Page 43 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

I scowl at the female. “I assume you’re here to break my spirit.”

But my remark doesn’t rouse her. “No,” Nefine says simply. “I am here to teach you proper etiquette. You will need to be headstrong if you are to demand respect from the noble fae that will one day bow at your feet.”

My body goes still at her words.

It hadn’t occurred to me that I could become High Queen.

If I did marry Viridian, someday I would.

If being the operative word.

Do I even want to be High Queen? If I do, maybe I could bridge the gap between humans and fae. I could show the realm that we are strong. That we may be mortal, but we are a worthy equal.

“Well,” Nefine says, demanding my attention, “since your engagement ball is quickly approaching, we shall begin with ballroom dancing.”

I groan. As if I need to be reminded.

“There will be none of that here,” she scolds. “Appearances are key to one’s reputation. And at court, your reputation is your sharpest sword. Now,” she directs, raising the crown of her head, “stand tall, with your shoulders back.”

I do.

“Very good,” Nefine muses, taking on a strict, but motherly tone. She steps toward me, holding up her hands. “I shall be your dance partner for today.”

She doesn’t give me a chance to respond before continuing her instruction. “Take my hand. You will follow your partner’s lead—my lead, for our purposes.”

I take her outstretched hand, and she puts her free hand on my waist, keeping a substantial amount of space between us.

She starts to dance, taking small steps back and then to the sides. I do my best to follow, and my movements are stiff.

“Relax,” Nefine urges. “Release the tension in your body. Let the music flow through you.”

I sigh. Closing my eyes, I take a breath and try to do what she says.

“Better,” Nefine says approvingly.

“Who will come to the ball?” I ask while we dance.

“The Heads of Houses, their consorts, and the heir-apparents,” Nefine answers. “Fae who hold positions at any of the five Courts will also attend with their Head of House.”

Nerves gather in my stomach.

Crowds never bothered me before. When Loren and I would go to festivals in Slyfell with food, music, and dancing, we’d always be just one in a sea of many. They’re always full of people standing wherever they can find room in the square. I’ve only ever been but one face in a crowd.

Never the one standing before them.

“Your entrance will be announced,” Nefine explains. “Then you will proceed into the ballroom. You will be expected to dance with the Crown Prince, and when your dance ends, the two of you will greet the High King. Once you have done so, you will mingle with the crowd at the Crown Prince’s side.”

I nod. Though, I don’t plan to be at Viridian’s side the entire night. As if I would ever willingly do that.

I stumble.

Nefine hisses. “Do not anticipate. Respond to your partner’s movements instead.”

I grumble an apology.

“Again,” she commands. “From the top.”

We start over. This time, my movements are less stiff, and I wait for her to move before I step. Nefine gives me a satisfactory nod.

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