Page 87 of Keeper of the Word

“Mayhap at the banquet, Your Majesty?” The chancellor’s voice croaked. “There are many eyes already observing, so ’twould not be such a spectacle. A mere hospitable formality. Lady Wenonah is to arrive in three days hence. ’Twould be helpful if we could turn his attention to his bride.”

Chapter

Thirty-Two

ELANNA

Elanna had thought she would be prepared for the hundreds of gawking eyes on her when she entered the Great Hall, but if anything, ’twas worse than before. The courtiers and other visitorsknewthere was a StarSeer in Castle Sidra and had obviously been waiting in anticipation for her return.

She strode down the center of the Great Hall, everything feeling familiar and strange all at once.

A lady-in-waiting had rapped on her door two hours ago, holding a gown made of plum silk in her arms. She’d stepped in without waiting for Elanna’s response and had worked on making the StarSeer “presentable.”

Elanna didn’t know how it had been measured so expertly for her, but the deep purple silk clung to her as if it were a second skin. Her golden hair had been arranged into an intricate crossing of plaits that ended in a tight knot at the nape of her neck. She felt exposed. Her hair always hung down, and as of late, it had acted as a figurative shield against the memory of almost being strangled. But she ignored that. Dashiell was the key to everything.

Everything.

The entire realm hung in the balance. She could go through anything.

Anything.

Her duty as Seer of stars was all that mattered.

She caught Daved’s eye, standing indirectly behind the sovereign next to Commander Kaff. On the opposite side stood Chancellor Griffith. Noticeably, Queen Ferika was absent.

The chancellor appeared nervous. Was he worried she’d do something wrong? It had been his idea for her to be here.

When she was finally seated next to Dashiell, the orchestra began playing again, blocking some of the crowd’s din, who were most likely speaking about her. Elanna exhaled.

“Stars be good, Lady Elanna; remind me to take lessons from you on how to make an entrance,” Dashiell said.

She let out a laugh.

“Here. This will help your nerves.” Dashiell extended a goblet of wine to her.

“Nerves, Your Highness?”

“You appear ready to lose whatever dinner you’re about to eat.”

Elanna studied the goblet with tentativeness. Her goal was to put the prince at ease. Would dismissing the wine offend him? Elanna accepted the goblet and took a sip. Immediately, she warmed.

She made eye contact with Hux at one of the far tables. He gave an incredulous stare before saluting her with his goblet while suppressing a laugh.

Elanna had a few more sips before pushing the goblet away. She was warm enough.

The dinner conversations surrounding her were idle chit-chat and endless gossip. Even if Elanna had dared broach any topic of importance, no opportunity came. But finally, the music started, and Dashiell offered her his hand and led her to the center of the Great Hall, where other couples also made their way.

“I am surprised that StarSeers are taught to dance,” Prince Dashiell said politely.

Stars. Not more pleasantries.

Mayhap ’twas the wine, but Elanna did not waste time.

“Your Highness. Your father knows that you send messages each day to Glyn.”

Had she truly come forth with those words?

For a split second, Dashiell’s breathing suspended. He rapidly blinked. “I know not what you mean, m’lady.”