Kestrel falls quiet for a moment, watching the two of us embrace and compliment each other. Then she downs the rest of her drink—as if searching for courage in the bottom of the glass—and clears her throat. “I made something for you.”
I'm momentarily stunned as she picks up a small box I didn't notice her bring in, opening it to reveal a beautiful, ornate eye patch that perfectly coordinates with my gown.
I remember the promise Reave made—that I could cover up whatever I wanted to—but he'd mentioned the palace clothiers taking care of it. I would never have expected his sister to go through the trouble of making it. Did he command her to do it? Or did Briar actually win Kestrel over for me, as she was determined to do?
Or did something else motivate her?
“It’s…perfect.” As I pick it up, my gaze sweeps to the delicate golden scales she wears, and I can’t help wondering, again, what scars she might be covering up herself.
“It would have been better if I'd had more time to work on it,” she says. “Now hold still.” She helps me slide it on, adjusting the fit until it sits comfortably, then ushers us all out of the room.
We're a formidable trio, making our way through the halls in a rustle of silk and shimmer, heels sharp against the floors, guards trailing behind us.
Some of the higher-ranking guests have been granted access to the palace interior; Kestrel greets them with practiced grace and poise. Briar enthusiastically follows her lead, tossing more than a few flirtatious glances at some of thebetter-looking nobles. I keep my head held high and offer polite nods to anyone I happen to make eye contact with, trying not to let my nerves show.
We seem to be collecting more guards as we progress, prompting me to catch up to Kestrel and quietly ask, “Is Gareth going to be joining our guard tonight?”
She keeps her expression carefully neutral. “Commander Gareth is otherwise engaged.”
Briar and I exchange a quiet look.
Three days he's been missing now. And between Sesca’s warnings about him, and Reave's anger over the bruises he left, I don't know what to make of it.
I won't exactlymissour grueling training sessions if I never see him again, but he was also a source of occasional useful information—someone outside of the royal family willing to answer at least some of my questions. His absence feels like another variable I'll have to navigate in this ever-twisting palace.
We make our way outside, eventually stopping at a heavily-guarded area at the top of the steps that lead down to the Grand Pavilion. Looking down at it all, my heart pounds more fiercely than it ever did during even the most harrowing runs I made through the Ashlands.
Even though I've seen so many parts of this night coming together, seeing it all at once, with so much noise and so many people and a setting sun painting everything in a fiery light, it’s…
Gods, I don’t know.
Why did I ever agree to this?
Briar is led away from us by an attendant, leaving the princess and me alone at the top of the stairs.
“Reave intends for the two of you to enter together. Heshould be here shortly.” Under her breath, she adds, “He's always dragging his feet when it comes to these events.”
I breathe in and out slowly, trying to calm my racing heart.
“You'll be fine,” says Kestrel, and in her cool, regal voice it somehow sounds like both a reassurance and a command.
I nod, keeping my chin lifted, my shoulders back.
I feel her gaze slide toward me after a moment, studying my appearance one last time. Her hand reaches for the patch she made, adjusting it slightly. Her touch is surprisingly gentle.
“I've rarely seen my brother yield to anyone. About anything. And certainly not as quickly as he has to you.” Her fingers shake the tiniest bit.
She steadies them in an instant, but I don't miss the hint of vulnerability.
“I just hope you wield that power carefully,” she says, eyes flicking up to mine just as she's announced to the waiting crowd below.
Before I can reply, she's already starting toward that crowd with a smile plastered on her face, leaving me to wait for the king without her.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Idon't have to wait long.
Kestrel has only just disappeared into the crowd below when I hear the guards around me shuffling into a different formation, then straightening to attention. Looking toward the palace, I see the king making his way toward us.
