Her expression must have given her away more than she’d thought because he stepped forward, raising his palms out before his chest. “Apologies. This is quite odd for me. I can say with absolute certainty that I did not expect to ever see you walk into this room.”

Odd for him? How did he think she felt? She lifted her chin. “I can’t say I expected it either, Your Majesty.” He motioned her forward and she obliged, ignoring Jaren’s answering irritation.

Leaving his silent, unnamed companions, King Vesstan approached her, circling her like a prized mare. Coming back around to her front, he crossed one arm over his torso, resting his elbow on it, and cupping his chin as his eyes latched on to her ears.

“I cannot deny the resemblance, as even a blind human could see it, but I do not see how you could possibly prove it.”

Anger flared hot in her veins at the clear implication she was lying. She was used to Jaren’s demeanor, and even Dedryn’s stone face hadn’t bothered her, but she hadn’t expected her father to be so emotionless.

She chewed the inside of her cheek, chastising herself. He’d lost his wife and child in the worst way possible, of course he was hesitant to believe her. After all, Jaren hadn’t immediately known either, and they shared a soul.

If King Vesstan had known about their bond, that enough could have been proof, but her mother hadn’t told him. Doubt crept into her heart. Was he just protecting himself, or was there something more to his lack of reaction?

“By your mutilated state, I deduce you were on Aleron.” He waved a hand at her head, his lip curling up in a sneer before he could wipe it away.

He will disapprove of her simply because of her human qualities.

She steeled her spine. Regardless of her relation to him, she refused to feel shame for something she had no control over. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“She connected to the crystal while still on Aleron,” Jaren said, speaking for the first time since they’d left their room. “Along with her resemblance, that should be proof enough.” His tone was clipped, a protective edge to it he didn’t bother to hide.

King Vesstan’s tongue darted out across his lips, a flicker of something finally darting across his face, but it was there and gone before she could contemplate what it might mean. “That’s not possible.”

“I saw it with my own eyes. And she did it with ease.” His hands fisted at his sides, and at a warning look from Dedryn, he tacked on, “Your Majesty.”

King Vesstan stared at him long and hard, his eyes narrowing at whatever he sensed between them. “I suppose it could be possible if she truly shares Vaneara’s blood.”

He looked back to Vera, tilted his head to the side. “Vaneara’s ancestors never stepped foot off their homeland,” he said, pointedly raising a brow, “so we have no other instance to go on as to how far the connection could go. Interesting.”