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“I know, but you and I know that we are only friends. And if I ask one of the courtiers she will certainly want more than that. At the moment, I’m not looking for a queen.”

“Ah yes, what courtier would not want more from their very handsome, very eligible High King.” She smiled and winked. “I would love to be of assistance.”

Chapter 17

KATANA

The whispers started as soon as Thane offered her his arm. Before they even set foot inside the ballroom. There was arranged seating for three hundred. The sea of people was already seated when they stepped in, arm in arm. By the number of guards throughout the castle and at every entrance and exit, anything that looked suspicious would be spotted. She had a good feeling about tonight and wasn’t worried about an attack.

The room was drenched in red and white tapestries and matching roses. Red was apparently the Queen Mother’s favorite rose.

While Valeen helped Katana do her hair, she said she wouldn’t be going, for one because she didn’t like the queen and two, she didn’t want to disrespect Thane. Not having her sister there made her nervous but she promised Thane she would go, and she wouldn’t let him down.

Talon walked down the center aisle ahead of them with Fennan as her escort.

Smiling, she looked amongst the elves. They were such a lovely people. All statuesque and beauty. Everyone in attendance wore fine pastels and had beautiful silver and gold jewelry.

“Who is that with the High King?” a lady asked.

“Does the High King have a new betrothed?”

“She is… quite lovely.”

The whispered and hushed questions continued. It didn’t bother Katana. In fact, she was happy to have them all distracted rather than focusing on his breakup with Valeen. She’d even spoken to her sister before this so it wouldn’t cause a rift between them in case feelings still lingered on both sides. Valeen assured her that nothing would ever happen between her and Thane again.

Thane leaned close to her ear, and it sent a shiver down her back. “Are you alright?” he whispered.

“I am perfect.” And she was. It was exhilarating to be on the arm of the most desired elf king and have everyone talk about it. She hadn’t had anything intriguing happen like this in a long time. Even in her previous life, the longer she was married to Atlanta, the more he wanted to keep her locked inside. In the beginning, he was charming, and she enjoyed his possessiveness, but then it turned into abuse when she’d only look at another male. If he heard rumors that she’d spoken to a male, even if it was a simple greeting, he would get angry. After many years, she stopped going out into public unless she needed to. The only place she’d ever been shielded was when she stayed at House of Night. Atlanta didn’t want her sister to find out how he was with her and left her alone there.

Thane guided her to a seat in the front row. Music played, elves went up on the dais to sing the king’s mother’s praises. Her shoulder touched Thane’s, and she felt a strange electricity between them. It made her pulse rush in her ears. His knuckles turned white from gripping his thighs.

“We gather together for the great loss of the Queen Mother, Orlandia Morningflower, she was a wonderful…”

Katana started to tune out the speakers too focused on Thane. Through every song and speaker, he didn’t relax. There were a few times he glanced over at her but otherwise he stared straight ahead. The talks at the podium became background noise to the intensity between them. It started to affect her own breathing. How was it that sitting next to someone made her feel like she might spontaneously combust? She finally reached over and set her hand on his. His grip finally loosened, and he smiled down at her.

“It’s almost over,” he whispered. “Sorry it’s so long.”

“I am content, no need to worry about me. Are you not speaking?”

“I’m not feeling up to it.”

Poor Thane.She patted the top of his hand gently. After a moment, he turned his hand and held hers.

“Thank you for joining me.”

“Of course.”

His sister Talon leaned over to him. “Mother would want to celebrate her life late into the night so don’t try to end this early and ruin it with all your paranoia. I want to have a good time.”

His jaw muscles feathered, and he took a deep breath. “Her death wasn’t an accident. My paranoia is warranted.”

“I won’t live in a cage.”

“Be thankful there is a public celebration at all. It ends at midnight, Talon.”

“Maybe for you.” She smirked and curled her hands on her lap.

Katana nudged his side. The reaction of a young girl who’d just lost her mother was strange. Perhaps they didn’t get along well. “Your sister is…spirited.”