The royal family had to make a grand entrance, so I didn’t resist.
We traversed the halls until we reached the right antechamber. I didn’t spy the parents, but I did see Lucien and Helena already in place. The pair of them were also an old hand at balls, so of course they looked immaculate. Helena wore a deep wine-red gown, which offset her pale skin and dark hair in a wonderful way. Lucien had matched her, his vest the same color, although he wore a black suit. I felt doubly glad Helenahad a partner for tonight to put paid to any notion of me marrying her.
“Edwin!” Helena advanced and gave him two air kisses on either cheek. “Gods above and below, you look stunning.”
Edwin seemed taken aback but smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate the compliment, as I’m a touch nervous. It’s a different thing to be standing onthisside, if you know what I mean.”
“I can only imagine. Here, come with me, have a spot of chamomile tea to steady your nerves.”
“That sounds exactly what the doctor ordered.”
I let those two retire to the settee and have their tea. I poured myself a half glass of white wine. Everyone would end this ball absolutely sloshed anyway, so no harm in getting a head start.
Lucien stepped in closer and lowered his tone. “James. I’m asking, since you’re my friend and her brother—may I date her?”
Funny how he had now asked me this question twice. Lucien was unwavering in that way, I supposed. “Permission granted.”
He gave me a blinding smile in return. “I thought you’d agree but had to ask. Princess Helena is just so…so indescribably amazing. We get along very well together.”
“I think the two of you have a very good chance of a relationship.” Knew it for fact, actually. “Please don’t be put off by her parents.”
“Ha. No, after what Queen Beatrice tried to pull and King Patrick allowed out of neglect, I refuse to let them impact my opinion.”
“Good. Stay with your opinion.” I kept a weather eye on the two situated on the sofa as I spoke. “Beatrice had the bright idea to marry me off to Helena and ship Edwin to the other side of the country—”
Lucien’s jaw dropped as he spluttered incoherently.
“—so if you want her, stake your claim. Frankly, I think Helena would be thankful if you did, if for no other reason than to keep her mama in check. I certainly will thank you for it.”
His eyes went to Helena, looking at her as if seeing her anew. Lucien wasn’t an intellectual slouch, he was very capable of coming to his own conclusions, so I gave him that moment to think.
“She has my support, whether we become a couple or not,” he finally said. “I cannot let her or you wage this battle alone.”
And this was why Lucien Glass was my friend. “Thank you. I might need it. I didn’t expect this move from her. My own informants hadn’t caught wind of the plot, which meant she played it very close to her chest. The whole ordeal shook Edwin badly. I tore three strips off my adoptive mother’s hide for even trying, but who knows how long it will last. Her stupidity is resilient.”
The conversation stopped there as both monarchs and Royce finally arrived.
Sadly, I was not allowed to take Edwin with me through the formal procession into the ballroom, nor was Helena allowed to take Lucien. They would come in directly after us and we’d rejoin them shortly after we made our way to the dais.
Beatrice couldn’t manage to meet my eyes as we all queued up for our entrance.
Helena asked, “Royce, would you be so kind?”
Royce had been told about the argument, so he gave his mother a pointed look as he answered, “Of course.”
Helena took his arm and let him escort her into the ballroom.
The massive space was already filled with people, buffet tables groaning under the weight of food, decorations of flowers and fabric wrapping the pillars. All the doors facing the garden were open to let in the summer evening air, and I could smell the rich scent of the flowers even from here. Mage lights floatedthroughout this room and the garden, the subtle illumination playing very well against the red and gold ribbons, phoenix banners, and such. It was indeed a splendid ball, luxurious even to my cynical eye, and everyone was clearly having a good time already, with the ball not even fully in motion yet.
I followed at the tail end, took up my spot on the dais, and kept a genial smile on my face as my kingly father stepped up.
“Welcome, everyone, to our annual Founder’s Ball. It looks stunning, doesn’t it? Our staff did their best to make sure this event would please you. Everyone, please thank our hostess for this event, our country’s mother, Queen Beatrice.”
Polite applause as Beatrice bowed her head, blushing in a pretty way. The move was both practiced and calculated.
“Now, a few announcements before we begin the festivities—”
I more or less tuned him out. I knew what the announcements were and had more pressing agendas on my mind. Namely, spotting Edwin in this crowd and then dancing with him for most of the night. The only reason why I’d come to this ball, really, was to dance with him. I did have my priorities.
