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She lifted a brow. “Theannouncement?”

“Since we’re not sweeping you away to the temple,” Toren said wryly, “Then an engagement announcement it will have to be.”

“But why is it best to wait until tomorrow if you’re this worried about it tonight?” she asked.

He sighed again. “I know how much you hate attention. Besides, I’m already worried enough that you’ll faint again after dinner without adding additional strain. Youdideat something beforehand, right?”

His concern for her was what stressed him so? Ria’s heart warmed, and a flush of pleasure rushed over her. Still, he needed to calm down. The sentiment was sweet of him, but his tension bothered her more than the attention would. Well, possibly. She didn’t exactly relish the stares she was about to receive.

But she would have to get used to them if she were to be queen.

An alarming thought best left untouched right now.

“If you continue to look so unhappy, they’ll never believe you’re pleased about the engagement when you do give notice,” Ria pointed out. “Go ahead and make the announcement when you wish. It might be better, anyway. Tomorrow will be long enough without more piled on, and there will be more time for the nobles to process the news before I have to speak to them.”

Toren studied her face. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Ria insisted. “So stop the angst.”

Chuckling softly, Mehl gave her a wink.

“After this course, then,” Toren said.

Ria glanced down as a plate of fish was set in front of her. She tried not to wrinkle her nose at the smell that wafted up. There was absolutely no way she would be able to eat this without casting the first two courses back up in front of the entire court, but if she didn’t at least try, Toren’s renewed ease would disappear once more. Certainly, the nearest nobles would notice if she sat here with an entire dish untouched.

This time, it was Ryssa who leaned close. “Just cut up the food and bring the fork to your mouth periodically. No one is close enough to see if the tines are empty.”

“Except Toren,” Ria muttered.

Which brought his immediate attention, of course. “What was that, love?”

Ria started cutting up the fish as she searched for a distraction. Would it upset him again to ask about the research tomes? Ah, well. If it did, it would at least be better than another lecture about food.

“After my latest trip to the archives, I was wondering…what book is RRK?”

Toren sputtered, nearly choking on the sip of wine he’d just taken. He took several more long pulls from the cup to hide his reaction. Or to avoid answering her question, which seemed about as likely.

“Ah, nothing important,” he said. When he took a bite of fish, she assumed that would be all—but then he connected mentally.“What were you reading? RRK stands forThe Rites and Rituals of the Kingdom. Only I can unlock that one. Literally. Not even Mehl’s energy will open the vault that holds it.”

Well, that explained why there’d been no clearer description of the initials in the book she’d read. It was a code intended for the High King to understand and no one else.“I wanted to see if there was any mention of what would happen to Ber’s challenge after we marry.”

His lips pinched tight.“It doesn’t matter, since I’m not marrying you for that.”

“It matters because I want to know,”Ria countered.“I want to wed you both regardless, but if it does change the level of threat for the better, that would be a comfort for all. Do you want to sit around worrying for months if there’s no need?”

“We’ll know as soon as the vows are said.”Toren’s mental voice was suddenly heavy with exhaustion.“The magic that binds our laws is deep and unmistakable. Ah, but most do not realize the weight we carry to rule this land, and me in particular. I am forever the focal point, so it will hit me the hardest.”

Everyone in the kingdom learned that many of their laws were sealed with magic, but it was a revelation to hear that they were sealed through the High King to such an extent. How much harder must that be with his intense well of power? It was a terrible burden.

Ria forced a smile to remain on her face, but she lifted the empty fork to her mouth with an annoyed swipe.“I’m sorry.”

“You realize there was no food on that, right?”Of course Toren hadn’t missed that detail.“As for the other, I’m well accustomed to it. However, if it will ease your heart, I’ll let you read the relevant passage in The Rites and Rituals. Just eat.”

She nearly dropped her fork. He would let her read a book so secret that only he could unlock it? Suddenly, it wasn’t merely the scent of fish that made her queasy. She could hardly fathom receiving such trust. But she didn’t want to make him rescind the offer by saying so.

“The smell is making me sick,”Ria said instead.“Ryssa suggested this to avoid notice by the courtiers.”

Toren gave a slight, if frowning, nod and let the subject drop. Thank goodness. Ria relaxed against the seat for one blissful moment. Soon, she would be the center of attention, so she should enjoy the respite while she could.