As if sensing our attention on him, Briar glanced in our direction and widened his eyes, quietly saying, Help me.
“I think that’s a yes,” I said with a small laugh and dragged Callum over to save our sweet man.
Shortly after we pulled him from the clutches of a now bitter Professor Madeline, the orchestra silenced, and a man drew everyone’s attention to the center of the ballroom. Prince Sawyer and Lady Alina ascended the steps to the dais where the royal family sat. The king smiled at them. The only one at the table who smiled.
A stone-faced woman sat to the king’s left. The queen. It was my first time seeing her. Her dark blonde hair had been pulled back in a loose hold with curls falling free in the front, and she wore a thin gold crown that had a red stone set in the center. She sat perfectly straight in her chair, shoulders back and chin up. Contempt poured from every inch of her.
Like mother, like son.
Cedric sat on the king’s other side and wore a similar expression. That was, until his gaze found mine. A cold smirk spread across his lips.
I shuddered and looked away. Freaking psychopath.
As their engagement was announced, Prince Sawyer and Lady Alina stood with their arms linked and smiled. Smiles that didn’t reach either of their eyes.
Lord Norwood, Alina’s father, made a passionate speech about the strength of Voltas and once again mentioned the “impressive naval fleet” under his control. He then boasted about his daughter’s unmatched beauty and how she’d make a fine bride for the second prince.
“Thus begins a new chapter in our history,” King Eidolon said, raising his goblet. “A union between Bremloc and Voltas that will see us to victory against any and all who dare stand against us.”
Applause and cheers rippled throughout the crowd. Two elegantly dressed noblemen turned to each other and shook hands, smiling as they exchanged words.
“How distasteful,” Briar said, gaze also on the men.
“What is?” I asked.
“Many nobles see a rise in profits during wartime. Those men are looking ahead and already counting their bags of coin should war be declared.”
“But it hasn’t been declared.”
Callum’s expression hardened. “That’s likely where we’re headed though. To war. Probably why Lord Norwood keeps boasting about his fleet of ships. It’s a show of power.”
Briar politely clapped with the others in the crowd, but tension lingered at his temple. “I have to believe the king wouldn’t force us into a war unless it were absolutely necessary.”
King Eidolon didn’t seem cruel like his eldest son. The few times we’d spoken, he’d had a light air about him and seemed reasonable enough. Kind, even.
Lupin said those with my gift were meant for extraordinary things. Maybe that was my calling: to bring peace to the kingdoms. But how? Sitting the two kings down together and forcing them to eat amenity muffins?
Could baking be considered a superpower? Anything was possible. I didn’t know of anyone who could stay mad while eating a tasty treat.
Following the announcement, Miles and I sliced the cake and served the guests. Alice and Peter delivered mugs of the bourbon and brown sugar coffee. People seemed to love it too, which was always a great feeling.
Briar and Callum stayed with me throughout the evening, helping with desserts and taking me for a spin on the dance floor in between. Every once in a while, I caught movement in the crowd. Much too quick for me to make out faces, just super-fast blurs. Maybe the spies?
Although I didn’t see Rowan, I caught faint traces of black cardamom and knew he was watching over me too.
Castle security had kept Maddox busy, but he found his way over to us sometime after the cake was served and pulled me into his arms.
“Good,” he murmured into my hair. “You’re behaving.”
“Yep. I’ve been a good muffin and haven’t wandered off, not once.”
He lightly laughed.
“Any sightings of the mercenary?” Callum asked him.
Maddox drew back from me and shook his head. “Knights and guards are patrolling every inch of the castle grounds. No one has gotten past our defenses.”
Relief had me relaxing even more. “What about the spies? Are they okay?”
