“Please, tell me your names,” Leland begins, breaking the silence. Gabe opens his mouth to speak before Leland lifts a hand. “Better yet, let me have a guess. Princess Genevieve has shared so much about you all, I feel as though I already know you.”
Gabriel’s expression mirrors Queen Kalise’s bored disinterest as Prince Leland correctly guesses my siblings’ names.
“You, of course, are King Hugo. And you must be Gabriel, the second oldest, with your mother’s features,” he continues, gesturing toward my brother. “And you must be Astoria. I’ve heard the most about you!”
Astoria offers a courteous smile as Leland turns his attention to my youngest siblings. “So that makes you Princess Marielle, and you must be Prince Darian.”
Marielle—ever the one to test Mother’s patience—gives an exaggerated yawn in reply, while Darian smiles politely.
“Well done, Prince Leland,” my mother remarks with an indifferent smile that doesn’t match her cordial words. “We wish to welcome you and Queen Kalise to Naseria—and to our family.”
“We’re honored,” Queen Kalise replies coolly. “We look forward to many years of unity between our two kingdoms.”
She carries that same measured tone that makes me wonder if becoming queen inevitably turns one cold and affectless. Queen Kalise is known across the continent for her frosty demeanor. What I didn’t expect was how much of her I’d see reflected in my own mother.
Unlike Queen Kalise, Mother is known for her warmth and generosity—qualities tied to her gift of fertility and life. It has brought rejuvenation to the kingdom that many praise her for. Fertile fields and rich harvests are useful to people, unlike a cursed gift of love.
“It certainly is an enthusiastic match,” Gabe drawls, his tone bordering on insolent.
I glance at him in surprise at his boldness.
“In what way?” Queen Kalise inquires, her cold eyes fixing on my brother.
“It is not our custom to arrange marriages in Naseria, and thus far, I’ve found the practice lacking.”
His words carry a bite I didn’t expect from Gabriel, and my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“And what, Your Highness, do you find lacking in this arrangement?” Queen Kalise quips back.
“Please, let’s be cordial. Prince Gabriel doesn’t agree with my reasons for choosing an arranged marriage.” My voice is quiet, threaded with the humiliation his words stir in me. Yes, we’ve argued about this arrangement before, but this marriage ismydecision, and I won’t be bullied by my younger brother out of my right to choose a husband.
Prince Leland studies me with mild curiosity, his chin tilted slightly, and I find myself wondering whether he too faced resistance to our match. Most of all, I wish for a few moments of privacy with him—an opportunity to let go of this stifling awkwardness.
As tentative silence settles once more over the parlor, I search for something to say. “Should we discuss our plans for the next month?”
Queen Kalise nods, and Leland glances her way before she speaks. “I would prefer to return to Icelantica in twenty-one days. My kingdom needs me there. Prince Leland has expressed no objection to an expedited timeline. I trust that’s no trouble for you, given your willingness to sign the marriage contract ahead of time.”
“Oh—you wish to attend the wedding?” I ask, surprised to realize I may be married sooner than expected.
“I would never dream of missing my only brother’s wedding.”
Leland adds, “Kalise and I are all we have for family. My move here hasn’t been without inconvenience to her court, and I’m willing to accommodate her schedule.”
I summon my most understanding smile. “Of course. That shouldn’t be an issue.”
Mother gives the slightest tip of her head—her subtle sign of approval—and silence descends again. After a moment, Mari says brightly, “I look forward to the engagement announcementtomorrow night at the ball.”
Gabriel clears his throat but says nothing. Finally, Leland’s companion, General Pryor, breaks the quiet. “A masquerade, is that correct?”
“Yes,” I reply as the others sip their tea. “We’ll remove our masks midway through the evening to announce the engagement.”
The two queens exchange cool glances, the silence settling around us like a cloak.
“A masquerade ball. What an original idea,” Queen Kalise remarks, passing her teacup to a servant. “Do excuse me. I feel fatigued after the journey.” She rises, her foxes scattering around the hem of her dress, and everyone stands to bow as she departs. “Prince Leland, General Pryor, please meet me in my suite in about half an hour. There are some matters I wish to discuss before I rest.”
Both men agree, and Mother rises as well. “I should also take my leave.”
My father crosses the room, taking my gloved hand in his. “This will all work out, Peach,” he whispers encouragingly before following her out.
