“Right,” I murmured, not wanting anything to do with any gardensorparties.
“You’ll save me a dance, human?” Arenn’s voice buzzed against my ear.
A scowl crossed my face. And when Raena pulled me inside, I made sure to swing the door shut firmly behind me.
Queen Cora’s garden party was much more of a grand outdoor celebration than the small party I was expecting. Almost the entire palace grounds had been decorated. Flickering candles hid in tall palm trees, while pearls dripped from garlands that hung over the sandy paths. A lively dance floor marked the centre of the party – where hundreds of guests paraded over the grass, either dancing to the music or helping themselves to the food trays held by colourfully dressed servants.
With the evening glow of the setting sun, it was certainly a pretty sight. And the music was nice too, not too loud like it’d been at previous balls. But still, even with my more comfortable gown that I’d somehow convinced Raena to let me wear, I didn’t want to be there. Not with my muscles still screaming at me from the events of this morning. And not with the dozen tiny cuts that had barely stopped bleeding still covering Lukas’s body.
I could’ve murdered Prince Arenn.
“People will think we’ve fought if you don’t stop scowling,” Lukas whispered as we stood near the back of the dance floor.
I sipped my blue-tinted champagne, frowning. “Wewill fight if you don’t let me take you back inside soon. Your wounds could get infected out here.”
“They’re barely scratches.” He shrugged. “And besides, we have to maintain appearances. We’re still trying to win over the other rulers for your kingdom, remember? Can’t convince them of Corlixir’s worth from your bedchamber.”
With a scoff, I rolled my eyes. I’d wanted to run back to Lukas the moment I’d been left alone with Ivy and Raena. But of course Arenn had sat outside my door like an insufferable guard dog, insisting that my priority was to prepare for our dance. I would’ve jumped off the balcony had I known how to swim.
It was only when Lukas had stormed into my room covered in blood and thorns that I realised Arenn must’ve left my door to attend the party. But by then, I had barely enough time to wash the blood from his skin before Lukas insisted we were to attend as well.For appearances sake. As far as I was concerned, he’d be a lot more useful to both our kingdoms if he didn’t die of an infection because of some silly party.
“Your faery prince seems to be having a good time,” Lukas said gruffly, forcing my attention from the bottom of my glass. I followed his gaze across the dance floor, my scowl deepening as I caught Arenn surrounded by a group of people. His head tipped back with laughter, earrings glinting in the evening light as he addressed a grinning woman. But then my breath caught.
“He’s speaking with Queen Marigold,” I said, mouth open.
“Filth attracts flies,” Lukas retorted. “Don’t let it bother you. We’re not here for him.”
Exhaling, I nodded before placing my empty glass on a passing servant’s tray. Just as I was about to reach for another champagne, a small voice and a tugging on my skirt forced my attention behind me.
“Princess Naria?” The quiet voice spoke again. I turned to see a small girl dressed in plain clothes flanked by two other young children, each of them wearing nervous smiles as they glanced between each other.
“Oh, hello there,” I replied, a little uncertain. “Is something wrong? Do you need help?”
The middle child lifted her arms, presenting me with some sort of crown fashioned out of shells and twine. “We wanted to give you this, for helping our mama.”
“Your mother?” I repeated.
This time, one of the other children spoke up. “You helped her with her sickness yesterday. She feels much better now.”
“Better enough to play with us again.” The middle child beamed. “Papa was crying when he saw us all in the garden – which is silly because he’s supposed to be happy.” Her babbles continued while I tried my best to contain the glow in my chest. I didn’t remember their mother. I’d helped so many people yesterday. But even if our medicines only helped this lady enough to let her play with her children again, then all our hard work had been worth it.
“I’m so glad she’s better,” I told them with a watery smile. Dipping my head, I allowed them to place the homemade crown on my head. “And thank you for this lovely shell crown. It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” the little boy who hadn’t spokenuntil now blurted, making his sisters giggle. I laughed with them. Even Lukas smiled a little before he swallowed it down with a sip of champagne.
“May we cut in here?” a different, more mature, voice called out from behind us. Bidding the children goodbye, I turned to face the voice. Nerves curled in my stomach when I recognised both Sadie and Collette – the two Queens of Dalking.
“Good evening, Naria,” Sadie started. “Lukas.” She dipped her chin. Her blonde hair had been woven into a bark crown, while the emerald green of her doublet matched the elaborate detailing of her wife’s forest green gown. “I trust you both are enjoying Cora’s party?” She glanced around the crowds. “Hard to believe she threw this all together in just one day, isn’t it?”
“One day?” I almost choked on my gasp. A party like this would’ve taken me weeks to plan. That’s if I could’ve ever planned anything like this.
Colette giggled behind her champagne glass. “Cora’s always been one to put our own celebrations to shame.” Sighing, she tilted her head. “But I’m surprised you didn’t know that already. She organised this in your honour after all.”
This time, Lukas piped up. “She did what?”
Both queens glanced at each other, confused.
“You didn’t know?” Colette’s lips parted. “It’s to say thank you for helping her people yesterday.” She beamed at me. “Cora told us that morale in her villages has never been higher now that the sick are all recovering. It’s wonderful! Her people are so grateful, and she’s willing to repay your kingdom in any way that she can.”
