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The king’s comment siphoned to me on a magical breeze meant for my ears and my ears only. “It seems as though we have more to celebrate than just your victory, Ilara Seary, daughter of Mervalee Territory. Or should I call youmateto the crown prince?”
* * *
I tried notto let the king’s comment derail me as Daiseeum dressed me for my last date of the Trial. But all day I’d been picking at my nails and biting my lip. It was impossible not to heed the king’s statement that had been subtly laced in a threat filled with deadly promise.
This was a male, after all, who had ordered the execution of dozens of Solis fae simply for voicing their concerns and causing unrest.
I hadn’t told anyone about what the king had whispered to me. Not even Norivun. I couldn’t. The mating instincts flaring from the prince every time someone threatened me would no doubt end in bloodshed with his own father if the crown prince knew of the king’s veiled threat.
And while Nuwin would probably be understanding of my worry, I couldn’t drag him into this mess. I still didn’t know if he was aware of his brother’s secret agenda.
The one fairy I wanted to confide in above all others, my sister, was nowhere to be found. After the king had witnessed my and Norivun’s mate bond, Cailis had fled with her guard. Knowing her, she was seeking more exit points in case a crisis unfolded, and the king demanded my head.
So I’d tried to distract myself by visiting another field following the first test. I was already on my tenth large field in Isalee, and the crops were slowly coming back to life. Following that, I’d spent the remainder of the day training with Matron Olsander. My magic had grown so immense that even my intense mistphasing that morning hadn’t depleted it.
Matron Olsander had gone easy on me, though. A first. But she’d been so proud of me that even her iron-willed heart had softened and allowed me a moment to relax and enjoy my victory. It was the only time today that I’d actually smiled in earnest following the king’s comment.
“This color looks lovely on you,” Daiseeum said, drawing my attention back to the present.
My lady’s servant stood just behind me, her magic brimming as she made me look more beautiful than I ought to. Jewels hung from my neck and dripped from my ears as she buttoned a deep-blue gown up my back. “And I have to say that was quite the kiss you shared with the crown prince earlier today.”
The warm memory of my trainer’s approval doused when I beheld Daiseeum’s barely suppressed smile in the mirror.
“Oh? Was it...” I raised a hand self-consciously to my neck. Cool metal from the jewelry met my fingertips. “Was it easy to see our kiss from the castle?”
Daiseeum lowered her head as her fingers continued moving deftly from button to button. “One didn’t need to see it, my lady. One couldfeelit.”
Oh Blessed Mother. I’d known as much, but hearing it confirmed only made my stomach drop even more.
“We were caught up in the moment,” I said, a tad defensively.
“Is that what you call it?” She resumed her primping, smoothing the voluptuous tulle down my legs before draping the silky azure material over top. Beads and lace had been sewn into the top layer, adding texture and sparkle to the gown. “I suppose the prince won’t take kindly to your date with Lord Michas Crimsonale tonight?”
She helped me slip into dancing slippers and then straightened before giving me a wink.
I forced myself to respond lightly. “We are all required to court one another. I’m sure the prince will be fine with it.”
Her cheeks lifted in a knowing smile. “Something tells me he won’t be.”
“Goodness, Daiseeum. You might as well just come out and say what you really think—” A knock on my door stopped my outburst.
Sandus poked his head in. “All ready, love? You’ve been summoned.”
My nostrils flared at Daiseeum. At least she had the decency to look contrite.
“Enjoy the evening, my lady.” She bobbed a curtsy.
Calming, I replied, “Thank you. You as well.” I squeezed her hand, just so she would know I wasn’t angry at her. I enjoyed the camaraderie that had bloomed between us. I truly did, but sometimes, the lady’s servant enjoyed riling me. And today, I was too on edge to handle it.
Of course, I couldn’t actually fault her teasing. Daiseeum was only speaking out loud what everyone else was thinking. The true fault fell on me and the prince for not being able to control our reactions to one another. And now, it seemed the entire capital was aware of the magnetic attraction between me and Prince Norivun.
Sighing, I gathered my skirt and followed Sandus down the hall.
The guard cocked an eyebrow at me. “Everything all right, love? For someone who just showed the entire capital how powerful she is, you’re looking quite glum.”
I forced a smile. “Really? Oh no, I’m just tired.”
“Is that the ruse we’re going with?”
