“Taeven.” The King's expression shifted into pleasure. “It's good to have you back with us.”
“He has been so excited ever since we received news of your valorian,” the Queen added, her hand on her husband's forearm.
In contrast to her husband, Queen Siarra was pale, with eyes in a bright shade of blue. Her dark hair was braided elaborately beneath her crown, and her slim shoulders looked too frail to carry the weight of her heavily embroidered gown. The Princess was even paler than her mother, with that rare version of blonde hair that I'd only seen on faeries—so light that it was as white as the snow that covered the city—and her skin nearly matched it. She wore an ice blue gown that brightened her coloring to a nearly blinding state and matched her eyes. She was practically translucent. Her hair, unlike the Queen's, hung unbound past her hips in a shining cape. Her crown offered a spot of bright color, and even though it had only a single jewel at center-front, it stood out sharply against her pallor.
“Thank you, Your Majesties.” Taeven bowed. “I'm delighted to present your valorian to you. This is Shane Rumerra.”
I stepped forward and knelt at the base of the dais. “Your Majesties.” I inclined my head to the King and Queen, then to their daughter. “Your Highness.”
“Welcome, Falcon Valorian, beloved of our Goddess,” the King declared. “We are honored to have you with us.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. The honor is entirely mine. Your home is magnificent.”
The King's grin broadened. “Funny that you should mention homes. I have a gift for you, Valorian. An estate in Wynvar, near your warlord's.”
“An estate?” I gaped at him. “Are you saying that you're giving me a house, Your Majesty?”
“I am indeed.” He was obviously delighted by my shock. “And for you, Taeven, a property on the Avalar coast.”
“I'm overwhelmed by your generosity, Sire,” Tae said as he stepped up beside me. “Thank you.”
“You have served us well these many years, Tae. The reward has been earned,” the Princess declared.
Tae. She had called him Tae.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Taeven said with a soft smile.
“It has indeed,” the King said. “I will speak more with you tomorrow when you give me your report. For tonight, enjoy your accomplishments and thehonorthey have brought you and youralready esteemedline.” The King's sharp gaze flicked around the room almost in challenge, and I instantly liked him for it. When he looked back at Tae, his gaze softened. “I notified your parents of your valorian and just received word back from them. Your father is extremely proud and asked me to convey his congratulations and love to you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Tae swallowed roughly. “That was very kind of you.”
“Nonsense. You know I keep in contact with my old General. I try to give him updates on you regularly.”
“I appreciate that, Sire.”
I looked back and forth between the King and Taeven with a soft smile. So what if some of the nobles didn't like Tae? His royals did, and that was far more important.
“This celebration is in honor of you both,” the Queen added, setting her gaze on me. “Feast and make merry, Falcon Valorian. You have found your way to your true home at last.”
The room cheered at this, though I couldn't fathom why, and Taeven helped me to my feet. Tae tugged on my arm as he started to bow, so I followed suit. Then he backed us away from the thrones. The crowd closed in around us, but as we turned, I saw the Princess stand and start down the stairs. A man waited for her at the bottom of the dais. His skin was a shade darker than the King's, speaking to time spent outdoors, and his golden-brown hair was pulled back in a severe braid. He glanced over at us, his gaze roaming me critically and then Tae with familiarity. I blinked at that. It wasn't a look you gave an acquaintance. But then he pulled the Princess close and kissed her passionately. Perhaps I had misread them both.
Taeven nodded to courtiers as we passed, several inclining their heads respectfully, but none appeared worth the time for Tae to stop and speak to. Instead, he led me out of the central section entirely and into the dining area. Once past the translucent partitions, I got a look at a banquet table set with the most beautiful food I've ever seen.
“Holy shit,” I whispered as Tae led me over to it. “Look at the finish on that braided loaf! It's perfect!”
Tae chuckled and escorted me to the bread section at one end of the table. It was laden with crusty rounds, glossy loaves, and fluffy rolls. Some were speckled with herbs, others fruit, but the focal point was a centerpiece of a falcon in flight, all done in bread. The intricacy of the pointed feathers blew my mind.
“I feel as if I should kneel,” I declared.
“It is rather like an altar to bread,” Taeven noted as he handed me a plate. “Try a piece of all of them.”
“But . . .” I trailed off as I looked down the length of the table at the feast done in appetizer size so that people could eat without worrying about utensils. Every single offering was beautiful and displayed a level of skill that I could only dream to achieve one day.
“Yes, that can be a problem.” Tae nodded as if he'd heard my thoughts. “I recommend these two.” He pointed at a round tinted green and then a loaf with a shiny top. “The green one is flavored with an herb similar to dill and the loaf is a savory sweet bread that's my absolute favorite.”
“Thank you,” I said in relief and sliced myself a piece of each.
“My pleasure. I can advise you on the rest as well.”
