Heat rose to my cheeks. Even if I wanted to look away, I couldn’t.
Lord Thalen dipped into a deep, practiced bow before my father.
“Your majesty, it is an honor to stand before you.” Thalen sounded regal as he spoke with an unfamiliar, melodic accent. My fingers twitched as I finally diverted my eyes from his.
I had been staring far too long.
“Welcome to Bailoc, Lord Thalen.” My father’s words commanded the attention of the court. “We have much to discuss.”
“I look forward to our discussion.” Lord Thalen’s eyes settled on mine again. “I have brought a gift for the princess.”
My father nodded.
A velvet pouch hung from Thalen’s belt. He reached into it and carefully uncovered a pale pink rose dipped in gold—stilled for all time. The once velvety petals were cold against my palm. Lord Thalen’s fingers trailed over mine as he released it. Its unnatural beauty glimmered.
The rose slipped from my grasp, but Lord Thalen caught it. He pressed my trembling fingers around the rough petals. A thin smile spread over his lips. My father smirked.
“Thank you, my lord, it is…extraordinary.” I forced a smile.
His stare lingered, taking in every detail.
“It is true—you rival the rose,” Lord Thalen said.
My father’s eyes softened.
“We will celebrate your arrival with a feast tonight. Come, we have much to discuss before we dine.” My father’s crown beamed in light as he rose. They walked side by side.
The room spun. I gasped for air, stumbling backwards.
“Aelira?” I wasn’t sure how long Ashlyn had been standing there.
“Let’s take a walk.” My eyes searched for Milana in the crowded room, desperate for her to loosen the corset—it dug into me further with every breath I drew. As we slipped past joyful smiles and greetings, a sharp pain ran through my lungs.
“I just…need a minute.” I gripped Ashlyn's arm tighter; the embroidered fabric of her sleeve left an impression in my skin. She flinched. “And someone…to rip this corset…off of me.” Panic surged through me. I couldn’t breathe.
“My lady, you are extremely pale.” Milana stepped behind me, her words quaking with concern. I knew she couldn’t have wandered far from me.
“The corset…it’s too...tight.” My words tethered to my throat as I gasped for air.
“Oh, my goodness.” Reina slid to block me from the crowd as Milana began loosening the corset. My chest constricted. Each breath was a struggle as I tugged desperately at my bodice. Even as the ribbons loosened, it wasn’t enough.
“Let’s go somewhere else. The court is starting to take notice.” Ashlyn pulled me toward the arched doors that led back to the palace corridors.
I nodded.
“We have time before the feast if you wish to take a break, Your Highness.” Milana trailed behind us.
Ashlyn firmed her grip on my back, steadying me as we ascended the stairs toward my chambers. I backed myself into the stone wall, clutching my chest.
“I’ve got you,” she whispered.
“Perhaps you should send for a physician.” A flicker of concern danced across Reina’s face.
“I’ll be fine.” I didn’t know what to think, how to feel—I was raw.
“You can't let him see you like this. It won’t bode well.” Reina shook her head. Her perfectly coifed hair didn’t move.
My breath steadied, but my chest squeezed with each breath I took. “I’m just overwhelmed. I didn’t expect?—”
