Page 44 of Journey to the Elderoak (Daughter of the Earth #2)

A va was immediately overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the ballroom. Lively music played from within, mingling with the conversations from the crowd. She tightened her grip on Thorne’s arm.

Here goes nothing, she thought.

The commotion died down and the crowd parted, noticing their entrance. Jorrar stood before them and cleared his throat.

“Presenting, His Majesty King Thorne Everwood and his sister, Her Highness Princess Ava Everwood of Monterre.”

The crowd clapped as they made their way along a forest green rug.

Twinkling lights floated near the high ivory ceiling—blues, greens and golds scattered among the thick canopy of vines above.

One wall of the ballroom was open to a large formal garden, archways leading to the outside where guests could enjoy the flowers and plants of Mosshaven in the evening breeze.

Dozens of tables sat around the perimeter and in the garden, preparing to host their dinner. Each bore a sage green tablecloth lined with gold, stunning centerpieces bursting with yellow and orange flowers sitting on top .

The kingdom’s colors of green and gold were present everywhere. In the banners hanging from the walls bearing the Elderoak insignia, on the tables, in the guards’ uniforms.

They walked through the crowd, citizens bowing and curtsying as they passed.

Ava smiled and scanned the attendees for any familiar faces.

She caught Pax’s eye—who was standing guard near the back of the ballroom—and he gave her a subtle nod of encouragement, knowing how much she disliked being the center of attention.

Remy and his brothers waved enthusiastically from their spot in the crowd.

She recognized the other advisors—Vivienne in a stunning navy gown bringing out the blue in her eyes, and Desmond a few feet away, gripping a wine goblet in his hand.

They reached a small dais where Thorne’s throne sat, the back carved with the Elderoak. Next to it was another similarly carved throne for Ava. Upon the platform, Thorne turned around and raised his hands to address the crowd.

“People of Monterre, we welcome you to the annual Summer Solstice ball, where we honor the traditions of our kingdom and celebrate the beginning of the season. I want to give a special welcome to our guests from the other kingdoms. King Aelerion and Queen Thalia, who have been in hiding for decades. We’re honored to have you back with us today.

King Orion and Queen Seraphina, Queen Soren and Queen Astrid.

Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion.

I also want to welcome my sister, who as you know, had been missing for almost one hundred years.

We welcome Ava Everwood back home to our kingdom and celebrate her return. ”

Someone shouted, “Here here,” eliciting cheers from the crowd.

“Thank you all for coming, and enjoy the celebration!” Thorne finished.

The crowd cheered again and went back to mingling as Ava and Thorne took their seats. Casimir appeared and took his place behind Ava. Quinn followed suit and did the same on Thorne’s side, flanking them and prepared for any signs of trouble.

Ava whispered to Thorne, “How long do we sit here?”

“Just a little while in case anyone wishes to speak with us. You may get up and socialize in a few minutes, if you’d like.”

Socialize? No thanks. Not when the only people she knew here were working. Though maybe she could find Kai or Fanya and stay by their side for most of the night. Or even take Astrid up on her offer.

No one approached, the guests busy enjoying the revelry and drink. Bored and antsy, Ava spotted Fanya in the crowd. “I’m going to mingle,” she said as she rose and descended the steps, headed toward Raine’s sister.

Casimir and Quinn remained with Thorne while Ava pushed through the throng of guests.

“Ava!” she exclaimed as she looped her arm through Ava’s and pulled her to the edge of the crowd. “How are you holding up?”

“It’s a lot,” she said. “Casimir’s father and brother are horrible.”

“They’re awful. If you haven’t noticed, they treat women differently there. It causes a lot of problems between them and the other kingdoms.”

“You don’t say,” Ava deadpanned.

“Where did you get that necklace?” she asked, noticing the jewelry she bore. “It’s gorgeous.”

“Cas bought it for me.” She touched the gemstone hanging at the center. “That's why we ran into him at Ghorza’s shop.”

“Well, that is romantic.”

“Where’s Pax?” Ava asked her. “Has he seen how stunning you look yet? ”

Fanya giggled. “Oh yes. I’ve been waltzing by him all evening, taunting him. It’s great fun.”

Ava laughed as they walked along the edge of the ballroom and ran into Kai.

He gave her a big hug. “You look fantastic.”

“Thanks. So do you.”

The three of them continued to visit and fortunately, Ava didn’t have to mingle with any of the other royals. She was too intimidated to do so, unsure what she would talk about with them. Guests’ curious eyes landed on her as they walked by. Ava fidgeted, trying to ignore the stares.

