I hand the gift box to one of my servants and let my smile show—for once not a courtly mockery, but my true smile. “And I think I would like to know you better also, Your Highness. Won’t you tell me more of your ah… your journey here?”
Yalina
My visitor stumbles over a brief description of a far-off kingdom filled with strange animals and plants I have never heard of. All the while I’m growing more and more confused. When we have talked for a while before the whole throne room, it is finally time for a more private reception. I lead Prince Noreth—Kaelun?—to the reception room hoping for an opportunity to ask him if he really is my street thief. But the guards are on alert and do not leave my side. Master Solen hovers protectively.
I’m forced to try to subtly pry information from him, and he seems determinedly obtuse. “Tell me how you heard of Vathira,” I prompt, but he changes the subject.
“Why is it I have never heard of Emrakai before,” I try.
He reaches for an elegant glass tumbler and takes a long sip of water before answering—buying time to make up details? “It is far from here. And very different.”
“Oh? I’m fascinated. I have always longed to travel, but unfortunately I’ve never had a reason.”
He nods sagely. “I imagine you must have a lot to keep you busy here.”
“But you do not?”
The prince colors. “I have many brothers. They keep the kingdom running while I am gone.”
This is ridiculous. His tall servant stands over us, and from the doorway the guards watch. I’ll never be able to ask him here.
Just then, Master Solen, who is facing toward the doorway, jumps to his feet in surprise. “Your Highness, Prince Aurelion! Did you not find the royal pleasure barge to your liking?”
The dragon prince steps around Master Solen and surveys the room, his amber eyes flashing. After brushing over Prince Noreth, they linger on his tall, fair-skinned servant for a long time before finally fixing on me. “Light of the Sun, you arehaving a gathering and you didn’t even think to invite me. Should I be insulted?”
Noreth looks between us, confused. It seems everyone is waiting to see what my reaction will be. Even Master Solen is making faces at me from behind Aurelion’s back.
“Oh, but you have been having a lovely time…” I break off, fixing my gaze on Solen over his shoulder.
My spiritmaster mouths, “The pleasure barge.”
Silently I breathe a sigh of relief. “...touring the river… haven’t you? I did not wish to disturb you.”
“You could never disturb me, Light of the Sun.” He is standing there.
Well this is awkward. I cough. “Well, do join us.”
He smiles and drops onto the sofa beside me, giving me a wide grin.
Irked, I say, “Prince Noreth dropped in to bring me a little token of affection. It was very sweet of him.”
Aurelion quirks a brow. “Is that so? And does the solha like receiving pretty gifts? If that is the case, I have also brought something to give you. Something befitting my future wife.”
Noreth stiffens in his seat, and I can see Aurelion thinks he has the upper hand.
“Shall I have my servants fetch it now?”
I hold up my hand. “Ah, that must be a very pretty gift. But since we’ve made no promises, I cannot accept such a thing. Besides, grand gestures tend to be lost on me. While true respect never fails to catch my attention.”
His brows lift, and he dips his head as if to acknowledge a hit. “Lesson learned. It is my pleasure to learn the best ways to please you.”
Noreth seems to be lost for words. The tension in the room is palpable.
Thinking quickly, I beckon for a servant. “Perhaps you both would care to see a display from my falcons? And then I’m sure Master Solen can arrange some dancers or performers to entertain us. Prince Noreth, you must be tired from your long journey. Would you care to change first?”
He shifts uncomfortably. “Yes. That is, if you would be so kind as to…”
“I will have a guest suite prepared for you immediately. And since I must change also, I propose we all meet in the courtyard for a light refreshment when we are ready.”
