Page 24 of Only in Moonlight (The Moonlit Court #1)

Valen

“ T here are an awful lot of guards here,” Emmeline said.

It was the night before the Feast of Queen Diamanda, which meant the traditional lunar lights display.

I’d received invitations to five different viewing parties but had accepted the one from Symphorosa Pintaurius.

Hosted high in one of the city’s towers, it would have not only a magnificent view but an exclusive guest list. I just hadn’t guessed how exclusive.

“Palace guards,” I said. “A member of the royal family must be attending.”

Her grip on my arm tightened. “The princess?”

“I believe—”

“Sir Valen! How wonderful to see you.”

Symphorosa herself approached. She was older than Queen Verena and looked august in a high-collared silver gown with draping sleeves.

I dipped into a low bow and introduced Emmeline.

“I’ve heard all about you, of course.” Her mouth twitched. “My granddaughters practically went into mourning over the news that Sir Valen was off the market.”

“Er...” I said.

“It’s good for them,” Symphorosa said briskly. “They need to concentrate on their duties at the Court. There’s too much focus these days on upward marriages instead of putting in the work to move up yourself. I started off as a lowly scribe, you know, and look at me now.”

“Managing the Crown’s finances so efficiently there’s probably nothing for Queen Verena to do,” I finished for her.

“I can see why the young folk moon over you, Sir Valen.” She gave Emmeline a sly glance. “He’s a charmer, isn’t he?”

“Yes.” Emmeline smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “But not quite as charming as he thinks he is.”

Symphorosa cackled and then waved to another person across the room. “I’ll catch up with the two of you later. You both look lovely, by the way.”

My seamstress had painstakingly designed our matching outfits.

Emmeline’s dress had voluminous skirts, the top layer of shimmering white parting in the front to reveal a lower layer of inky blue with a pattern of stars.

The same pattern decorated the edge of my ornamental cape, my vest and trousers in coordinating colors.

“You do look lovely,” I murmured as I scanned the other guests.

“Not much of a compliment for—” She paused, remembering our surroundings. “—someone with my talents.”

“True, but it’s fitting when your looks reflect how lovely you are inside.”

“Symphorosa is right. You are a charmer.”

But she blushed as she said it, sending a surge of triumph through me.

I’d kissed her every day since the hunt, each time better than the last. The taste of her was sweeter than any honey, a heady mix of her surrender and my own undeniable desire.

Tonight, as we viewed the lunar lights, it would be even better.

My excitement plummeted when I spotted Drudon mingling near the windows. I couldn’t repress my sigh quickly enough.

“He’s here, isn’t he?” Emmeline asked.

Drudon had stalked us relentlessly over the past few days.

He’d lurked in the back of the Celestial Poetry Competition.

(Thank the stars he hadn’t tried to recite anything.) He’d helped Aristoph win the Rumilor Crater Sailing Regatta.

Fortunately, we’d escaped his presence at yesterday’s dinner party hosted by Amatien and Ishaq, who’d wanted to hear all about the failed hunt and Aristoph shooting himself in the foot.

But it seemed like our good luck couldn’t last.

My brother spotted us and cut through the crowd like a shark through the sea. My stomach clenched. If he insulted Emmeline to her face again, I didn’t think I could hold back from dueling him. But I couldn’t cause an incident the night before the heist. I was so damn close.

“Split up,” I murmured to Emmeline. “He’ll follow me.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“Don’t let him get you alone.” I put a hand on the small of her back. “There. The group with Florina and Felina. Go.”

Emmeline walked briskly without looking like she was hurrying. I went in the opposite direction toward the refreshment table. If anyone was watching (and people always watched and judged at these events), it would look like I was getting us drinks while she chatted. Nothing suspicious about that.

Drudon hesitated but then followed me. My stomach unclenched. I hadn’t been completely certain he’d target me instead of Emmeline.

He stalked up behind me as I surveyed plates of hors d’oeuvres. A few other people milled around the table, close enough to hear anything we said.

“Stars, Drudon. Do you have to loom behind me like some kind of evil shadow?” I held up a canapé. “Want one?”

His stance was wide, chest thrust out as he looked down at me. His eyes gleamed with malicious triumph.

“I’ve figured it out.”