Page 77 of Kingdom of Crowns and Daggers

However, once my maids have finished with my elaborate dress, since we are to be in the public eye, I sneak many blades onto my body just in case before checking myself over in the mirror to make sure none show. It’s only then I truly take in what they have put me in. Although intricate, it is not over the top, and it’s actually very beautiful.

The floor-length gown fans out at the back, creating a train. The deep V-neckline, although showing skin, is obscured by real laurel flowers spread across my chest, their pink petals contrasting with the cream colour of the fabric. More flowers are woven into the gown, draping over my sides and hips, looking like a waterfall. My hair is tied up under a headdress made of laurels. I almost look like a flower fairy from childhood stories. My makeup is soft and pink to match the flowers, and even I can admit that I look beautiful and very regal.

“My lady, are you ready?”

I nod as I turn away from the mirror and take their hands to help me through the threshold. Once outside of my palace, we are met with a congregation of scholars, council members, and staff. My eyes widen as I take in the parade of people. The council is spread across huge palanquins, boredom in their eyes as they wait. Queen Mother is at the back, and although I cannot see her, I assume she is not happy about that.

A palanquin awaits me at the bottom step, the side open with Joha standing before it and Orion at his side. I stop at the top of the steps as I look him over. He’s not looking my way yet, and it gives me a chance to analyse him or, if I’m being honest, check him out. He is in a cream robe as well, decorated with laurels like my dress so we match, but unlike me, he has his crown on, and I know he did that to remind them who he is. He is regal and tall, his hair unbound. He looks perfect and untouchable. When his eyes find mine, though, I see worry and anger in his gaze. I nod slightly to let him know I am here and that he is safe, and my eyes find Orion as a reminder that he wouldn’t let anything happen to the king as well. He’s currently scanning the gathered crowd, no doubt hating that today must happen, especially after yesterday.

It is not often I see Orion in his full, decorative armour, and I gaze at him far longer than is appropriate. It glistens brightly in the sun, the silver catching the light, and the ornate royal crest is proudly displayed across his chest. His beard is trimmed and styled, and his shaved head shines like his armour.

“My lady?” Blushing slightly since I have just been caught staring, I descend the walkway. Joha takes my hand, kissing the back of it, his eyes twinkling as he plays the part.

“My love, you look more stunning than the first blossom of the year,” he murmurs. “I cannot wait for the city to see your beauty.”

“You are too kind, my king.” I grin, fluttering my lashes and acting lovesick for anyone watching.

He releases my hand as he looks over the congregation. “I believe we are ready to go.”

“One moment, Your Majesty, we are just waiting for more guards,” Orion supplies, and Joha sighs but nods, shuffling at my side as we wait for the procession to begin.

With nothing else to do, I find myself looking at Orion once more. Unlike Joha and me, who match, Orion’s ensemble sets him apart, and for some reason, I don’t like that. I want them to know we are a united front—a threat to one is a threat to all—and maybe that’s why I do what I do next.

Plucking a flower from the top of my shoulder, I lean into Orion, whose eyes widen. Ignoring his incredulous stare, I weave the flower into the top of his breastplate and smile as I step away. “Now we all match, like a team.” I nod before turning back to Joha. I feel Orion still watching me, but I refuse to look, something akin to embarrassment filling me at what I just did without thinking.

When I find the courage to look back at him, he’s smiling slightly, scanning the crowd once more. Seeing this big, scarred warrior with a tiny pink flower on his armour shouldn’t be adorable, but it is, and I giggle as I take Joha’s arm and let him help me into the palanquin. He sits elegantly next to me, our hands joined between us and on display for the entire city to see.

I was informed how we would be paraded throughout the provinces, giving hope and bringing in the first blooming of the laurels, then after that, we are to attend the docks to watch the ships sail away with the first medicine of the year, off to trade with our neighbouring kingdoms. Once that is done, we will go back to the palace for the banquet and the ball. It’s a busy day with so many opportunities for an assassin to strike, and it has me on edge. Sitting stiffly, I force a smile as we leave Moonshadow Palace and head out into the city beyond.

“Just remember, Alyx, smile and wave. That’s all they want. They don’t want the truth. They want the pretty image we represent, nothing more,” Joha murmurs as we make our way into Stormhallow Province. It makes my heart ache, since I have not been back here in many years.

I can feel Joha’s eyes on me, but I keep looking forward, reminding myself this is part of the job.

I can do it.

The entire procession through what was once my home is painful, and at every corner, a memory pops into my head. When we make our way into the neighbouring province of Oaken, I finally relax.

I can do this. I can do this.

I have to do this.

Pretending to be wildly in love with Joha is easier than expected, and I cannot admit to myself I don’t even hate it. I take liberties, like teasing him and flirting with him throughout the day, loving the way the blush stains his cheeks for everyone to see.

Once back at the palace, we are the centre of attention in our thrones as entertainment is conducted within the hall. No doubt the entertainers have spent months practicing. We have singers, dancers, and musicians, each act more elite and impressive than the last, but my focus is on Joha—not just keeping him safe, but seeing how much I can tease him before he loses it.

It’s become my favourite game and the only thing keeping me sane through the longest day of my life.

Reaching over, I lay my hand on his robed thigh. His eyes widen even as he claps along with the drums filling the air. Smirking, I keep my eyes on the entertainment as I trail my fingers across his thigh, leaving random patterns. I feel him shudder under my touch, but he says nothing, nor does he stop me. The exposed tip of his left ear, the one closest to me, is turning bright red though.

Hmm, I can do better.

Leaning in, I blow my breath across his ear, feeling him jerk. “Having fun, my king?”

He clears his throat, glancing at me as I pull away slightly. “Are you?”

“Hmm, well, I’ve been playing a game with you and also guessing what others are saying.” I nod at a burly man in a council robe. “He’s saying, ‘I know I slept with your mother, but it was a one-time thing. Why don’t we forget it?’ Or her, she’s saying, ‘You remind me of a badly bruised orange.’”

His laughter bursts from him, causing heads to turn, but he doesn’t notice, his eyes on me. “Is that so?”

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