“Welcome, Your Highness,” Gisele says, with far more enthusiasm than Vana expected. “I hope your journey proved uneventful.”
Vana bows politely. “Thankfully so, Your Grace. But please, I’m not a prince anymore.”
Gisele hobbles closer on her cane. “We haven’t figured out what you are yet, so you can stay a prince for now. Have to call you something, you know.” Gisele beams. “We’ll talk about all that tomorrow. I’ve put you up in a guest suite until we find a suitable house for you in the city.”
Bellamy moves to the duchess’s side, smiling sweetly. “There will be guards around at all times, in case you need anything.”
It’s clearly a threat, and Vana can’t blame him. Vana expects to be closely scrutinized on Tavoc. He would do no less in Tavoc and Silaise’s place. Per his last communication with Audric, Bellamy and Rakos will be on Tavoc for the next few months. They’re a formidable pair of watchdogs with their particular magical talents and Rakos’s dragon.
“I’m grateful for the hospitality,” is all Vana answers.
Threats and glares aside, Prince Bellamy has clearly paved the way for this arrangement as his royal mother ordered. Gisele Tavorai’s cheerful attitude is proof of that.
“Right, you know young Bellamy and Captain Rakos!” Gisele says. “I’m sure we’ll have a grand time together. Do you read novels, Your Highness? I can pick out some of Bellamy’s favorite books from my library for you.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t, Your Grace,” Bellamy says, suddenly nervous. Rakos stifles a laugh beside him.
It’s all very congenial, but Vana is keenly aware that all the attention is onhimright now. Which isn’t the fault of Gisele, Bellamy, or Rakos. Daromir has fallen into his usual place, behind and to Vana’s right.
Time to begin as they mean to go on. Vana grabs Daromir’s arm and pulls him forward until they’re side by side. “Actually, Daromir has an interest in poetry.”
“Do you?” Just like that, Gisele’s brilliant smile turns on Daromir. “My poetry collection isn’t as extensive as my romance collection, but that isn’t saying much.”
“Vana exaggerates,” Daromir says. His restraint is impeccable; he isn’t glaring at Vana at all. “I’ve barely read any.”
“All the better,” Gisele exclaims. “We can start you off right, with proper Tavoc epics. But first, how about a tour of the place? Or would you both like to rest?”
Daromir may resent Vana’s endorsement of his poetic interests, but it served its purpose. Gisele is clearly now talking to both of them, not just Vana.
Two months ago, Vana was the one giving tours to Lady Naoko. Now he’s the stranger finding his feet in a foreign land. But already Tavoc seems far more welcoming than Draskora, and Vana is clear about his purpose. He’s trading his own power for safety—for himself, his homeland, and most importantly, his love.
“A tour would be lovely,” Vana says.
“Excellent!” Gisele gestures with her cane. “Bellamy, be a dear and show His Highness and Daromir around. I’m too old and frail to be climbing all these stairs.”
She makes her farewells, then exits the throne room with far greater speed than she admits to.
When the duchess is gone, Bellamy sighs. “Sometimes I miss the days she thought I was an invalid.”
Rakos just looks between Vana and Daromir. “A lot’s happened since we last met, I take it.”
“You could say that,” Daromir says. “Any advice, as a fellow Draskoran exile?”
Rakos hooks his arm around Bellamy’s. “It’s a lot easier when you’re dating a local prince. Unfortunately for both of you, the Sandrys are all taken.”
“And Gisele doesn’t have children,” Bellamy says.
“You’ll be fine,” Rakos says, more seriously. “I’m glad you two got out. Draskora wasn’t good for you. Kidnapping me probably wasn’t even the biggest mess you got into, was it?”
Vana laughs, startling everyone. “It’s hard to say. Most of my plans didn’t lead to enemies of the state acquiringdragons.”
Rakos laughs too. “I bet you’re glad we have them now.” He moves forward like he’s about to pat Vana on the shoulder—then steps back at a glare from Daromir. “Don’t kidnap anyone, stick together, and you’ll both be fine.”
“I think we can manage that,” Vana says.
Bellamy claps his hands. “All right, advice hour with Rakos is over! Let’s tour the castle. Ground rules: no sudden moves, no magic, and we’ll all survive the tour.”
As they depart the audience chamber, Vana tugs Daromir’s sleeve and murmurs, “I have a task for you.”
