“I’m coming in!” Raiden calls out, before stepping into the room. His silver eyes go wide when he spots me. “Well, you polish up nicely for a human.”
A light laugh falls from my lips, and I do a spin. “That's the nicest thing I think you’ve said to me.”
Raiden shakes his head, his lips curling up into a small grin, softening the features of his face. His wings are folded neatly against his back, adding a regal touch to the black fabric of his formal soldier’s uniform. A gold and red dragon symbol is etched onto the chest over the heart.
“You look quite dashing in that uniform.”
It’s my first time seeing Raiden in a soldier's uniform. While the other soldiers and guards dress more formally, Raiden usually wears simple black breeches and a tunic which he’s ripped the sleeves off. His sword is missing from his back tonight, but I’m sure there’s a weapon somewhere on him. Who am I kidding? He is a weapon.
“Would you train me to use a sword?” I blurt.
Raiden looks startled for a moment before laughing. “What?”
“I want to learn to use a sword. If I am to be stuck here, I wish to learn how to fight. You don’t expect me to just stay in my room all day and walk the gardens?”
“Well . . . ”
“Please.” I am not above begging if I have to.
“Fine. It would probably be a good idea, anyway.”
Unable to stop my burst of excitement, I fling my arms around Raiden’s neck and hug him. The big brute stiffens at the contact, and I pull back, thankful for the heels, as his height is really imposing. I give him a reassuring pat on the chest.
“Sorry,” I chuckle."I'm a bit nervous."
Raiden clears his throat and nods to Zaria. “We should be going.”
Zaria walks over, grabbing my hands in hers, and I catch her quick glance at my arm. My birthmark burns under the makeup she used to cover it.
“Be careful tonight. The court is full of vipers.”
I give her a soft smile and squeeze her hands. “I’m sure everything will be just fine.”
“We’ve got her,” Raiden says.
Zaria lets go of my hand with a nod. “Okay.”
Raiden opens the door, and we step out into the hall, my nerves abuzz with excitement as I hook my arm in his, leading me down the hall toward the stairs.
“How many are coming?”
“At least a couple hundred. This is for the noble fae, the lords and ladies mostly. A pre-coronation party.”
My heart speeds up. A couple hundred?
“So why am I attending?” I croak.
“The queen insisted you attend.”
“Why?”
“That's the question, isn’t it?” Raiden replies cryptically.
We walk in silence down the stairs, Raiden helping keep me steady in the heels. At the far end of the hall, I can see the massive double wooden door leading to the grand hall. The guards bow as we approach and pull open the doors, allowing us to pass.
A rush of excitement courses through me as we come to a stop at the edge of the balcony. The opulent grandeur of the ballroom is accentuated by the sweet, melodic strains of music that fills the air. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, ethereal glow over the swirling couples, their elegant gowns and tailored suits adding to the timeless allure of the evening. It's the most magical thing I’ve ever seen.
“Come on,” Raiden says, hooking my arm in his and leading me toward the grand staircase.
