Instead, I turned toward dinner.
Zane flipped a dagger into the air, his attention fixated on the spinning blade. He caught it.
Then dropped it with a curse.
“Try catching the hilt next time,” I said.
He scooped it up, brushing his red hair from his eyes. “Princess. Good to see you.” His voice still held the edge of youth. One of the youngest riders, though his dragon Naneki wasn’t strong enough to carry him yet. He trained with the others, regardless.
“Has everyone arrived?” I asked, leaning past him for a better view.
The hall brimmed with nobles. Laughter and conversation filled the space. The scent of grilled fish curled through the air, sharp and salty.
His black leathers creaked as he leaned with me. “Aye. They’ve started without you.”
“They didn’t know I’d be coming.” My stomach turned. I could still back out. Try again tomorrow.
“Well,” he said, grinning, “you’ll make quite the entrance. The Kulls are already pestering the king.”
“Kulletti,” I corrected. I let theayeslide, but not that. They hated nicknames.
I ran my tongue across my split lip and stepped past him, head high.
The din faltered after six paces. Then someone spotted me—and silence dropped like a dead fly.
I kept my eyes on the dais. My father’s table. Smaller than Kallias’, stone-built and three steps raised. My mother dabbed her lips and rose. Father stood beside her, face a stoic mask, mouth hard.
Jehoikim, chief of the Kulletti, was the last to rise. My gaze met his and my stomach twisted. Beady black eyes raked over me. Feathers and shells hung from his braids, brushing the sash across his chest—bare skin beneath.
“Nienna, please join us,” my mother called, motioning to the chair beside her.
Ronan stood behind our parents, his face painted with concern.
I wanted to throw a fork at him.
Instead, I crossed the room. The hem of my gown split as I climbed the steps and took my place.
“It’s good of you to come,” my mother murmured as she sat.
I flicked a glance at Father. He stared down at the crowd, jaw tight, refusing to meet my eyes. He sank into his seat with heavy resolve, and the rest of the room followed.
A servant placed a bowl of crab soup in front of me. No piles of food. No spices dancing in the air. Just briny fish and salted kelp.
A reminder of what I ruined.
By my third bite, Jehoikim spoke.
“It appears Princess Nienna is without a husband.”
It took every ounce of training to cover my flinch. My mother’s hand trembled as she reached for salt. I sat back slowly and looked at my father, who tapped the table.
“She has returned,” he growled. The flush beneath his white beard darkened. His mouth curled with barely restrained fury.
“I assume you’ll be seeking another match,” Jehoikim pressed, dabbing his lips. His eyes latched onto mine.
“I will not,” Father said, leaning back. “You’re not known for your tact, Jehoikim. Choose your words carefully.”
“No offense meant.” The man laughed. “Alliances are valuable. We have the best ships in the sea. The brightest pearls. Endless crystal caves. A union between our nations would yield treasures beyond count.”
