arrived.

I sat there, watching the doors close behind them.

“Don't let her get to you,” Devon said softly. I had almost forgotten he was sitting there. “Kiya likes to test people. She’s been doing it since we were children.”

“I’m fine,” I said. I pushed my chair back and stood up. I wasn't fine, but I didn't want to talk about it. “Can we go to the library now?”

Devon nodded and stood up too. “Follow me. It’s a long walk.”

As we walked out, I didn't look at the King or Malia. I just followed Devon, trying to ignore the way my chest felt tight. It wasn't about Eilís or Kiya. It was just the stress of the lie. That’s what I told myself.