I remembered dancing here at the ball with my father on King Varis’ name day celebration when I was twelve. And Father bringing me here just because I’d asked to go with him on an adventure.
I was glad I still retained those memories. I never knew they would be a source of comfort in a time of need.
Thayden ushered me deeper into the hall with a possessive hand at the small of my back. My family followed close behind.
Prince Maelor stood at the head of the long dining table, every inch the perfect royal heir. Dark hair was swept back from a face that held just enough firmness to convey authority without looking arrogant. His clothing was understated elegance. Like Thayden, he wore a deep navy doublet, but his had silver threading and no unnecessary ornamentation. He didn't need flashy displays of wealth to command attention.
I’d met him a few times before, but I was a young child. He was always off on some business for his father when we came to visit.
It was no great loss. He hated magic and those who were magic born.
He loathed it even more that my father married my mother and owned the land we had in the south. Under the new proviso that would go into effect the moment King Varis died, that land would become Thayden’s through our marriage. Nothing that my mother owned would be hers. So, we had all of that to worry about, too.
Many of the restrictions that existed now were because of people like Prince Maelor.
People across the kingdom were wary of him. I felt they had every right to be, whether they were magic born or not.
Maelor was nothing like his father, who’d been so good to us.
Still, he smiled when we reached him.
I smiled back for the sake of keeping up appearances.
"Lady Elariya," he said, inclining his head with precisely the right degree of respect for my station. "It's a pleasure to see you again. And look at you. All grown up."
He extended his hand toward me, palm down in the traditional gesture. I knew what was expected—the old formal greeting reserved for royalty. I stepped forward and took his hand gently, bowing my head as I pressed a brief, respectful kiss to his knuckles. The gesture felt strange, knowing how much he probably hated me.
"Your Highness, the pleasure is mine,” I murmured.
When I straightened, Prince Maelor's smile was warm and approving. "Perfect," he said, as if I'd passed some small test. "Allow me to offer my sympathy in regard to your father. The Royal House has always been fond of him.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
"Now that my own father is on the verge of departing this world, I understand the loss you and your family must feel.”
There was no malice in his words. In fact, I hadn’t expected them. I just didn’t like the way he was talking, inferring that my father was dead.
“I truly wish my father could have joined us for your celebrations," Maelor continued smoothly. "But I'm afraid King Varys' health continues to decline. The physicians say it's only a matter of time now."
“I’m so sorry to hear that. We are truly fond of the Royal House, too.”
“Please, take a seat. Let’s not trouble ourselves with the matters we cannot control.”
He gestured for us to take our seats, and we did as instructed.
As I sat, Thayden flashed me a satisfied glance. He looked pleased at my exchange with Prince Maelor, and pleased with my face.
The bastard must have known he’d leave a mark. And he knew we’d cover it up.
Conversation began pleasantly around the table as the guests filed in and took their seats. Soon, everyone was seated—around twenty people including Mattieu, Thayden’s father.
Prince Maelor gave a toast to us then inquired after our journey to the capital. I was surprised when he followed that by asking Mother about the harvest from our southern estates.
Everything felt so normal. And false.
We didn’t belong with these people. We felt no different from pieces on a chess board being carefully moved around.
Thayden took over the conversation, regaling everyone with stories from our engagement, painting himself as the devoted suitor who'd waited patiently for me to come of age.
