Aya turned, the grin on her face fading as she met King Dominic’s stare. She remembered herself, bowing low as she said, ‘Yes, Majesty. I’m grateful to Aidon for extending us an invitation.’
Dominic hummed in response, his eyes shifting to the celebration. ‘It seems Gianna was not mistaken in how similar you two might find each other,’ he mused.
Aya frowned. ‘I’m not sure I understand your meaning.’
His voice remained carefree as he turned to regard her fully. ‘Gianna mentioned in her letter that she felt you and my nephew might get along. She was alluding to a match.’ He chuckled at the blank expression on her face. ‘Surely you weren’t ignorant of your queen’s intentions. The amount of time you spend with my nephew has not escaped me.’
Aya took a steadying breath. ‘With all due respect, Majesty, my queen would not see me as a proper match for your nephew. She holds the gods in the highest regard and would never stand for a Visya on the throne.’
The king’s grin grew wolfish, his eyes glinting in the firelight. ‘Ah, but my dear Aya, you are no ordinary Visya, are you?’
Her heart stumbled as he took a step toward her, her hands fisting at her sides.
He knows. How does he know?
‘Youare Gianna’s eyes,’ the king continued. ‘Your abilities are unmatched.’
Vicious relief swept through her, and she forced her face to remain neutral as she said, ‘You flatter me. But let us not forget Will is Gianna’s Second.’
‘Do not think me naive enough to believe you would claim the Dark Prince more powerful than you. Besides, we all know he holds aspecialplace in Gianna’s heart. I have no doubt her feelings are reflected in his rank.’
Aya could feel her face flush, her lips pressing tight as she imagined all the ways she could silence him.
Dominic tsked. ‘I must say, it isfascinatingto learn how much Gianna keeps from her Tría.’
He was goading her. Prodding her for … what? Confirmation of her feelings for Aidon? Gianna’s aspirations? Aidon’s own intentions?
‘I can assure you, whatever she may have alluded to in her letter, Gianna has no intentions with regards to me and Aidon,’ she said evenly. ‘She would never stand for Visya rule.’
‘Ah, butyouwouldn’t be ruling, would you?’
Aya raised a brow. ‘Did you once share those sentiments with your wife, Majesty?’
It was a cruel jab, and Dominic bristled, but there was a hand on her back, and suddenly Aidon was at her side, a too-easy grin on his face.
‘Everything alright?’ he asked her lightly. His eyes sharpened as they fell on the king. ‘Uncle,’ he said, giving a terse nod. Dominic returned the gesture, his eyes cold as they lingered on Aya before he walked away.
Aidon let out a low whistle as he glanced down at her. ‘He usually reserves a look of that much fury for me. What on earth did you say to him?’
Aya stepped out of his grasp, her arms wrapping around herself as she walked away from the crowd. She suddenly felt cold. Aidon followed her, a steady presence at her back as she led the way to the outskirts of the festivities.
‘Did Gianna say anything about us in her letter?’ She fought to keep the accusation from her voice as she turned to face him. She knew Aidon had been marking her … but to keepthisfrom her?
The prince’s brows rose. ‘I didn’t read her letter, this is the first I’m hearing of it.’ He tugged at the collar of his shirt, his voice hesitant as he asked, ‘What do you mean by … us?’
Aya rubbed her face, looking anywhere but Aidon as she gathered herself. ‘Your uncle seems to think Gianna intended for us to be a match.’
Aidon’s brow furrowed. ‘I—’ He paused, taking a second to gather himself. ‘I’m surprised to hear she would support such a thing. That would go in direct violation of what the gods decreed.’
‘That’s what I said to your uncle. She’d never approve of it.’
Aidon’s frown deepened, his eyes darting across her face as he slid his hands into his pockets. ‘I suppose if you weren’t crowned …’
‘Has that ever happened?’
Aidon shook his head, as if drawing himself to the present. ‘Not that I know of.’
Aya turned away from him, letting the breeze settle her. Why would the king even suggest it? Gianna would never stand for it. Unless …