Vivienne approached, Desmond at her heels. “Good evening, Your Highness,” she said.

Though Ava hadn’t interacted with the advisors often—much too busy with the Elderoak preparations—she had instantly warmed to Vivienne. She gave off a motherly aura and Ava felt drawn to her.

“Hi Vivienne,” Ava said. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“As do you. How are you feeling now that you’re fae?”

“It’s an adjustment.”

“Your Highness,” said Desmond, ready to talk business. “Now that you’ve completed the Elderoak journey, will you be joining our war council meetings?”

“That’s a good question. We haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet, but I’ll talk to Thorne about it,” Ava answered.

Desmond grumbled. “I don’t know what you’ll bring to the table, but I suppose you should, since you’re the princess.”

Vivienne gave Desmond a pointed look. “She was right there in Deidamia’s camp, Desmond. She has more knowledge about that than we do. She should attend.”

“Right. Well, I’m going to go find some more wine,” he said before disappearing again.

“What a grouch,” Vivienne said as she scanned the crowd. “ Oh! I need to go speak to the chef about the dinner timing. Enjoy your evening.”

They bid Vivienne farewell as she headed in the direction of the kitchens. Turning back to Kai and Fanya, her gaze caught on Casimir. He had moved positions, now standing near a wall, observing her with intensity. When she met his eyes, he jerked his head, gesturing for her to come speak to him.

“I’ll be right back,” she said to her friends, pushing her way through the guests.

Stopping before him, Ava raised a brow. Casimir’s lips brushed her ear as he whispered, “Meet me in the north hallway in five minutes.”

He walked away.

What? The north hallway? She remained frozen to her spot, confused, when she noticed Astrid eyeing her. Ava smiled and Astrid gave her a knowing wink, walking off to visit with the others.

Five minutes later, she made her way across the ballroom to the north hallway, slipping through an open door. It was quiet. No guests had wandered this way.

“Cas?” she whispered, searching the corridors.

A hand grasped her wrist and yanked her into a dark alcove, a hard body pinning her against a wall.

“What are you doing?” she whispered harshly, now face to face with the general.

“This,” he said as he leaned in and kissed her with vigor, grasping her face with his hands. She grabbed his jacket and pulled him closer, sighing into his mouth before breaking the kiss.

“Someone will see us,” she said as he kissed his way down her neck. The faint sound of music drifted from the ballroom as she reveled in his touch.

His lips found hers again. “So?”

He didn’t stop, hands roving along her body, palming her ass. “You…in that dress…have me distracted.” He moved to her neck again as he lifted a hand and grasped her breast. She moaned, arching her back. “I want to rip it off and take you right here.”

“Yes,” she whimpered.

He continued, trailing heated lips along her shoulder, nibbling and licking, as his hands moved lower and gripped her hips.

He groaned into her neck and inhaled. “You smell so damn good.”

Ava sunk her fingers in his hair and pulled his lips to hers, kissing him deeply as her breathing sped up. Someone cleared their throat in the hallway right next to them and they froze.

Ava glanced over to find Astrid standing there grinning. “I’m sorry to interrupt but your brother is looking for you, Your Highness.”

“Oh,” she said, the heat of embarrassment creeping up her neck.

Casimir backed away, straightening his jacket, and smoothing his hair. Ava attempted to fix her own as they both emerged from the alcove and faced Astrid awkwardly.

“You go back first,” Astrid said to Casimir. “I’ll walk Ava in. Tell Thorne she and I were getting some fresh air.”

He nodded and kissed Ava on the forehead before starting to walk off, when Astrid called after him, “Casimir.” He paused and turned around. “I’m happy for you,” she said. He smiled and turned away, leaving the two of them alone.

“I need to fix your makeup,” said Astrid, pulling out a small pot of rouge she had hidden in her dress. She dabbed it on Ava’s cheeks and lips while she spoke. “I’ve known Casimir for a long time. I’ve never seen him shirk his duties for a woman before. You must be something special to him.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re soulbonds, yes?” Astrid asked as she fixed Ava’s hair .

“How did you know?”

“We can usually recognize each other.”

“Right. Jorrar said you and Soren were soulbonds,” Ava said.

“Yes. I had guessed the two of you were when you visited us.” Astrid backed away. “Okay, I think it isn’t too obvious you were just ravaged by the general. Ready to go back?”

“Yes.”

She stayed beside Astrid as they headed to the ballroom, the sound of the music and voices growing louder as they approached.