Nathaniel smirked. “Oh, she won’t. Filly still goes out every morning and afternoon, usually with my grandmother on the other end of his leash.”
I laughed. “I think I like your grandmother.”
“I do as well. It’s always wonderful when we can get along with our relatives.” He took another sip of champagne and eyed me over the rim, his brown eyes glazed even more. “Speaking of which, I couldn’t help but notice that you haven’t spoken to your sisters the entire night.”
My smile froze, and I hastily took another sip of my beverage. “Is it that obvious?”
“To most, probably not, but since I’ve glued myself to you, it’s impossible not to notice.”
I cleared my throat. “Things are rather . . . complicated between us.”
“Is that so?” Nathaniel lifted his chin, scanning the room. “Should we go and find them? Perhaps to say hello and try to uncomplicate things?”
“No, no need to. I appreciate your offer, but I have a feeling that’s a battle I need to fight on my own.”
“A battle?” He waggled his eyebrows. “How delightful. May I be in attendance when this battle ensues? I so love drama.”
I laughed. “I have no doubt you do.”
He sighed. “Well, if I can’t witness the battle, then may I invite you outside? The maze at these parties is always enjoyable, especially if it’s been recently reworked.”
My smile wobbled. I still had so many fae to meet, and I hadn’t yet met my aunt, uncles, or cousins. Besides, I reminded myself that tonight was about winning over the fae of my kingdom. It wasn’t simply a party for me to dance, drink, and enjoy myself at, exciting mazes or not.
“Oh, come on.” Nathaniel smirked, his aura playful. “I can see you waffling, but it’ll be fun. And I promise afterward to relinquish you to your royal duties.”
A low sound came from Kole at my back, and I didn’t know if it was from Nathaniel’s continual flirting or if being outside would make his job harder.
I wanted to seek his counsel, but I also knew that would be strange. Royal princesses didn’t turn to their Imperial Warriors for guidance, at least, not in public.Or did they?Truthfully, I had no idea. This entire role was still too new to me.
I gave Kole a small smile, but his attention stayed focused on Nathaniel. His blue eyes blazed, his face a mask of stone, and as he’d been most of the night, the warrior’s aura ran high.
I wanted to lay my hand on his arm and tell him to drag me away, but such wasn’t my life now. I had to face the reality that I was a princess, and things were expected of me.
Sighing, I finally replied, “I suppose one jaunt through the maze can’t hurt, but then I really should return to the ball and find my parents. I still need to meet some family members.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Outside the three moons shone brightly over the palace’s vast lawn, and a warm breeze caressed my cheeks. The warded area didn’t allow the late autumn chill to sneak in, so my short-sleeved gown suited the temperature just fine.
Similar to inside the ballroom, the outdoor lawn was extravagantly decorated. Lanterns lit the night, vibrant gardens filled the space, fountains sprayed brightly colored water, artfully displayed flower petals littered each walkway, and the music from inside the ballroom carried faintly through the air.
Ahead, the maze waited. Walls of hedges lined its perimeter, and it had to span half the lawn’s length. Laughter rang from above the foliage as well as excited squeals. It was obvious dozens of fae were enjoying themselves as they tried to escape.
Nathaniel clasped my hand and tugged me toward it, but at my back, Kole bit out, “No touching.”
Nathaniel didn’t let go, and I could feel Kole about to intervene, so I planted my heels at the maze’s entrance, the spikes sinking slightly into the soil, and withdrew my hand.
The second I stepped away, Nathaniel frowned, but he quickly covered it up with a grin. “Looks fun, doesn’t it?”
I gazed upward at the twenty-foot-tall hedges and the maze’s single opening, a narrowly cut entrance through the branches. The hedges were dense, covered in late-blooming flowers and thicker than an arm’s length. One wouldn’t be able to see through them, nor push through them.
“Have you ever been in one of these before?” Nathaniel asked.
I bit my lower lip, tugging on it. “I haven’t. Does it usually take a long time to figure out?”
He shrugged, and his gaze dipped to my mouth. “It depends how complex the maze builders made it. Sometimes it’s fairly easy, other times, fae have been stuck in here for hours.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Hours?”
