“Why’s that?”
“Because unlike some of the other gods in our realm, they disappeared from our lives centuries ago, although, some say the God of Night walked this land briefly, but it was so many millennia ago that it’s never been proven.”
I pointed at the paragraph that spoke of the dark creatures. “And what do you make of this information?”
He read it again. “Honestly? I’m not entirely sure. This particular lore isn’t one I’m familiar with, but I could make a few inquiries if you’d like to gather more information. One of my colleagues in Ironcrest is likely more knowledgeable about these particular gods.”
I grinned. “Would you? That would be so very helpful.”
He laughed. “Consider it done, because when you look at me like that, I couldn’t refuse you anything you asked.”
My cheeks warmed, and at the wall, Kole’s aura began to pound. Deciding not to press my luck, I stood. “Thank you, Nathaniel. We won’t take up any more of your time, and I would hate to get you in trouble with your grandmother by my being here, so we’ll be off.”
Nathaniel waved his hand. “Don’t worry about her. She liked you initially, and I have no doubt in a few centuries that she’ll return to that opinion.”
Ree’s eyebrows shot up.
I groaned. “A fewcenturies?”
Nathaniel shrugged. “My grandmother’s not one to change her mind quickly, but again, she liked you initially, and I’ll work to remind her of that.”
I thanked him again since I needed all of the help I could get. Tomorrow was the king’s council meeting, which his grandmother would be attending, and after that, it was Koraline’s betrothal ball.
I wouldn’t be able to visit any of the libraries tomorrow since I had to attend both events.
Nathaniel walked with us back to the front door and promised to let me know as soon as he had more information, so we left his house and headed back toward the central districts. Since evening was nearing, and I had to wake up early for the council meeting in the morning, we decided to call it a day.
After picking up Siam from Gwenery and visiting with her and Timith for a few minutes, we mistphased Ree and her son back to their home, then Kole and I returned to the palace.
“Would you like me to send a dillemsill to Master Fistideeous?” Kole offered.
We’d returned to my wing, and Betsee was already there, setting out my gown for the morning and asking me what jewelry I wanted to wear.
I nodded, and it took everything in me not to clasp his hands, but Betsee was just across the room and easily able to see all of our interactions. “Would you please? I have a feeling the next few days are going to be busy.”
“Of course.” Kole’s eyes gleamed. “It’s my pleasure to serve you, Princess.”
And once again, that strangethingfluttered in my chest anew.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The next morning, nerves tumbled in my stomach as Betsee fussed around me. I was wearing the beautiful gown Betsee had picked out for me the night prior. It wasn’t as extravagant as what I’d worn to my introductory ball, nor as resplendent as what we’d picked out for me to wear at Koraline’s betrothal ball later that night, but it was still made from satiny material, bedecked with a few encrusted jewels, and the bodice was tight enough that it wasn’t entirely comfortable to breathe in. Regardless, with any luck, it would make a good impression on the king’s council.
“There we go, Your Highness.” Betsee smiled, her happiness evident in the mirror’s reflection.
My shoulders loosened when I didn’t detect any fear in the lady attendant’s aura. In the previous two weeks, she’d finally seemed to believe what Kole had stated. That she didn’t need to be afraid of me despite my immense magic.
I only hoped the ten House leaders would feel the same after today’s meeting.
“You’ve done a marvelous job as always, Betsee. Thank you.”
She dipped into a curtsy, and I pushed back from the vanity.
“You shall charm all of them at the meeting. I have no doubt.” Betsee beamed and fluffed the satiny skirt around me in my standing position. “There. You’re perfect.”
Kole stood in my bedchambers’ corner. He’d become such a permanent fixture that I’d come to anticipate always seeing him there.
My attention sought his, and even though his expression was devoid of emotion, his aura still rolled to me in hot waves. Even standing there, steady and solid, I couldfeelthe intense attraction that sizzled between us. I knew he cared for me. Perhaps even loved me despite not fully voicing it yet. However, curiously, he still wouldn’t bed me.
