Page 111 of The Chains You Defy

He was able to deal with me being insulted almost as well as with threats against my life—not at all. And him losing his composure in front of his grandfather and the entire High Court was an unpleasant prospect.

More and more fae piled into the ballroom. The herald announced each new guest by name—another action my guide had skipped—and if the sole plate on my table hadn’t been indication enough, it became very clear pretty fast I wasn’t supposed to have company.

Why did I care at all? Why did my heart hurt with every breath, and why did I have to fight the tears stinging my eyes?

Maybe because, against all odds and better judgment, I’d hoped that my first ball could be as magical as for the heroines in the novels I’d devoured when I’d been a girl. No matter how poor they were, the moment they’d been invited to a royal revelry, magic happened in their lives.

In my favorite story, a poverty-stricken young woman won an invitation to court by chance, and her entire village banded together to create a fine gown for her. And when she arrived at the ball, her beauty and innocence drew all men to her like a moth to the flame, and not only did she spend her whole night dancing, but she also caught the attention of the handsome prince. They married the same night and spent their lives together as a perfect couple.

How naive my younger self had been.

Realizing how far reality and fantasy were worlds apart—not for the first time—crushed me more than I’d expected.

People like me never got a happy ending—just like love, bliss was an illusion and only occurred in fiction. The best someone in my circumstances could pray for was a mediocre life, with no one abusing them on a daily basis.

Although I was hidden away, unveiled disdain was meeting me from every corner. For the High Court of Alaiann, I was less than vermin. And right now, I fought hard to convince myself that they were wrong.

The ballroom filled, and when the herald announced Ireas and Thain, who arrived together, an usher led them to one of the tables. Before he sat down, Ireas—dressed in an elegant emerald green tunic and matching pants—caught my gaze. Even though I forced my lips into a smile, the young fae stared at me with horror written on his features and whispered something into Thain’s ear before both of them stormed over. Thain, whose white garb gave him an almost ethereal look, helped Ireas into the second least unstable chair, then sat down as well.

“It’s not wise to associate with the pariah,” I mumbled.

“Darling, this is outrageous. Fuck them all. Pretentious assholes.” Anger blazed in the redhead’s eyes, which was such an unknown sight, my heart skipped a beat.

“Dion will be furious,” Ireas added.

“Which, without a doubt, is part of the king’s plan. You’d better make sure that your prince doesn’t do anything stupid. Even though his grandfather mentioned something about the commoner’s table in his presence, I’m certain he won’t react calm and collected.” Despite the gloom that had overcome me since I’d entered thethrone room, a warmth blossomed in my chest. Having friends who stood by me, even if doing so could hurt their reputation, was special, and I would never take their support for granted.

While the two discussed whether it would enrage Dion more if Thain sought him out to remind him about the seating situation or if the redhead stayed alone with me, I monitored the ballroom once more.

Most seats had filled up, apart from the high table. Neither Dion nor his grandfather had joined the festivities yet.

Thain and Ireas were still deep in discussion when the herald’s voice rose over the cacophony of chattering.

“Esteemed courtiers and honored guests, rise to your feet. His Royal Majesty Galrach Folus Iadrann, High King of Galanta and Emperor to the Eternal Throne of Alaiann, has arrived.”

Two waves went through the ballroom. Everyone hurried to stand up before the males went down on one knee, and the females dropped into curtsies. Of course, I did the same.

The fae king entered his domain, crossed the hall in powerful strides, and halted on top of the stairs, observing the scene below him before promenading to the head of the high table. As a servant helped him into the ornate chair, he waved his hand at his gathered subjects dismissively. Another ripple of motion went through the crowd as everyone rose once more.

“Don’t sit down yet, darling,” Thain leaned over to me, whispering in my ear.

Only seconds later, the herald’s voice resounded again. “I present to you His Royal Highness Dionadair Dorchadas Coroin De’An Scriosta, Scion of High KingGalrach Folus Iadrann, Crown Prince of Galanta, Heir to the Eternal Throne of Alaiann, and Field Marshal of the Endless Legions, accompanied by Lady Danartha Teideal Eiri.”

And then Dion entered the ballroom. He was a vision in crimson and gold, donning the garb I’d admired hanging in his wardrobe, and the color suited him exceptionally well. And—was he wearing a crown? Oh, he must hate that.

Even the scowl on his face couldn’t change the fact that he was beautiful. So much that my heart clenched.

Sadly, the same could be claimed about the brown-haired female clinging to his arm. Invisible bands compressed my chest, pulling tighter and tighter as I examined the fae who had been a part of Dion’s life for so long. She wore an impressive dress in black and silver, along with a precious tiara adorned with purple gemstones. I couldn’t deny she looked just as regal as he did. Together, their perfection was almost blinding.

I swallowed hard around the giant lump in my throat and stared at the prince and his escort until Ireas elbowed me into a curtsy. “Nayana, pay attention and figure out who he’s matching with and who not.”

Gods, had I been so apparent in my disdain?

But when I glanced up, I realized what Ireas meant. My dress—the dress Dion had commissioned for me—had the same shade and golden embroidery as the prince’s attire, and the spark of warmth returned to my heart.

Dion’s gaze roamed the ballroom in a casual sweep so arrogant and bored, his glowing eyes dripped superiority across the whole room, and whenever they landed onsomeone, his scrutiny moved on, finding the other party undeserving of his attention.

The moment his observation reached me, his entire expression softened for a heartbeat before a vicious fire blazed in his amethyst depths. Oh, he wasn’t happy at all.