Eli
We had left the clearing in silence, but I took comfort from the fact that she held my hand on the walk back to the palace. We entered the dining room, finding Mother Moriel, Mother Cassia and Malaka eating together.
"Come, join us," Queen Moriel beckoned. "We grew hungry at this late hour. I assume you both haven't eaten... we saw you disappear towards the trees."
I grinned sheepishly as Queen Cassia stood and plucked a leaf from Leela's hair. Leela blushed and the three women laughed, making space for her to sit between them. She obliged, sitting between Cassia and Malaka.
I realised I was ravenous, having only eaten fruit after the Judgement. I sat across from the women and smiled gratefully when Cassia called an omega to bring more food.
Malaka turned to Leela, and int
