“It is to be expected. A match between us would strengthen the human realm.” Soren raised his hand to my lips, kissing it. “You can’t fault him for his interest.”
I pulled it free too quickly.
“We could announce it tonight.” He guided me toward the center of the room until all eyes were upon us. “You are certainly dressed for the occasion.”
He ensured I was dressed for the occasion. “I haven’t?—”
“What could you possibly be waiting for, Ashlyn?” Soren scoffed.
“It is sudden and we?—”
“Lord Fyn,” Soren called him toward us when he finally entered the ballroom. “Princess Ashlyn shines brightly tonight, does she not?”
“As bright as starlight,” Fyn said.
“What an unusual saying.” Soren studied Fyn. “It isstrange to think about. Imagine if you could see starlight up close.”
“Wouldn’t it be grand?” Fyn adjusted the collar of his tunic jacket. “To see the way it would glitter, Princess Ashlyn?”
“It would be spectacular.” My throat tightened too quickly.
“I bet it would gleam like your eyes are right now.” Soren peered into them.
It was just the chandelier. It had to have been.
He couldn’t have known.
“My people believe the stars grant certain fae magic,” Fyn said.
“But you have been granted none. Or so I’ve been told.” Soren pushed his sleeves back.
“None for me.” Fyn’s gaze held mine for a heartbeat.
“Such a pity that must be, but you were only granted access to our realm because the fae have assured me you have none,” Soren said. “So at least your lack allows you to travel.”
“Estlen has no desire to see magic?” There wasn’t shock in Fyn’s tone.
“We believe it is a source of evil. We will never allow anything of the kind within our borders.” Soren had never mentioned it. No one had shared their thoughts on magic with me at all since I arrived.
My heart thrummed faster. I wasn’t a fool. I knew what Fyn was doing—what he wanted me to see.
“Luckily, Fyn is just as boring as the rest of us.” The words barely pushed past my teeth before the sensation struck me hard until I flinched. “Something has been draining me all day.”
“Perhaps you’re hungry.” Soren lifted my hand in hisagain and pulled me closer to the table.
“I am hungry.” Every word would have to be carefully selected so that I wouldn’t make the starlight flare again.
Fyn only nodded as we turned.
CHAPTER THIRTY
FYN
Human wine was almost as bad as their food.
Weak and tasteless.
It would probably take me at least eight glasses to feel the edge lifted. But if I was wrong with that guess, then the entire court would have a show that rivaled Ashlyn’s.
