“Good evening, Serah,” he murmurs, lowering his face near mine.
My cheeks instantly begin their infernal burning. “Good evening, Soren.”
His eyes sharpen with pleasure, and gripping my hand in his, he turns to face the princess. “Princess Rosa, allow me to introduce my betrothed, Princess Serah Celandina of Vasna.”
“My new sister,” Tilly blurts with pride.
Princess Rosa pastes on a smile. “I’m honored, Princess Serah. When I heard of your engagement, I knew I simply had to meet you.”
I incline my head in acknowledgement. “We’re honored you’ve come so far to celebrate our union.”
“Oh,” she titters, “it’s no trouble. I’ve been coming here since I was a girl. Didn’t you tell her, Soren?”
Since she was a girl?
Soren yawns into his fist. “No.”
Tilly bounces over to loop her arm in the princess’s. “Rosa comes every other winter, and now that I’m sixteen, I’ve started visiting Ilanthren. We’re ambassadors!”
The two exchange smiles, though only one strikes me as genuine.
“I apologize that we weren’t able to greet you at the palace,” I say.
Princess Rosa waves this off. “I’ve seen my fair share of dragons. There’s no need to fuss over me.”
Says the woman with half a dozen attendants.
“Are you ready to retire, Princess Serah?” Soren asks.
Under normal circumstances, I’d feel the need to soften such brusqueness.
But not today.
“I am, thank you.” To Princess Rosa, I say, “It was a pleasure to meet you. I’ll be sure to inquire after your accommodations and ensure they’re comfortable.”
She glances behind me. “It appears half the palace is already here.”
“It’s only temporary.”
She claps her hands together. “I know! Tilly, we should camp out, too. Let’s you and I share a tent.”
The throng of attendants stares in open-mouthed horror.
“I’m afraid that isn’t an option,” Soren says, his voice flat. “My servants are already stretched thin, and you aren’t accustomed to our summer heat.”
“Oh, but—”
“Tilly will ensure your comfort. Princess Serah needs to rest.”
With a nod in her direction, he turns us around and begins walking us back toward the tents.
“I missed you today,” he says, and then, as if he can’t contain himself, “Did you enjoy the sorbets I sent?”
I answer him, though I can’t be sure what I say. My mind is spinning, and the space behind my eyes is burning. He goes on speaking, and I ask about his fights and his opponents while waging a silent battle within.
By the time we reach the tent, the air is already cooling. The lanterns inside are lit, and Soren unfastens the ties holding the front flap, leaving us alone within.
“Would you like me to call for a bath to be brought?” he asks, turning to face me. Whatever he sees makes his brows knit together with concern. “Princess?”
