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“She likes to drink too much wine and act inappropriately with males much older than her. And with our mother’s death, she’ll fall into it all the more.”

The formalities endedand the chairs were cleared out, opening the room up for dancing. Music started quickly, string music and drums and wind instruments. The lights went low with only candlelight from the chandeliers. Ball gowns swished and the tapping of heels shuffled across the glossy floor.

Talon and her group of friends quickly went to the wine table. The annoyance at that was obvious in Thane’s expression but he didn’t say anything to his sister. It likely wasn’t worth causing a scene.

The focus of the room shifted from his mother’s passing to Thane and her. So many people stared and whispered behind their hands as they passed them. Maidens glared at her. One even whispered, “Did you see her round ears? She’s not even an elf, or she’s at least a half-breed.”

“The High King couldn’t possibly choose a bride who is not an elf,” another said.

Oh, the things young ladies worried about. Katana had been out of the spotlight for so long she forgot that details like this were what people concerned themselves with. “They must think I am human with my rounded ears.” She smiled. “We are causing quite a stir.”

“Yes,” he grumbled. “Will you walk with me? I’m not really in the mood to be here.”

“Lead the way, High King.” She took his arm, and they quickly left the ballroom and went out a side door to stroll along a path through the gardens. The blossoms were in full bloomperfuming the air. Water trickled from a small fountain ahead. “It was kind of you to host a celebration for your mother even in these troubled times. I know you did not want to.”

“Yes, well she’s dead because of me so it’s the least I could do.”

Her heart ached and she squeezed his arm gently. “Do not blame yourself.”

“Who else is to blame?”

“The one who did it, Thane.” He kept his bright green eyes everywhere but her. Maybe he didn’t want to be around her either. “If you would like to be alone, I can find my way to my room.”

He came to a sudden stop and finally met her eyes. “I don’t want to be alone.”

That same charged energy she felt inside the ballroom returned. She’d never felt anything like it before. Was it his magic? She gasped when an idea came to mind. “We should ask Presco to take us for a ride. The sky is clear, and it is warm. It is the perfect evening.”

“Now?”

“Why not?”

“I guess there isn’t a reason but?—”

“Then we shall go.” Grinning, she tugged on his hand and dragged him back inside.

They foundPresco reading thePalenor Scrollin his study in the library. The two headlines of the front page were,Dragons Back In Palenor Once Again,andThe Life and Death of the Queen Mother Orlandia Morningflower.

She briefly wondered what Thane said the cause of her death was. Elves lived long lives, and it wasn’t as if she’d been in battle. It wasn’t mentioned during her ceremony. They only spoke of the good things she had done.

Presco was all too happy to agree to fly them again and followed them out to the large open grassy area by the horse pasture. When he took his beast form the grazing horses bolted, kicking up dirt clods and bucking.

“Ladies first.” Thane gestured.

Presco scooped her up with his massive paw and set her on his back. A moment later Thane plopped down behind her. “Tell me when you’re ready,” Presco said.

Katana scooted up to the large spike in front of her and wrapped her arms around it. Without the hesitation he had last time, Thane pressed himself against her back. Only now, Valeen wasn’t with them to turn it into fun. It was much more intimate. “Oh, my hair. It will whip you in the face.” Her long locks hung loosely aside from a few twists pinned back. She reached up to gather it until Thane’s hand brushed against her, and she stilled.

“May I braid it for you?” he asked.

With a giggle, she twisted around in surprise. “You know how?”

“All elves know how to braid hair, in case you haven’t noticed.” He gestured toward his own, with braids in his dark brown hair starting at his temples and tied into a knot at the back of his head.

“I suppose I assumed someone else did it for you.”

“You’re not questioning my masculinity, are you?”

“Ummm, no.” She shook her head and couldn’t even say why she suddenly blushed. “You are quite masculine even if you have such a pretty face.”