While our food differed from hers, she had never struggled to eat it before. I scanned the room, searching for whatever had unsettled her.
“Let’s hope Tsunami finds something else to do,” I replied to Fallione, trying to wrestle my brain in two directions.
Greaves shifted behind me, sensing my unease, and I bit into a carrot, willing my body to loosen. If he noticed my search, she would too.
“Offer her a sacrifice,” Nienna interjected, always keeping an ear open for me. “Ronan’s been blocking her from the cattle.”
Her brother leaned forward, swallowing before he spoke. “Give her a cow and she’ll gorge herself, grounded for the day. You won’t have to worry about her.”
“I would sacrifice an ox to keep her grounded.” The dragon was a nuisance. Far too impulsive and wild for my taste. If Gyrak managed to lure her back to Draconia once this ended, I would sleep better for it.
The evening passed without incident, nobles drifting closer to share their excitement for the wedding. Guarded stares still lingered, old glares remained, but we slipped into our familiar routines with ease.
Nienna handled them with tact and care, prepared for every question, armed with a response for each comment.
When we retired, she’d barely eaten. A frown tugged at me as I debated escorting her back to our rooms.
“Take me to the roof?” The request came hushed, meant only for me.
I pivoted at once, guiding her toward the small kitchen. She asked for Dragon Tea, and I smothered a smile when the cook already had it prepared.
Greaves intercepted the mug before she could reach it, and she swallowed her irritation as he examined the translucent liquid with a grimace.
“Unless you prefer Elysia to accompany you, Greaves will sample your drink.” I lifted my cider, shaking my head.
The cook pressed his lips together, his outrage carefully contained. It was offensive, perhaps, but necessary. Especially in Radaan’s current political climate.
The guard took a small sip. As he pulled the mug away, he flinched, jaw tightening against the taste. I lifted a brow as he handed the tea to my wife. With as much restraint as he possessed, he seized my cup and drained half the cider.
Nienna laughed as we moved down the corridor. “It isnotthat horrible!”
“To you,” he muttered, shaking his head.
“Not all of us wish to drink the sea.” I chuckled, climbing the stairs to the balcony.
She huffed, pausing for a sip. A pleased hum followed before she continued behind me. “It’s good for you.”
Greaves grunted at that. “Salt belongs on food. Not in drinks.”
“Agreed.” I held the door as he swept the balcony.
After a moment, he declared it safe and retreated into the palace, leaving us alone.
Stars spilled across the sky, and warm cinnamon lingered on my tongue. No dragons tonight. Only silence and starlight.
“The heirs’ parents and guardians arrive tomorrow?” Nienna asked.
“Most of them. Those farther out will follow, but everyone should be present for the wedding.”
The corner of her mouth curved upward. “Our wedding.”
“Did you expect to marry another?”
“Only you.” She laughed, lifting her mug. “It’s exciting, but…”
“The ceremonies?” I leaned against the wall, studying her face. “There’s more pressure on my performance than any expectation placed on you.”
“Kallias.” She scoffed, eyelids lowering in amusement despite her smile. “I fear what comes after.”
