“That would be very nice,” Amira answered, no fake politeness needed this time.
“I have told them in my letters how lucky I’ve felt to have been chosen as your maid.”
“Are a lot of fae going to be watching me?”
Nalani hesitated, pushing back her short black hair. “There will be some curious eyes wandering.”
Amira’s anxiety flared up, but she didn’t say anything as Nalani started applying light makeup to her face. Amira’s hand started trembling. She could already imagine all those eyes staring at her, detailing her physique and noting her lack of power. Nalani carefully applied a warm shade of pink to Amira’s lips.
“And now, the final touch,” Nalani said as she opened an engraved silver box that Amira had never seen before. She had to hold back her surprise when she saw the gorgeous tiara inside. The base of it was made of the finest silver, curling into delicate flower shapes. Instead of petals, the jeweller had used small, polished turquoise stones. Nalani carefully placed it on Amira’s head, making sure it was secured in between the braids.
“There. It belonged to the last Queen of Turosian and the royal advisor thought it would be fitting for you to have it. It is going to be a strong symbol, as she used to wear it during Falea Night.”
Amira’s curiosity was triggered by the story of the origin of the tiara. She remembered the portrait in the book and Rhay’s strong reaction.
“What do you think of this one?” Nalani said, showing her a formal dress. It was made of shiny silk. The iridescent silver colour made it look like a flowing river. Delicate, pale blue myosotises were embroidered on the bodice. Amira nodded and slipped on the dress with the help of her maid. She had never felt more regal.
Even though Falea seemed to have spared her any good luck, Bellrasae, who was looking after her home kingdom Allamyst, had at least given her beauty.
* * *
The carriage ride with Karwyn was painfully slow. Amira had noticed the unpleasant look on his face when he had seen the tiara on her head. She almost felt sorry for him.
“It’s your first Falea Night without him, isn’t it?” Amira asked.
His eyes narrowed, annoyed by this tentative friendliness. “Yes. Thank you for the reminder.”
“I’m sorry,” Amira replied. “I know how hard it is to lose a parent.”
Karwyn crossed his arms over his chest. “Our situations differ vastly. I lost both of my parents and my father’s death was highly unexpected. His magic had only recently started to dwindle, he was not supposed to die for a couple years, at least. You were fully prepared for your father’s death.”
Yet it didn’t stop the pain,Amira wanted to reply. Her father’s life-source had been decreasing for a couple of years. He’d been 201 years old, so it was natural for his magic to start decreasing, and with it his health. He’d aged rapidly over the course of two years. Karwyn’s father, on the other hand, had apparently only felt his life-source dwindling for a few months before he succumbed to it at the age of 199. It wasn’t usual, but not unheard of either, for powerful fae who had used their power extensively.
Amira could see the veil of suffering in Karwyn’s eyes and knew that his harsh words only meant that his grief was overwhelming. That, she could understand.
“I’m sorry you lost both of them,” Amira said gently. “You were quite young when your mother passed, weren’t you? That must have been difficult. I can’t imagine losing my mother.”
Karwyn stared daggers at her, his turquoise eyes burning. “Let me set one thing straight: My life—beyond court appearances—isnoneof your concern. My mother was a selfish brat who does not deserve to be talked about. She is not to be discussed.Ever.”
Amira bit her lip and nodded. Yet a question formed in her mind and she couldn’t help but ask, “How did she die?” She didn’t remember anyone ever mentioning the cause of her death.
“Pathetically,” Karwyn spat out before turning away from her, determined to ignore her.
Amira diverted her eyes from him to look out the window.
Along the streets, the people of Parae had lined up to wave at their king and his fiancée. Karwyn appeared to be completely disinterested by this mark of respect.
As the crowd increased, surrounding the carriage, Amira’s stress flared up again. She didn’t like the unexpected. What would people think of her?
The crowd grew more agitated and fae started putting their hands on the carriage while others were running alongside it. Amira could hear the excited screams of the assembly.
Karwyn let out an impatient sigh. “By Caelo, these people are truly animals. How dare they touchmycarriage with their filthy hands?”
Amira was completely taken aback by his reaction. She would have expected more respect for his people from a king. Her father had always told her that a king was only as good as he treated his subjects.
Amira pressed her face against the window to get a closer look. Guards were pushing fae away, their hands wrapped around the hilts of their almandine swords. Amira felt a shiver run down her neck. Before she could see more, the carriage picked up speed.
* * *
