King Kallias’ grip felt cool and constant—firm without crushing—as he inclined his head, guiding me up the stairs.
“Dine with me.” His words, pitched just above a murmur, sent a ripple of relief through the nobles, followed by whispers of approval rustling through the hall.
Though the tension eased, a fresh wave of shame twisted in my chest as I gathered my dress to ascend the steps. I had made no mistake. No, this error belonged to Radaan’s court—but I would be the one bearing the brunt of palace gossip.
The princess, shunned by her betrothed, fetched by his father.
Dinner was only the beginning of my problems.
Chapter Three
Nienna
“Please remain still, Your Highness.” Edith’s voice held calm patience as she wove my long blonde tresses into an intricate braid, the sunlight casting a warm glow over us.
I closed my eyes, drawing in a slow breath to settle my racing thoughts. Last night, I managed to evade most conversation, and King Kallias, for his part, seemed all too eager to ignore me. The nobleman beside me, however, had been a fountain of knowledge, a relentless source of information, regaling me with far more than I ever imagined about the mountain goats of the northern region.
Goats.
I squashed the irritation that bubbled up at the thought of the evening’s bizarre discussion. Goats were important to Claydon’sol—it was vital to remember what each noble valued. If ever the topic turned to the uses or breeding of mountain goats, I knew exactly who to call upon. He would be more than happy to lecture anyone within earshot for hours on end.
“You’re certain he’s here?” I asked, doubt threading my words. I had reason to question Scythe’s information.
“Aye.”
Edith stiffened, her head snapping toward Scythe with a sharp glare.
“Err, yes, Your Highness.” Scythe offered her an apologetic smile, then turned back to me with a genuine grin. “I overheard it in the kitchens while fetching your morning tea. Prince Tallon arrived last night. Caused quite a stir, or so the staff says.”
“Gossipmongers,” Edithmuttered under her breath.
“And you’re sure he was just in his cups? Not injured?” I asked, ignoring the older maid’s exasperated sigh.
“I’d say there’d be a lot more commotion if he were. As it is, Rosalie mentioned he often gets lost in his spirits. Nothing to worry over.”
Yes, a drunkard for a betrothed. Nothing to worry over at all.
Teeth gritted, I studied the princess in the mirror. She sat tall and composed, her hair neat and combed. Her pale face was scrubbed clean, and sea-colored irises gleamed, sharp and watchful.
My father wouldn’t saddle me with a marriage to a drunken sot. I feared a husband who overindulged in wine far more than one who might be mortally wounded. To be fair, if he were injured, perhaps I’d find it easier to forgive his absence at my receiving.
“I’m sure you are eager to see him tonight,” Scythe added. She paused, her fingers stilling as she laced my boot, a distant smile tugging at her lips. “You’ll finally meet the man you’re promised to.”
“Scythe. Boots!” Edith hissed.
The young maid snapped to attention, resuming her task. Edith’s sharp gaze caught mine in the mirror as if she understood my pain.
“I hope he won’t wait until tonight to see me.” I forced a chuckle, the sound hollow. The notion of him missing my arrival, only to delay our meeting until the ball, felt absurd.
Surely, he’d call for me before the evening’s festivities.
He did not, in fact, call for me before the ball.
I bounced between irritation and hurt. The sting of his public disregard twisted into something sharper—annoyance at the slight, but deeper still, an ache of rejection. I had accepted my role. As a princess, forming alliances was my birthright. Tallon, a prince, was bound to the same fate. His duty was clear—to forge connections with other kingdoms, securing his rule over Radaan.
The alliance between Draconia and his kingdom was vital. We needed each other. Food was scarce. Our grain supply was unreliable, and though the waters offered fish, it could not sustain us forever. And the dragons required a tithe, one that increased with each passing year.
Radaan needed the protection our dragons provided—their ability to mobilize over sea and mountain, their firestorms capable of razing entire armies. Kallias and Tallon needed respite from the endless war, a decisive move to secure their fragile peace.
