“I suggest you take a step back.” He doesn’t move. “Did you forget that your job is to protect her, not rip her throat out?”
“I think he’d rather throttle me,” I tease, staring up into those intense eyes. He rips his hand away swiftly and swings it toward the dais.
“After you,my lady,” he sneers. I give him a phony smile and brush past him, making my way toward the dais, flanked by the two males. Jace steps around me and bows his head.
“Your Majesties,” he addresses the three royals before us. “I’d like to present the Lady Serena Accostia and Lord Rhodes of Cardynia.”
Curtsy, Jace mouths to me, and I cross my legs and dip into a pathetic half bow, half squat. I can almost feel his eyes rolling.
“Lady Serena and Lord Rhodes, meet Her Majesty, Queen Ilspeth Triori Accostia, and Her Grace, the Crown Princess Sorscha Accostia.”
The queen inclines her head before directing her alluring gaze back to the bustling dance floor. Sam—Sorscha—stands in one fluid motion and takes a step toward me. I am rooted to the spot.
“Cousin!” She flings her slender arms around my neck and squeezes gently. I freeze, shoulders tensing before repaying her with an awkward pat on the back. She pulls back, beaming, her features made even more lovely by her radiant smile.
“I’m so glad to make your acquaintance. My apologies for not visiting you sooner. I only just learnt of your arrival. But here you are! And to stay, I hear. I am thrilled. We shall begreat friends.” Her eyes skim over my dress as she shakes her head.
“You are an Accostia indeed.” Slipping me a wink of approval, she ushers me toward the females behind her. “You must meet my ladies.”
The three fae curtsy with devastating grace. I try to mimic the motion but fail miserably.
“This is Ilsa, Marideth, and Clemence—Cece for short.”
Ilsa, the slightest of the three ladies, is spritely and fine-boned. Her features are small and elvish, with large, round hazel eyes and pin-straight hair that falls to her waist. The auburn-haired Marideth is tall and lean, with cool gray eyes. Her face is unusual, but striking in its singularity. Clemence is devastating, giving even the princess a run for her money. Her body is that of a goddess, slender with perfect curves. Brilliant curls fall in golden tumbles over her shoulders and the rich green of her gown complements the wide-set eyes of a similar jade. High cheekbones and a plump upper lip complete the masterpiece. I instantly hate her.
“How—how do you do?” I fumble over my words. The ladies all give polite smiles that tell me there will be a full pow-wow after hours to talk shit about me.
“Are you enjoying the celebration, dear cousin?” asks the king coolly. Ilspeth shoots him a look.
“Very much. It’s—” I’m at a loss for words. “Far grander than anything I’ve attended at home.”
He and I share a knowing smirk.
“Where is home again?” The queen leans her chin on her delicate palm and fixes her sharp gaze on me. I wonder if she recognizes me from that day in the throne room. If she does, then she doesn’t let on. The king tenses ever so slightly.
“She’s northern, my love,” he supplies. “She was raised at a temple with her late mother.”
“Yes,” I agree, struggling to lie convincingly. I shoot Zadyn a look.
Save me, please.
“And Lord Rhodes, I’m sure the ladies of court will be both overjoyed and devastated by your presence here,” Sorscha says with a sickening amount of charm.
“You flatter me, Princess.” He bows his head gallantly. “The honor is mine.”
Sorscha turns to me again.
“There is much we must discuss. Come to tea tomorrow. But for now, let us dance and celebrate. Prince Kai is as skilled a dancer as they come.” She holds my hands and squeezes. I manage a laugh of relief.
My sister and I don’t speak, but in this world, I have a chance to be friends with her replica. Even if this isn’t Sam, it feels like a free shot at a redo. I know that’s what my dad would want. I smile at her.
“Second, only to the captain, of course,” she modifies, tossing him a look over my shoulder.
“Really?” I can’t help but blurt out.
“Don’t look so surprised.” The “witch” is spoken only in his eyes.
“Princess,” Jace says, earning her gaze as he extends a hand. “Would you do me the honor?” His kind tone is vastly different from the one he uses with me. She places her delicate hand in his.
