Page 27

“It’s beautiful,” Kiva said to Oriel, inhaling the fresh, sweet aroma, before tucking the stem behind her ear.

The young prince’s cheeks turned pinker at her actions.

Wanting to ease his discomfort, Kiva leaned in and whispered, “You know what?”

“What?” he whispered back.

She transferred the blossom to his ear, hiding the stem in his soft golden locks. “I think it looksmuchbetter on you.” She touched the tip of her finger to his nose briefly, causing him to giggle. “Will you keep it safe for me?”

Oriel nodded eagerly, a bashful but still bright grin spreading across his face.

“I want one t-too!” Tipp said, bouncing beside Kiva. “P-Please, Ori?”

The prince scrunched up his face in concentration, and seconds later, an identical snowblossom appeared in his hand. Tipp thanked him profusely and shoved it behind his own ear, beaming with pleasure.

“Now we’re t-twins!” he said excitedly.

“And very handsome twins,” Queen Ariana said, still seated beside her daughter. “The handsomest in the kingdom with those flowers, I daresay.”

“Careful, or you’ll make Jaren jealous,” Mirryn drawled. There was no trace of sorrow in her eyes now, her emotions firmly locked away. “He’s not used to having competition.”

“Sure he is,” Caldon said cockily, prompting Naari to roll her eyes.

“Here you go, Jaren,” Oriel said, creating another snowblossom.

“Thanks, Ori, I love it,” Jaren said, ruffling his brother’s hair.

“Where’s mine?” Caldon asked.

Oriel frowned. “You called Flox fat yesterday. He’s not fat — he’s fluffy.”

Caldon arched an eyebrow. “Your point?”

“I’m not making you anything until you apologize to him.”

Oriel’s beloved pet chose that moment to bound into the room, a silver and white streak heading straight for Jaren. There, he rubbed up against the prince’s legs like a cat before collapsing on top of his boots.

Kiva had met Flox upon her arrival at the River Palace, and after some deep consideration, she still had no idea what kind of creature he was. Part fox, part ferret, part racoon was her best guess, combining to form an unholy bundle of mischief. All she knew was that he had as much energy as Tipp and Oriel, and he was absolutely infatuated with Jaren — not that Kiva could blame him.

“You can keep your flower, kiddo,” Caldon said, mouth quirking as he watched Jaren try to extricate himself from Flox, only to have the fluffy creature cling to him with fierce desperation. “And I’ll keep my apology.”

“As much as we appreciate the company,” Queen Ariana cut in, “dare I ask why we’ve been graced with your presence?”

Her question was addressed to the room, but it was Caldon who answered, “Jaren needs to blow off some steam.” He glanced from Ariana to Mirryn and asked, “Do you two have time for a quick trip downstairs? We’ve already cleared it with Ori’s tutor.”

The queen’s expression grew troubled as she looked at her eldest son. “The council meeting didn’t go well?”

“It didn’t go at all,” Jaren answered tightly. “Grand Master Horeth sent a note postponing until this afternoon.” He abandoned his attempt at dislodging Flox and picked up the silver fluffball, cradling his squirming body close until he settled. Within seconds, Flox’s eyes closed and he fell into a light doze.

Kiva marveled at the sight, something about it so pure, sowholesome. “I have lots of party planning still to do today, so let’s make this quick,” Mirryn said, standing and starting toward the door, the queen at her side.

Unsure what was happening, Kiva rose to follow, with Tipp hurrying over to Oriel as the young prince collected Flox from Jaren’s arms.

Kiva, however, didn’t make it two steps before Caldon’s fingers wrapped around her elbow.

“Sorry, Sunshine, but you’ll have to entertain yourself for the next little while.” His gaze flicked over to Tipp. “You too, bud.”

Tipp looked crestfallen.