Page 32 of The Rose in the Shadows

“It’s for show more than anything,” she whispered, as if she was afraid of being caught talking so casually. “Both a show of your status as a Council member and the status of whom you’ll be dining with.”

“I’m not a Council member yet.”

Her eyes glittered with poorly hidden humor. “Not yet, my lady. Not quite yet.”

Ihad imagined dining with the Dragon would come with a bit more preamble. I wasn’t sure whatexactlyI had expected, perhaps some fanfare or grand announcement of my arrival as Ientered the Dragons’ rooms, but all I got was a grumpy servant quickly ushering me in as Dimitri and I arrived.

The Dragon, the Queen, and Clay all sat at the large dining table, giving off the impression that I was late even though I was sure I had arrived on time. A feast of nuts, berries, and meats was overflowing on the table, but the three picked at it. The resemblance between Clay and his father was startling as they sat next to each other in their immaculate royal suits. With her delicate features and almond eyes, the difference between the men and the Queen was obvious.

“Theadora!” The Dragon called as I entered. “Do have a seat!”

I bowed slightly, choosing the open seat next to the Queen. She didn’t raise her eyes from her plate as I sat next to her.

“Thank you for the invitation, your majesty.”

The Dragon chuckled, extending a finger at me as he looked towards Clay. “Look at that; she’s learning manners in no time.”

I bristled at the insult but knew better than to speak out of turn.

You just have to get through this dinner, I reminded myself.

The meal proceeded with little to note. Servants laid out the courses in front of us in perfect timing, and I ate in silence. Clay and his father prattled on about trade deals and infrastructure plans while the Queen continued staring down at her plate. I couldn't help but wonder about her. Had she always been like this, or was it her marriage that made her act like she wished to disappear entirely? Even now, during a private dinner, she wore those dragon hand chains on her wrists like a constant reminder that she belonged to him.

I spent most of the night staring out the window at that balcony where I had pledged myself to Athenia, and thereby to the Dragon, only a few weeks prior. A declaration with consequences I was currently dealing with.

“So, Theadora,” the Dragon huffed as they brought our desserts out.

It was a chocolate cake. A beautifully decorated, perfectly proportioned chocolate cake with strawberry jam and cream on the side. It seemed inappropriate to dive into it while the Dragon was speaking to me. But then, it also seemed inappropriate to start a conversation right when dessert was brought out.

“I’m sure you know the Peace Ball is only in a few more short days.”

I had forgotten about the Peace Ball, actually. Thankfully, I’d had enough good sense to ask Iris how much dancing would actually be involved after Clay had attempted to teach me to waltz weeks ago, and she’d had Rankor show me all the popular routines. So at least in that regard, I wouldn’t be making a total fool of myself.

“I cannot express how thrilled we are to celebrate your arrival in Athenia at this year’s Peace Ball,” the Dragon continued. “Our war with Promissa was quite costly, as I’m sure you’ve gathered.”

Clay shifted in his seat uncomfortably. With his eyes on his untouched plate and a single hand clutched in a fist, I’d never seen him look more like a boy. Carefully, I glanced at the Queen, who was clearly too young to be his mother.

I suddenly understood just how costly the war had been for him.

“Yes, majesty. Though I doubt I’ll ever truly understand the full impacts of it.”

The Dragon huffed as he smashed his fork into his dessert. “Although you haven’t officially ascended to the Council, your role in our kingdom is significant, nonetheless. Many eyes will be on you as a representative of our country.”

His eyes found mine, and I forced myself not to shiver with their burning intensity. Like Clay’s often did, they glowed golden, though it was a darker, stormier color. They shone withthe same passion as when he had threatened me that day before the press briefing. His message was obvious.

“I’m aware of my responsibilities,” I told him, pleased with the steadiness of my own voice.

“Very well.”

I tried not to sigh in relief as his attention shifted back to his plate. He had cleared it in no time and was already beckoning for the servants to take away his plates and pour his after-dinner scotch. I picked at my dessert, but my appetite had suddenly abandoned me, and I ended up sending it out half-eaten.

“So, Clayton tells me you’ve begun preparing for the trials to ascend to the Council. It’s more a formality than anything in your case, but we must try to go through the proper procedures.”

The Dragon droned on; his monotonous voice was the only thing standing in the way of my swift escape to shed this gown and step into a warm bath. I was sure Nessira was already waiting for me to commiserate on a terrible evening. Geia would be so excited by the prospect of gossip that she would likely be willing to sneak into the palace kitchens to steal some of the little chocolates that were saved for special occasions.

“And there is, of course, the matter of your upcoming marriage,” the Dragon continued, capturing my attention suddenly.

I stilled. “My marriage?”

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