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We continued until I spotted two armed soldiers standing in the hall before a doorway. They wore the gold cloaks of the Clawsguard, our indication that we’d arrived.

“Smiles on,” Roar said.

We beamed as we strolled past the guards and thank the stars I was a decent actor, for when I saw the guests, dread gripped me.

This was no private breakfast with the royal family, but a gathering of many. Far too many.

“All the Sacred Eight are here,” Roar whispered. “The king didn’t mention this.”

I searched the room that smelled of fresh bread and fruit desperate to find a friendly face. Thankfully, it didn’t take long.

Princess Saga spoke with the Balik family, all dressed in their house colors of dark green, gold, and black. The Armenils of the far north were present too—most of whom were identifiable by their gray attire and bright red hair. Seeing Marit, Saga, and the Balik sisters smile at me made my breath come easier. At least until I saw Calpurnia.

Her gang had grown since last night. The Ithamai’s joined her, but so had another female. The new fae had inky black skin, hair as shiny as a raven’s wing, and piercing green eyes that looked furious to see my hand tucked in Roar’s hand.

“Who is that with Lady Calpurnia and the sisters?” I nodded toward her.

“Aenesa Qiren.” Roar flicked his gaze to her and back to me.

Aenesa, firstborn daughter of the Lady of Silks, Head of House Qiren, Clemencia’s instruction during our lessons flitted through my mind. Their family seat was in Traliska, the place where I’d touched the Drassil tree.

“Warden Lisika, Lady Neve, welcome.” Queen Inga appeared with a warm expression on her face. She looked immaculate with her dark brown hair pulled back and a crown of sapphires on her head. I admired the stitching on the royal blue gown. A true master had created it, though I felt certain I could have done even better.

My fingers itched to work the silk I’d bought during our journey east. Since arriving in Avaldenn, I’d had little time, and there would be none tonight either. Perhaps I could steal time before the ball? I only needed to apply a few last-minute touches to the gown.

“My queen.” Roar bowed, and I curtsied. “Thank you for hosting this event.”

“I’m pleased you could make it. As you can see, my lord husband will not be joining. He’s unwell.”

“A pity.” Roar shook his head.

I did not feel that way but inclined my head as if her philandering husband having a hangover was the worst thing I could think of.

“I hear he granted you two betrothal rights.” The queen spoke lightly. “A very suitable prize for saving his life.”

Roar nodded. “We agree.”

“The noble houses of all courts are becoming more diverse,” the queen said. “It is a surprise, but a welcome one. We need a bit of shaking up.”

“How do you mean?” I asked.

“The Prince of the Spring Court took a fire witch from the human world to wife,” the queen twirled a finger at the novelty. “It is as rare as your situation—a high lord marrying a commoner.”

I had nothing to say to that. How could such a thing be true? Commoners existed everywhere, but fire witches from the human world did not. I knew some witches lived as slaves at the Blood Court but had heard no mention of witches here.

“Will you announce your intent here, before the Grand Staret at the Tower of the Living and the Dead? Or do you prefer your own High Staret in Guldtown?” the queen asked.

“Nothing would make me happier to declare my engagement to the holiest of fae.” Roar replied.

I was about to add that I was pleased to do so too when the oddest thing happened. A pressure built in my head. Even more shocking, the sensation flitted. It traveled from temple to crown to the base of my skull, pressing inward.

Then it vanished. The release came so abruptly that I gasped. I hadn’t realized how much it hurt or how tight my jaw had become.

“Lady Neve? Are you well?” The queen kept her tone soft.

Narrowed blue eyes watched me. Moons. I acted strangely and caught Queen Inga’s notice. We couldn’t have that.

“Apologies,” I murmured. “Since the attack, I’ve been feeling off.”