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“I have once, but that’s a story for another time.”

“You met an actual god and that’s a story for another time?”

He chuckled. “He was a descendant, or so we thought.”

How many realms were there? Thane flipped through the pages to find the one with the dragons in battle. “You’ll have to forgive my ignorance. I don’t know this language and our records of the past were destroyed or lost during the great elven war, and as you know, many died during the war, so we don’t have a host of old elves who remember. The old gods are nothing but tales to my people now and I’ve never heard of other realms. I assume that means a place not of Adalon?”

“From what I’ve read, the realms align but don’t immediately connect and there are those who can travel between them. Some of the gates were opened at one time. Dragon shifters came from Ryvengaard along with the faeries. Elves and humans have always lived in Adalon. Other creatures were brought over during the gods’ battles or sometime long ago.”

Thane’s mind drifted to the unnamed forest with giants and wicked creatures that came out at night. Someone had trapped them for as long as anyone could remember. “Why did the gods and goddesses leave?”

He shrugged. “We believe they were called home.”

Thane licked the tips of his fingers and turned the page and stilled. Drawn in color was an ornate, golden scepter with a rough-cut stone, like the sketch from the journal they took from Brunard. Maker above, if he could only read the text. He took a risk, tilting the book so that Ronan could see the page. “What is that?” He needed to make sure he was correct.

“The Scepter of Knowing.” That’s also what the journal said.

“What does it do?”

Ronan narrowed his eyes and stepped away from the window. “It’s a powerful tool. The two pieces were separated, and it’s forbidden to join them.” His suspicion shifted to a smile. “We should see if your suit is ready for the ball.”

If his words weren’t clear enough, his demeanor was. The Scepter of Knowing paired with the All Seeing Stone just as Brunard said. Thane shut the book with a snap and set it on the nearest table. Now he had to figure out how he was going to convince them to give him a scepter that was forbidden to join with the All Seeing Stone.

* * *

Light string musicplayed from the corner of the grand hall. The ceiling was at least a hundred feet tall and painted with stunning depictions of dragons flying among white puffy clouds in a blue sky. Golden vases lined the pearl-colored walls and overflowed with shiny gold coins and precious jewels, even spilling onto the white marble floor at the base. It was so vast and airy here. Huge open windows with ornate crown moldings let in a breeze. This hall made the one in Castle Dredwich look small. There was room for at least ten full-sized dragons to shift and fly in here.

The people walked around and stood in groups around food and drink tables. The females dripped jewelry from their necks, ears, wrists, and ankles. Huge, even obscene gold and silver pieces that must be heavy. Displays of wealth no one here lacked and not even Thane had ever seen. Thane’s black suit was simple, tailored perfectly to his muscular form and the green undervest shimmered in silk. The only jewelry he wore was gold cufflinks with an emerald at the center.

He tapped his shoe on the floor by the grand hall’s entrance, waiting for Layala and Piper to be brought as promised. How long had it been? The ladies typically took more time to get ready, but he didn’t like to be separated from them in a foreign place, no matter how cordial the people seemed so far.

Fennan stood beside him, arms folded, eyes roaming the place for danger. He wore gold hoops near the tips of his ears, something he only did for special occasions, and the ivory suit he wore made his black skin appear even richer. Their hosts graciously gave his three Ravens party attire as well, and Leif combed his hair for once. The tattoos on his forehead and temples made him stand out all the more. Siegfried looked utterly out of place in his black suit and shiny shoes. Thane suspected he wore his long dark-blond hair down to cover his ears and shield his face. He preferred armor over dress attire and the shadows over attention. And they were on display tonight.

A pair of ladies in white flowing gowns that brushed the glossy floor, with gold trim and white-blonde hair stopped in the entryway beside him. Their tan skin and violet eyes glimmered like jewels themselves. Identical faces tilted toward him. “Greetings,” they said at once and strode forward with their hips swinging. “Have a wonderful time.”

“Those must be the twin blues that brought us in,” Leif said. “Cousins of the royals. I recognize their voices.”

Siegfried nodded his agreement.

Many others passed by them, gawking and glaring. Some whispered about their pointed ears and shorter stature. Although each of the elves was over six foot three, the dragons pushed seven feet or more, even the females were as tall or taller than Thane. Others talked about their beauty, for each elf was handsome in their own right. Thick braids along the sides of Thane’s head swept the hair away from his face into a tie at the base of his skull where the majority of his locks flowed freely to his upper back putting his pointed ears on display. He had no reason to hide who he was. “Keep your guard up, no matter how friendly they seem. And don’t drink more than a few sips of wine. We need our heads clear.”

“Yes, sire,” Leif said, watching the crowd with caution.

Lightly clearing his throat, Fennan leaned closer to Thane’s side. “Should we scout the castle for the you-know-what while everyone is distracted?”

Ronan left a single guard, the mute, Dax, while he “attended to some business”. The guard might not be able to talk but his eyes and ears were fine. He stood on the other side of the wide archway opening. At least he didn’t hover. With a quick glance his way, Thane whispered, “Siegfried, go do what you do best.” If anyone could find the secret hiding place of the scepter, it was him. As silent as the night sky, the Wraith vanished. “You two,” Thane said to Leif and Fennan. “Mingle. Find out what you can about this place. Find a way out that doesn’t require flying.”

Leif stepped into the party without hesitation and snagged a glass of wine off a table as he went by. It wasn’t long before a pair of females approached him. Leif was a good talker, and an even better flirt.

Leaning forward, Fennan peeked inside the massive hall once again. The four colossal golden thrones sat empty. Even with his own rules, the two adjacent, four-tiered fountains trickling what appeared to be maroon wine called to his parched throat. He really needed to stick with water. “What’s wrong, Fennan?” He hadn’t moved yet.

He brushed his hand over his short black curls. “I—wanted to wait for Layala and Piper.”

Thane rubbed his chin. Perhaps this was a good time to talk to Fen. Was he ready to give up all others for Piper? If not, Thane wouldn’t approve. He couldn’t dictate what they did but he’d make his opinion known. “She’s Prince Ronan’s date tonight.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets and shifted his weight. “I know. I just want to make sure the girls are alright. Don’t you think it’s odd they’re taking so long? I mean, my future queen could be in danger.”

Trying to cover his worry for Piper with Layala? Why didn’t he feel he could talk to Thane about this? They’d been friends forever, talked about everything. Thane knew of almost every romantic relationship he had, and it was Fennan who gave him advice with Layala. “She’s proven she can handle her own. And you know it takes them longer to get ready.”