Page 7
I laugh. “So you do have a sense of humor. There may be hope for you after all.”
Before Horek can respond there’s a shift in the air as all the males turn their attention to the doorway where it appears the females have finally arrived. Varying degrees of nervousness line their faces. They stand—frozen—until a single bold one catches the arm of another and they stride across the room with a hefty dose of confidence. The rest follow until all twenty are seated at their table. It’s eerily quiet.
“I leave the room for mere moments, and none of you can greet our guests properly?” My mother glides forward with a sharp glare at Horek and me, her presence a powerful force that fills the banquet hall, before turning her attention to the potential brides. “Please forgive my son’s rudeness. Welcome to Bohna. I am Queen Veroneek. Thank you for joining us this evening. I hope the food and drink are to your liking. More so than the present company of males who clearly need to be reminded of their manners.”
She glares a second time at my cousin and me over her shoulder before becoming her charming self once more. “I look forward to getting to know each of you lovely females before the night is over.”
A bevy of staff rush forward and fill the cups of the females. They serve the males next while the musicians start up their instruments to add background noise to the low buzz of conversation that ripples across the tables. I brace myself for the lecture as my mother approaches.
“Lovely of you to make your appearance,” she says with clear sarcasm. “Although I am certain I taught you better about how to greet guests who dine with us.”
I bow my head. “Forgive me for forgetting my manners.”
My mother sighs heavily, but dips her chin in acknowledgement. Our meal is served moments later and any further chastisement comes to a halt while we eat. I can’t help but study the females and compare them to the females mated to the Tavikhi warriors.
The mates of our allies have all been recipients of my charm and attention, but that is because they are safe from me. I have no true interest in any of them, despite any appearances that say otherwise. Flirting is an art form of which I am a master, but it is nothing more than a false front. Something to put them at ease.
Attempting that with these females will lead them to hope there is a chance they will catch my eye. That perhaps I will choose one of them as my future queen. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Movement on the other side of the banquet hall draws my attention. Bannik—twin to Carrik, my spy—has approached the females and is coaxing one of them onto the dance floor. As if merely waiting for one person to make the first move, soon, nineteen other couples join them. The music grows livelier and partners change time and again. All I can do is watch while knowing that a mate will never be for me.
With a lingering glance my way, my mother rises and goes to mingle with the females. I lean closer to Horek to avoid the conversation from carrying.
“The females appear to be enjoying themselves, and the males are all on their best behavior.”
“That’s what you hoped for, isn’t it?” Horek raises his brow. “The females to become enamored by the males so courting can begin quickly and matches found even quicker?”
“Of course.”
“Then what has that look on your face?”
“There is no look besides relief.” I narrow my gaze slightly.
Horek studies me a moment longer. I keep my expression as bland as I’m able. My cousin is far too skilled at reading me. He either believes me or is choosing to let it go. “If that is what you say.”
Silence lingers. Everyone appears to be having an excellent time. A sensation shifts within my chest and for a moment I worry the fever is upon me again, but after a brief pause, I realize this feeling is different. Only, I can’t name it. “Aren’t they just enjoying themselves a little too much?”
Horek’s forehead crinkles. “The males or the females?”
“Both. Neither.” I shake my head. “Forget it. I’m not sure what’s wrong with me tonight.”
“You’re on edge from the mating fever. Did you have another attack after I left your suite?”
I glare. “No.”
“You need to find yourself a bride.”
A growl rumbles up from my chest. “Now you sound like my mother. I’ve already told both of you I have no interest in a female.”
“You’re getting worse. We both know it even if we have no explanation for why it’s happening to only you. Before long, no amount of kanet powder is going to be enough to keep the madness at bay. Don’t do that to your mother or to me.” He blows out a harsh breath, finally saying what he didn’t earlier in my rooms. “Not just because I’m your heir, either, but because you’re my closest friend and I don’t want to lose you. Especially not when there’s something you can do to save yourself.”
Instead of responding—because I have already said all I will on the topic—I observe the occupants of the room a moment longer and then walk away.
Chapter 4
Two-ish moon cycles ago
Devon
