“Battle Commander of the Vosgaardian Furyknights, General Donavyn Arsen!” The man announced in a sonorous voice, heavy with gravitas. But his tone tightened dramatically when he continued, the words clipped. “And his companion, Brennan Kearney.”
‘Remember, it’s a power play,’Donavyn said, taking my hand high and walking me to the stairs, where he raised our clasped fingers and bowed to me, while I curtseyed, praying I wouldn’t wobble.
A murmur rose in the glittering crowd below us as Donavyn straightened, and with his nose in the air, began the long walk to the bottom of the stairs and the great banquet hall that awaited us.
No other parties would be announced until we made it to the floor, so Donavyn took his time, a small, self-satisfied smile on his face.
Then, he turned his head and drank me in, his eyes darkening as he scanned me from head to toe.
‘You look stunning, Bren.’
I felt my cheeks heat, and had to fight a smile—he’d almost coughed when I walked out of the room in the rose gown the queen had given me. I’d never felt more beautiful, and was surprised by how deeply it affected me to see him stunned to silence, as he turned me around and struggled to find words for his admiration. But I did as he’d told me back in our rooms andkept my eyes low, and my expression as close to serene as I was able.
I wasn’t here to challenge these people. I was here to intrigue them.
‘You shouldn’t look so happy to be with me,’I warned him.‘I’m the unworthy commoner with her claws in a powerful man, remember?’
‘So, let them see me welcome your talons,’he replied as we continued down the stairs.‘It only demonstratesyourpower, my love.’
Warmth flushed my chest. I adored it when he called me that.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs and he bowed to me once more, and I curtseyed, my chest trilled with the rush I felt for him.
‘I love you, Donavyn.’
‘I love you more, Bren.’
‘Don’t let them see that. Let them think it’s only lust.’
‘Fuck that,’he retorted gruffly, taking my hand and leading me towards our seats at a table so wide and long, it lined three sides of the hall in a massive U shape.‘If there’s one advantage to this mission, it’s that I don’t have to hide how I feel about you. I’m already stifling words. Let them see how I admire you. I don’t want any man here telling himself there’sanychance I won’t fight for you.’
I sighed happily, but made myself focus. I wasn’t here to swoon over my mate, though I dearly wanted to. This was a time to be what these people needed to see to trust me. At least enough to let me into their world.
I was surprised when we were ushered to seats just a handful down from the queen herself. And even managed a smile for Lady Faye who was seated next to me, though her eyes were all for Donavyn. But his love and burning need thrumming inthe bond fed my heart so that it was easy to be gracious to the woman, and greet her with a smile.
But those moments in the privacy of our minds were the last part of the evening I could truly enjoy.
Two hours later, the banquet tables hastily pressed back to the walls to make more room for dancing, I walked slowly along the edge of the dance floor holding a brittle smile, but muttering curses under my breath.
This place wasawful.These people were shallow, petty, and obsessed with themselves.
No statement was received at face value. Everyone assumed ill-intent, and retorted using flowery language to veil cutting disrespect.
It was exhausting.
I’d thought the empty tittering and innuendo of the queen’s ladies in Vosgaarde was bad, but it was nothing next to this bloodbath. The women used words like rapier blades, and the men flexed intellect like a Furyknight’s muscle.
The queen’s words of insight rang in my head, but I wondered if she’d misjudged.
Don’t be too coy. With nobles, rumors are snacks, and whispers are a feast. If you ingratiate yourself with anyone, offer a tasty morsel, butonlyin private—and always plead for secrecy. Bold honesty will only be assumed to be a ploy—it will get you nowhere with this herd.
Donavyn had kept me at his side during the meal, but afterwards, when we all rose from the table to allow the servants to move them, Lady Faye snapped him up with an excuse about introducing him to a friend.
She’d dragged him off, ignoring me completely, leaving me to follow in their wake like a puppy on a leash. And while I didn’t resent the opportunity tonothave to listen to her flutteringlaughter and suggestive remarks about Donavyn, I prayed I could find a way to insert myself with the others.
Everyone’s attention seemed to be on Donavyn. I had to find a way to use that.
EvenIknew, in battles for power, being perceived as weak was the quickest route to irrelevance. But I had high hopes for a chance to be noticed soon, andset the hook,as the queen had termed it. I was biding my time.
