Page 125 of The Chains You Defy

Galrach bared his teeth in an ugly snarl, fists balled, firebolts shooting from his eyes, but he dipped his chin in the faintest of nods.

“Your High King once told me, when I asked him why he insists I carry so many titles, that they display superiority without constant demonstration. Bullshit, if you ask me. Reputation does that better than any honorificcould. Those who know me are aware of how much I despise the whole string of empty words attached to my name and that I’d rather travel to Udiona and back before anyone would catch me reciting them all myself.”

What was he up to? For me, the longer Dion explained his point to his audience, the more his words resembled mad rambling without proper context. If this were his big villain speech, he’d have to practice the next one better.

“But I recently learned never to say never. Because, dear Grandfather, as you always state, and the past agrees, rites are the backbone of Galanta, and to make sure you won’t go back on your word, I’ll enact the following rite in a way that you can’t find a loophole.”

There was a weird energy in the air, one not coming from the hostages but from Dion himself. Galrach’s veins pounded in his neck and forehead, and Thain—Thain grinned.

Why was he grinning?

“So, let it be known that in front of High King Galrach Folus Iadrann of Galanta, Emperor to the Eternal Throne of Alaiann and the gathered High Court of Alaiann Palace, I, Dionadair Dorchadas Coroin De’An Scriosta, Scion of High King Galrach Folus Iadrann, Crown Prince of Galanta, Heir to the Eternal Throne of Alaiann, and Field Marshal of the Endless Legions, will officially enact the Rite of Courting, in which I will try to win the affections of Nayana Garnet Ortha of Ivreia.”

My face was a mess of confusion as Dion grabbed my hand and ghosted a chaste kiss on top of my knuckles. Amethyst eyes ensnared my own as his lips curled into the softest smile I’d ever witnessed on him.

Gods, this fae.

“Nayana, from this moment on, I’m your humble servant, your knight, and the one trying to win your heart. During my courtship, I’ll prove my devotion to you. Only to you.”

What in Noelk’s name? Had he had this rite in mind earlier? What would its execution involve? Why hadn’t he warned me? And how were we supposed to survive the wrath of Galrach?

So many choice words gathered on the tip of my tongue, and I had to swallow them all.

Oh gods, did I have to answer anything?

Releasing only the pianist from his dark restraints, Dion nodded to the freed male, and when the first nervous notes rang out, he hauled me to the dance floor.

“We’ll leave after the song. Don’t fight me. I’ll explain everything later.”

“What else are you planning? Another delightful surprise? Gods, this wasn’t your brightest idea. Antagonizing your grandfather? Taking the court hostage? What happened to low profile?”

“The declaration of intent has to be instantly followed by the First Act of Courtship, and I don’t want my grandfather to intercept us. Which is a possibility once I release everyone. Only after we’ve satisfied customs will we have gained some protection.”

Dion’s muscle ticked in his cheek, the telltale sign of him being stubborn. Well, I was just as headstrong. “Your grandfather is fuming.”

“I don’t care.”

“That’s not surprising. And I’m clueless about exactly what you announced.”

“Oh, easy. During the courtship, I’ll convince you that I’m the best male for you, that you can’t find anyone better. When successful, the rite ends with our union.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Possibly.”

“How can you be intoxicated without drinking a single drop of alcohol?”

“Hush, it’s time for our exit.”

Mirth and fondness dominated Dion’s features, and when the last notes faded, the smoky clouds of his magic disappeared. The prince hauled me closer into his arms, sprinted through the ballroom doors, and without warning, hurled us into a shadow.

Damn shadowwalking.

Nausea roiled in my stomach. Oh, how I despised shadowwalking.

And Dion—he should have warned me before transporting us.

That bastard.