But even Marek seems to be warming up to Sei. Going through with the wedding means Sei has more time to win Marek over. That’s a huge relief, because Sei still isn’t sure how to do that. He hasn’t hated his attempts so far, at least.
Sei reaches for a hairbrush. He can’t blame anyone for not knowing his birthday. It’s not anyone’s fault. Sei can shove down the unfairness and show a happy, supportive face at the party.
Just like a good grail should.
***
As music and laughter drifts into the stairwell, a problem occurs to Sei. He pauses on the landing, realization prickling uncomfortably under his skin. Nobody actually invited him to this party. Clem just assumed Sei was coming.
Did Marek simply forget? Or does he not want Sei here today?
Sei takes a deep breath. If he isn’t supposed to be here, he’ll figure that out quickly and retreat upstairs. Otherwise, he’ll just try to meet more people. The dragon corps is very important to Marek. Sei should familiarize himself with as many riders and adjutants as possible so he can be more useful to his claimant.
Noise rushes out in a torrent when Sei opens the door. A dozen riders and three times as many aides and adjutants fill the room. All the couches and tables are still in place, but the occupants only pay them mind when it’s convenient.
Kamil sits on a table, badly strumming the Pathan lute as a pink-haired woman throws peanuts at him. A man with gold-orange braids walks directly across a couch to reach the pyramid of kegs in the center of the room.
Sei recognizes a few riders by hair color now, but he hasn’t spoken to most of them. Skirting the edge of the gathering, he searches for familiar faces. Someone who isn’t Kamil. Sei doesn’t fancy getting caught in the peanut crossfire.
Movement catches the corner of his eye. Sei barely dodges the quartet dancing—or stumbling?—past him. But the room isn’t big enough for all these people, so Sei bumps into someone else.
“Careful there,” Delline says cheerfully. Even as she stumbles, her mug of ale remains steady. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Maybe Seiisn’tsupposed to be here. He smiles anyway. “Have you seen His Highness?”
“Which one?” Delline points across the room. “Never mind. They’re both over there. Past the kegamid.”
“Kegamid?”
“Keg pyramid.”
“Of course,” Sei says, but Delline is already gone. She grabs the bag of peanuts from the pink-haired woman and throws one.
Kamil catches it and flings it back at her.
Sei doesn’t wait to watch the rest of the combat. He cuts across the room instead of sticking to the edges. Everyone gives him space, and Sei struggles to smile back at the people he recognizes. He hasn’t felt this lost since he first arrived in Draskora.
On the other side of the kegamid, Prince Kazia sits at an aerie board. A very stressed adjutant sits opposite him. Nearby, Marek is surrounded by people.
Sei’s heart twists painfully.
The chaos only makes Marek seem that much larger than life. He stands at least several inches taller than the next tallest person. His laughter isn’t loud, but it fills the room.
Sei doesn’t have time to turn and flee before Marek spots him.
Marek says something quietly to everyone else, then arrows towards Sei. The immediate attention would be gratifying if not for Marek’s first question upon reaching him:
“What are you doing down here?”
“Happy birthday,” Sei says, in an absurd polite reflex. “I’m sorry, should I leave? Clem just mentioned—and I thought…”
Marek winces. “I just didn’t think this would be your scene. Let me get you…”
Someone across the room calls out for Stormrider.
Marek squeezes Sei’s shoulder. “Give me a minute?”
He steps away before Sei can answer.
