Shaking, I resumed my seat. Of my appetite, not a shade remained; after a moment, I divided my remaining dinner between Gareth and Genevieve, and took myself upstairs.
“Elaysius!”
“Indeed, my lady.” The little blue figure on my bed-post bowed sweepingly, though without his usual energy. “A thousand apologies for mine absence this difficult day, yet I did not trust myself not to call a most premature challenge on the beast.”
I snorted. “You are in good company there. He has earned the wrath of all, I think.” I buried my face in my pillows.
“He shall not harm thee, princess, not while I live. Pray do not laugh,” though I had not…aloud. “Never hast thou seen a fairy knight in true combat. Thinkest thou that my people are all helpless before dragons? Foolish I was in my first attack of Rin
