I spun, the fabric catching the firelight, feeling both capable and feminine. The luxurious gown felt like armor, a different kind of strength, one that enchanted and empowered me.
Perfect for seducing a certain Valahant.
I turned at the jangle of metal and watched Sainte belt on his sword. His ease and familiarity chipped away at any insecurity I had.
He looked up and caught my gaze, taking a deep breath as if preparing for battle. I crossed the room and placed my warm hand on his cheek. His careful blue eyes watched me, and he swallowed hard.
“You look quite dashing.”
That was the truth. The formal attire made his irises stand out against his tan skin.
He ran his fingers through his hair and cleared his throat. “That’s not my intent.”
“No?” I murmured, my thumb brushing toward his lips, my eyes trailing down his face.
“I’m naught but an accent to your beauty. A shadow to your flame.”
His heating gaze met mine, and my smile grew.
“A modern poet, you are!” I whispered, stepping closer to close the small gap between our bodies.
He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding me. My heart twisted with rejection, though I laughed at the same time. He was attracted to me. I knew it. His lingering glances, how he held me in bed, tightly yet always rolling away in the night. I hadn’t misjudged him. I felt it in my bones… but he was a man of principle, and for some reason, I was off limits.
A smile tugged on my lip, unbothered, as I made my way to the corridor where he waited. He offered his arm, and I took a slow breath before leaving the relative safety of my rooms.
It didn’t take long before the evening descended into chaos.
We sat at an elongated table on a raised platform at the back of the room, positioned for all eyes to fixate on us. The space below was a medley of tables, a diverse gathering representing regions near and far, engaged in quiet conversations while stealing glances at our elevated setting.
The regent, exploiting my birthright, dragged me and myguestto the head of the table. Lyana, with her gaze downcast, avoided my brother and Grimm, who loomed a few paces away, Sainte beside him.
Before the first course arrived, Adastrus leaned in close, his breath hot in my ear. “I hear you’ve taken pity on the priests.”
My teeth ground together. Not now. I would have his head—but not yet.
“Someone should look after them,” I said, giving hima pointed leer.
He raised a brow, smirking as he swept back his hair with a lazy hand. “That’s the gods’ responsibility, wouldn’t you agree?”
“And whom did the divine entrust with leadership?” I snipped, lip curing with disgust.
“Me?” He feigned innocence, placing a palm over his heart in an air of melodramatics.
“Clearly, you haven't garnered their favor thus far.” I flashed a menacing smile. “I trust the gods will choose who will best care for their people… priests included.”
“Ah, such cunning! You’ve come so far from the little rat you once were.”
My glare sharpened. “I had a remarkable teacher.”
“I’ve done my best, but I suspect you will still fall short of the gods’ expectations.” He snickered a haughty laugh as servants approached with the wine.
Among the spectators, my attention lingered on a woman at a nearby table. Her attire was unsuitable for our climate, a thin dress that hinted at her origins from warmer lands. What truly caught my eye were her ears—elongated and elegantly curled, unlike any I encountered before. Her presence emphasized my limited knowledge of the realms beyond, a reminder of the gaps in my understanding.
Adastrus smiled around his wineglass. “I believe your friend would say I’ve taught her a few things as–”
With a swift motion, I snatched my knife from the table and drove it down, the tip landing far too close to his hand. Grimm shifted, a silent reminder of his watchful presence.
“Careful,brother,” I hissed, “I might just forego subtlety and opt for a more direct approach.”
