Page 57 of Crown of Ellova: Vol 1

Kole opens his mouth again, but Everett cuts him off. “Della, I finished the book you lent me. It was an entertaining read on a long ship ride. I’ll bring back your copy before I set sail again.”

“I have the next one if you wish to continue the series. Stop by the west tower when you can,” I say, ignoring Leon’s fixed gaze on me when I mention my rooms.

Kole ignores our conversation, butting in without remorse. “I was scheduled for another journey, but I requested to continue my work at the palace and will be home for Nueena’s celebration. What shade of blue will we be wearing together?” he asks in this cocky tone that implies my answer doesn’t matter much.

“Well,” I say in clear mock politeness, “you can wear whatever blue you like, but we won’t be sharing shades.” Sharing shades, a type of claiming through fashion, was one way to show other dancers you are spoken for. Formalwear cut from the same fabrics.

Everett laughs and mumbles to him, “Told you.”

Kole ignores him. “Surely you can’t attend Nueena’s ball alone. Who will you dance with if we don’t go together?” He laughs a little at the thought.

I shrug. “Well, Nueena will be busy, but Tavien is always up for a spin around the dance floor. He is an excellent dancer and never minds when I step on his toes.”

Kole is unamused at that, but his cocky grin is quick to return. “But of course, you will save me a few dances. Last time you disappeared before I could find you, or if dancing isn’t on the table, we can find a few dark alcoves during the revelry to entertain ourselves…”

Kole smiles at me with what I’m sure he believes is a charming grin and moves a bit closer, his black pepper and patchouli scent overwhelming, but stops to look over my shoulder. Leon slides behind me, pressing into my back, and a firm hand is placed just above my full hips. Everett’s smile slides off his face as Leon's fingers press into my waist.

Leon ignores Kole completely and gazes down at me with open adoration. “I’m ready to go back toourrooms when you are.” We stare at each other for a long moment; his protectiveness is an electric sensation passing between us. He pulls me closer, a possessive edge to his touch.

I nod. “Um, yes, we should go.” I’m uncomfortable with the way Kole is looking at both of us, so I attempt to be kind. “That color you have on now looks nice. You should wear that to the ball.”

“Is it the color you will be wearing?” he asks with a wicked smile that Leon quickly wipes from his face.

“No,” Leon says flatly, “she will be wearing green with me.”

All of us turn to stare at him. Kole is momentarily silenced before he looks down with narrow eyes at Leon’s hand on my hip and says, “We shall see.”

Everett takes all this in before he gives Kole a friendly shove, pushing him towards the exit. “I’ll see you later,” Everett calls behind him and as the door is about to close, I hear an angry “Just let it go!” The door slams behind Kole, rattling the glass.

“I’m going to make him the ugliest tunic possible,” Hiliyah declares.

I close my eyes and sit on a cushioned stool. A headache stabs the back of my head, and I sway a little. The crown’s magic thrumspainfully. The sound of motion and a wisp of air in front of me lets me know someone has bent down to my level. I open my eyes, unsurprised to find a fretting Leon.

“What a delightful gentleman. I do not understand why he is not attached,” Leon says with a scowl.

When I don’t laugh, Hiliyah clasps her hands together with apprehension. “I knew that would shut him up. I won’t make you share shades if you don’t wish for it.”

“Thank you. That will not be necessary.” The act of matching formal clothing is a treasured part of our culture and should not be tossed about lightly. Once Leon completes the elixir, he will leave here with it to help the mortals in their recovery, and I will be left alone again. Sharing shades will only give each of us false hope of what this means and send the message we have a formal attachment to anyone who sees us together. That is, if the magic hasn’t driven him into madness by that time.

Leon’s gaze is intent on me, but I refuse to meet his eyes as I stand and walk to the counter with Hiliyah and Nueena. I lay a long piece of satin down and place the contents of my bag on it. “He will need at least five of everything; a new travel cloak, brown; and two sets of boots. One outfit fit for any royal activities he may attend with us.”

Hiliyah looks Leon up and down before selecting items for her trade: ruby hoop earrings, a large jade ring, a gold watch enchanted to never be wrong, and a diamond-studded nose jewel. “I will have his new clothing delivered in the morning.”

“I’m going to command the entire Ellovian army soon,” Nueena says. “Say the word and I can have Lillian station Kole on seawall duty on the ice coast.”

It’s impossible to hide my smile at the visual of the handsome Kole freezing, his perfectly combed blond hair and frostbitten pointed ears sticking out from a massive white fur coat, shaking with rage at his new assignment. “As truly amusing as that would be, it won’t be necessary. Besides, let’s not have your first act as ruler to be reassigning one of your best captains for my benefit. You might appear to be playing favorites.”

The three of us look at each other before bursting into laughter.

“Would you like Tavien to duel him?” Nueena’s suggestion only makes us laugh harder, the sounds carrying throughout the shop.

While Tavien is much taller and stronger and a skilled swordsman, the only time I’ve ever seen him ready to duel anyone was when finding an essential history text that someone had spilled a goblet of wine on and abandoned in one of the royal libraries.

“You know,” I remind her, “I don’t need your commander or Zemra to fight my battles for me. I can handle it. With a sword I forged myself, I might add.” I send her an unamused look in an attempt to appear annoyed, but we all end up laughing again.

“I know, I know. I’m just saying you don’t have to deal with him alone.” Nueena’s sweet offer is genuine. “Obviously not Kole, but perhaps it would be nice for you to take someone special to my coronation ball. You have never shared shades before.” There is a hopefulness to her question as her gaze slides to Leon, who stands across the room, his eyes on me.

I avoid his stare and instead watch a cluster of white flowers bloom on the hem of a lilac gown a fae woman is trying on. “Kole is harmless, just persistent and oblivious.”

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