The king’s head tilts incrementally, and for a moment, I’m reminded of some fanged predator examining a particularly feisty bit of prey. A chill creeps down my spine.
“You’re saying,” the king drawls, “that you were unaware the ruler of Tirenth is, in fact, a dragon?”
Mother leans forward till they’re nearly nose to nose. “I’m saying I don’t care what fortune you hold,” she hisses. “You won’t have my daughter.”
This, finally, evokes a reaction. His eyes flash; his face darkens. He seems to loom taller, larger. His lips peel back in a grin to reveal pointed cuspids I’d be remiss not to call fangs.
“Is that so?” The dark eyes slide to me. “And what say you, Princess Serah?”
3
My heart stutters as those searing eyes turn my way.
They seemed tame when they first fastened on me from across the port—intense, but with none of the ferocity shining through them now. I hold his gaze only by the polite mettle developed from years of etiquette training.
A lady looks one in the eye when spoken to, I remind myself.A lady looks one in the eye when spoken to…
At my side, my mother’s glare bores into me, urging me to tell the king I’ll not go with him. Stars above, where is Abely? This is the exact type of situation a minister of foreign relations should be managing, but the man seems to have disappeared amongst the crew gathered silently behind us. I feel my courage shrinking as the seconds tick by.
“Do you speak, princess?” the king asks, a smirk rising to his lips. “Or should I accept the queen’s words as your own?”
Selena gasps aloud. Even I start at this unexpected rudeness.
“How dare you—” my mother begins, but to my surprise, I find myself offended enough to reciprocate the king’s manner.
“I can speak very well for myself, Your Majesty,” I say, gripping Selena’s hand tighter. “If you are able to address me with the proper courtesy.”
In an instant, all mirth falls from his face.
“I am,” he says, his seriousness restored, confusing me even further.
“Enough,” Mother says, and turning her head toward the crew, she addresses the captain. “Cast off immediately.”
The captain does nothing to hide the disdain in his voice. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He and his crew disperse as if suddenly called to war. The king watches the bustle with mild interest.
“I feel I should inform you that my subjects were eagerly awaiting the princess’s arrival.” He waves a hand behind him at the murmuring crowd. “A week of festivities has been planned in celebration.”
“A whole week?” Selena blurts before anyone can stop her.
He glances at her. “Indeed. They’ve waited long for their old king to marry.”
To my young sister, I'm sure he looks positively ancient, but he can hardly be much older than my own three and twenty. Of course, some would consider me past marrying age…
“Her arrival,” the king continues, “fortuitously corresponds with our festival celebrating the
Andrames meteor shower at the month’s end, so we have extended the festivities in her honor.”
Mother sends me a sharp look not to react. Though it’s impossible for this king to know, my love for astronomy isno secret to her. The king goes on talking while my sister stares at him, transfixed.
“There will be a feast consisting only of Tirenth’s finest desserts—”
Selena gapes. “Only desserts?”
“A masked ball—”
“A ball?”
“And on the same night, the most elaborate display of fireworks ever seen on the continent.”
