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“That’s fine by me.”

She snorted. “Most ladies are dying for his attention. I like that you aren’t.”

Prince Rhistel was attractive, in his own way. And of course he held great power. But his personality put me off him.

The conversation took a turn as we observed others and wondered if Saga’s father had decided on any matches for the Courting Festival yet. Across the crowded throne room, Roar spoke with other lords. He looked happy, likely relieved that our plan worked. His ease allowed me to relax, too. It felt nice to talk with my friend and enjoy the music.

The peace, however, was short-lived. From the crowds, Lord Riis appeared and strode our way.

“Lord Riis,” Saga whispered. “Have you met him? Really met him? Not just what happened at breakfast?”

“I saw him while I was in the House Virtoris box during the tourney. He noticed me too, but we didn’t speak.”

“He will want to speak with you, which is a good idea. You need to create relationships with others. However, take care of what you say.” Saga kept her voice low enough that Lord Riis could not hear, despite being only a few paces away. “As I said, I think of him like an uncle, but his loyalty as spymaster is to my father. Mother too, I suppose, but not really in the way his title demands.”

I wondered what that meant. Probably that they were still friends, as they had been in childhood.

Whatever the case, Lord Riis approached and bowed to the princess. “Princess Saga, Lady Neve, I hope you are enjoying the ball?”

“We are.” Saga replied. “And you, Lord Riis?”

“Splendid. I hope to see all three of my sons engaged by the end of this festival.”

“Stars willing, Father will find them good matches.” Saga bestowed him with a small smile. “We could use three fun weddings in Avaldenn and House Riis certainly knows how to throw a party.”

“Indeed, Princess.” Lord Riis turned his attention to me. “I actually had hoped to take a turn around the room with you, Lady Neve. We have not yet had time to meet properly.” He smiled, and I found something so familiar about that smile, warm and inviting, that it disarmed me.

“I’d like that, Lord Riis,” I said. “Princess, until later?”

“Have a fun night, my friend.” Saga leaned forward and, for the first time, kissed me on the cheek. Then she swept away, leaving me alone with the lord gossiper of the kingdom.

I turned to Lord Riis. “Shall we walk?”

“Indeed.”

We fell into step with one another, and I cut the lord a sidelong glance. At this proximity, the freckles on his face became more pronounced, as did the darkness of his eyes, a warm deep brown.

“My son has been quite taken with your lady-in-waiting. He says that she smells like heaven. It’s snow lily really, but I suppose that is close enough for him.”

The comment shocked me, nearly as much as Lord Riis pinpointing the floral notes in Clemencia’s perfume. “It’s her signature scent.”

“Every lady should have one.”

I chuckled. It was exactly what Clem had said, though it sounded more natural coming out of her dainty lips than the mouth of this rather large, muscular, masculine lord. “So I’ve heard. Which of your sons fancies Clemencia?” I would absolutely be telling my lady-in-waiting this news when I saw her tonight.

The Lord of Tongues pointed to the crowds. “That one there.”

I followed his direction and found a red-haired male talking with Prince Vale. The younger Riis looked to be around my age and just like his father, the son was barrel-chested and as tall as Prince Vale, which I’d come to see was rare. Only Lord Riis was taller at court. As I watched the pair, Riis’s son began to laugh. The prince followed, clapping the younger faerie on the back and shaking his head as if the young Riis had said something naughty.

My lips quirked up, and I found myself wanting to be in on the joke.

“He admires the prince. It pleases me that they spend time together. Luccan could learn much from Prince Vale,” Lord Riis said, and something in his tone caught me off guard.

I turned to find the lord staring at the pair wistfully. For a moment, I found it odd, but then I remembered that Saga considered Lord Riis an uncle. It seemed as though the lord had a soft spot for Prince Vale too.

“His feats are legendary.” I stuck to the safe line.

“Of course, but my eldest has no desire to fight. He admires the prince for other attributes.”