“Pins and needles, but I think I can stand now,” she said.
I dropped my hands, cursing the treacherous thoughts that clouded my mind. One touch, and all my restraint vanished.
Greaves caught my eye, his expression hardening. He looked more disappointed in my lapse of judgment than in the Phares’ lack of courtesy.
Frustration simmered beneath my skin. I moved to the front of our group, my back stiff with tension. It wouldn’t take long to find someone who deserved my ire.
The massive doors creaked open, revealing a lavish entryway. A chandelier, larger than a wagon, hung overhead, its light scattering across the mirrors that dotted the walls. The grandness of the space made me feel smaller, more distant.
A pair of staff members followed the Phares into view. Both were draped in purple and gold, an elegance unmistakable on the woman, but Bac? The colors clashed against his bloated frame, making him appear even more vulgar. He had the audacity to roll his eyes at me, his smile condescending, while his wife pinched her non-existent lips, gaze narrowed on Nienna in a portrait of disdain.
They approached us and leaned forward a breath—their cheap imitation of a bow.
“King Kallias–” Bac began.
I silenced him with a glare. “A missive was sent a fortnight ago, informing you of our arrival.”
“Well, yes–”
“I did not give you leave to speak.” The courtyard stilled. Not even a bird dared to chirp. I lifted my chin, raising my voice. “You received the message. You knew of our visit. Yet you offer no welcome, no greeting for your king. You insult Radaan with your negligence.”
I extended my arm, and without hesitation, Nienna’s delicate hand settled against my elbow. She followed my lead with little effort.
“You’ve been honored to host Princess Nienna of Draconia,” I said. “The Dragon’s Heart. Your offense to her is unforgivable.”
Bac’s face drained of color with each word, while his wife flushed a deep crimson. Her eyes stretched wide, threatening to burst from their sockets, her outrage contorting her features. Despite being no older than her husband, she looked like an ancient crone cloaked in jewels and painted in thick cosmetics. In contrast, his bloated frame gave him a semblance of youth.
“You may pay obeisance.”
The command was flat, unyielding. Not a question. Not a suggestion. An order.
Bac hesitated, glancing at his wife for reassurance.
“Now.” My voice dropped to a growl, impatience breaking through my icy calm. I was King of Radaan, not her—he needed his affirmation from me.
He crumpled into a bow, bending as low as his girth allowed. His wife followed with a shallow curtsy, her eyes flicking up at Nienna with barely contained malice. The fury in her gaze made my pulse race, blood pounding in my ears.
“Your king is satisfied,” I said as they began to rise. “But the offense to Draconia still stands.” They hesitated, sinking lower. “Ask her forgiveness. And mercy.”
Was this too much for Nienna? Too sudden? She was only a princess, after all. Had she been taught how to respond when a noble was out of line?
Her hand remained steady on my arm, a quiet strength that reassured me more than any words could.
“We meant no ill will, Your Highness.” Bac’s voice was muffled from his bowed position, his cheeks now a curious shade of scarlet.
Still, his slight made me seethe. “I did not ask what youmeant.”
“Forgive us, Your Highness.” Takal’s high-pitched, nasally tone quivered as she faced the ground, her limbs shaking with the effort of holding the curtsy.
She wasn’t accustomed to submitting to authority.
“Draconia is a land ruled by Dragon King Nereus.” Nienna slipped her hand from my arm, approaching the couple with power in her stature.
Either she concealed her numbness well, or she recovered faster than most.
“Were you to disrespect the royal family there,” she halted before Takal, bending low to meet her gaze, “you would be eaten by a dragon.”
A surge of pride swelled within, but I fought to keep my expression neutral. I was the king. I was impassive. She was just a princess—but gods, she acted like a queen.
