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“Some would even say a seducer of the mind,” John deadpanned while tapping his temple.
Having not expected that, Emric looked to me, eyes wide, and me to him.
And that was how the ballroom found us, standing at the door sharing a joke, from John of all damned people. The last person I thought to be cracking a joke at such a monumental moment. We were at a ball in Dra Skor, esteemed guests of honor at a ball, no less.
“Ready to mingle?” Emric whispered as the room seemed to still to check us over. They were whispering and glancing at us, but we were far enough away to speak freely.
I noted the queen sitting on a massive throne in the corner. It looked ungodly uncomfortable. And I noted immediately she was wearing no cape, just her crown. “A behaviorally appropriate mingle, yes.”
“No sheet mingles,” Emric added quietly.
John snorted from behind us. Just as I moved to head for Kian, he grabbed my arm.
“Yes, oh great Mind Seducer?”
His lips twitched. “Do try to stay away from a certain former betrothed.”
I wanted to roll my eyes and send smoke out my nostrils like the queen always did. “I will do my best. I don’t know what his issue is with me anyway.”
John quirked one eyebrow. “Young, attractive, powerful prince comes into his country and strikes a friendship with his former betrothed. What do you think his problem is?”
“A small—” I intentionally paused, “ego?” I grinned as he couldn’t help but laugh. “John, I know what hangs in the balance. You can trust me.”
He gave me a nod. “That was of no doubt, My Prince.”
I walked for Kian and Savanna in the corner of the room, with quite the crowd already. I would wait if I needed to, but it was great to see them both again. They looked even larger in a ballroom and not the sea. Beasts like these, all three of the dragons, were not meant to be caged in ballrooms.
I looked out the tall doors along one side of the room which reminded me a little of Wylan’s throne room. Those doors were only slightly open now, letting a cool breeze in. But those doors were designed as part of this room so that the shifters could get in and out quickly. As was the domed portion of the ceiling, which looked like windows that could open up. It was spaced away from all the chandeliers, furthering my suspicion they were for the shifters.
I smirked, wishing I could see it all. I imagined Malachi flying in from above and landing in his human form, tossing out a smart-ass remark as he did it. Would he be naked when he shifted? Or did they keep the clothes they had on before? There was still much to be learned of Dra Skor’s culture.
As I stood in a line of sorts to greet Kian, I was content to listen to the music playing in the background. The beats were full of bass and purposeful. Everything in Dra Skor was. From her queen down to even the music choices.
I felt a nudge at my back and turned to find Malachi.
I grinned as I took my hands out of my pocket and patted his head. “I was hoping to see you tonight.”
One ride and already you ache for me?
I burst out laughing. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Maybe it was the community of the ball, maybe it was the confidence of getting all dressed up. Whatever the reason, I was glad for it.
“I have a question,” I offered as I moved forward in line, and I noted at least three other people casually eavesdropping on our conversation. Our conversation that they could only hear half of.
Well don’t be a tease, out with it.
“Dex and I have been training in my room and we may or may not have broken a lamp just yesterday.” I paused. “Wylan will of course absolutely pay to have it replaced, but I was wondering if you could help us find a more suitable location.”
Only if I can come watch.
I laughed. “Are you having more ideas?”
I’d be a fool not to be. Your magic and ours is a powerful combination.He threw his head toward Kian.You defied the realm of possibility.
“Well, run it by Queen Esta. I don’t want her to show up and burn us to a crisp.”
He snorted.She’d be more likely to join in than be angry, but I will.
That made me grin.
