Her brow furrowed, and she studied me even more closely. “Do you remember him?”
I laughed, the sound carrying down the hall. “No, not at all. I’m sorry to say that I don’t remember any of my time in the palace from my youngest summers. But from what my mother’stold me, it was the common theme throughout my entire short seasons when I lived within these walls.” I waved at the resplendent atmosphere. “But I can assure you, that was a long time ago, and as I’m sure you appreciate, I was a tiny child. I had no idea what I was doing, and thankfully, as I matured, I realized that and have learned to control my ways. I can’t remember the last time I subjected someone to the full extent of my magic. It’s been so long that I fear I’ve forgotten how.” I laughed again, and Lady Ryderdim studied me even more closely, as though trying to determine if I was being truthful or taking her for a fool.
“Tell me, Princess Primelle, if you would be so kind as to appease me... Where have you been all of these summers?” Her gaze turned shrewd, her aura probing.
“Right here in the capital.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Here? In Whiteolf?”
“Indeed. I grew up in the Coswell District, but once I left for university, I moved farther north, into the Baefim District. I had my own apartment there and had been living there until...” I waved my hand at the palace. “Until I moved here.”
“The Baefim District is only several blocks from here.”
“It is.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “You mean, you’ve lived among us all this time, and we never knew it?”
I shrugged. “I did, but I apologize if that makes you uncomfortable, although, in my defense, I had no idea that the entire kingdom once feared me. As I said, I’ve grown up since we last met. I can assure you that I’m not a threat to you or anyone here. I’m happy to carry on with the life I’ve created and have no desire to subject anyone to my magic. It doesn’t suit me. I quite enjoy having free will and cannot imagine taking that from any other.”
A frown tugged at her features, but she didn’t challenge my words, and if anything, she looked contemplative.
“Anyway, it was lovely to become reacquainted with you.” I clasped my hands behind my back. “Perhaps we can talk again later this evening, or if your grandson’s here, maybe you can reintroduce me to him?”
She dipped her head, that pensive look still upon her face. “Yes, I suppose I could do that. Good evening to you, Princess Primelle.”
I nodded in reply, and a thrill ran through me that I’d managed to thaw a bit of her icy exterior, but it wasn’t lost on me that as soon as I resumed my walk to the ballroom, she and her friend began whispering to one another again.
I could only hope their words weren’t too damning.
“Nicely done,” Kole said softly from behind me, and for the briefest moment, his palm met my lower back. He did it quickly but removed his hand almost immediately. To anyone who might have seen the gesture, it would have simply looked like my protective warrior was guiding me back to the hallway’s center, but I knew it for what it truly was.
It was reassurance, a touch of encouragement.
Even though everyone thought Kole was only here because he’d been assigned to be, I knew the truth. He wanted to be at my side, especially tonight of all nights.
“One down, nine to go,” I said quietly under my breath, then gave him a subtle wink beneath my lashes.
He chuckled softly but just as fast, smoothed his expression into his usual devoid mask.
Ahead, the guards opened the tall doors to the ballroom. They both bowed, and one said, “Welcome to your ball, Your Highness.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
I swept across the threshold, and the huge ballroom spread out before me. I was instantly transfixed. Floating trays that carried champagne and appetizers glided through the air as though carried by a breeze. A full orchestra played beautiful melodies, and perfumed flowers climbed the walls. Candles in wall sconces lit the space, keeping the atmosphere dim and magical. And the Wood was everywhere. Trees sprouted through the floor. Branches filled with colorful leaves wove across the ceiling and tangled through the architecture. Vibrant color was everywhere.
I’d seen this huge ballroom once before, during my wanderings through the palace with my map in hand, but now with the music, packed room, and flickering candlelight, an ambiance was created that had been lacking before.
Fae chatted in small groups and plucked the drinks and morsels off the serving trays as they flew slowly by. Nobody had noticed me yet, and I was grateful for a moment to take it all in.
I walked farther into the grand room, my heels clicking on the floor, and admired the beautiful glass-domed ceiling that stretched from wall to wall, covering the entire ballroom. Since only candlelight lit the space, the night sky was evident throughthe tangled branches. Stars shone, and the three moons were visible.
My celebratory ball was magnificent.
Breathtaking.
Never in my life had I ever attended a party this grand. And enough House leaders and their family members, along with dozens of other nobles, were already present that the ball was in full swing.
I took another step forward, and a male in formal wear rushed toward me and bowed. He turned to the crowd, and using a magical amplifier at his throat, boomed, “May I present Princess Primelle, third daughter of the king and queen of Mistvale Kingdom and the star guest of our ball on this fine evening. We welcome their daughter home!”
