Page 54 of Burning Crowns

‘Wayward raindrop,’ mumbled Celeste.

Rose squeezed her hand. ‘You’re a good friend.’

Celeste glanced sidelong at her. ‘Even though I can’t swallow a sword?’

Rose giggled. ‘That only makes me like you more.’

The horn sounded again. ‘We welcome Princess Elladora from Demarre!’

‘That’sher name,’ said Celeste, with a jolt. ‘Remember when she came to Anadawn? She was visiting with her parents and she fell into a rose bush and cried.’ She chuckled at the memory.‘She had to sit on a special cushion at dinner.’

‘Of course,’ said Rose, brightening at the memory. ‘I remember now. She certainly looks different.’

Princess Elladora stood, her golden hair flowing to the floor. She had light brown skin and pale green eyes that perfectly matched the colour of her gown. The dress was cut low at the front, the long train trailing behind her as she took a step towards Shen. Around her waist was a thin belt hung with silver stars.

‘Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful kingdom, King Shen.’ Her voice was low and hypnotic. ‘When my people heard of its discovery, we released two dozen royal doves and sent them across the sea in celebration. We hope that one may have even reached you here in your desert home.’

‘I’ve never heard something so ridiculous,’ muttered Celeste.

‘Thank you, Princess Elladora,’ said Shen, with a gracious smile. ‘Any emissaries from Demarre, including those with wings, are most welcome here.’

Princess Elladora curtsied. ‘I do not sing nor do I swallow swords. But I have brought my stars. I hope they will please you and your people.’ She removed four stars from her belt, each of which had sharp, shining edges. ‘I pride myself on my precision,’ she said, tossing back her long, silky hair. ‘I must ask you, King Shen, do you agree that trust is the most important element between two countries beginning an alliance?’

‘It is,’ said Shen.

Rose bristled. ‘Talk about stating the obvious.’

‘Then please trust me when I ask you to step in front of me and stay perfectly still.’

Shen did as he was told, but even at the back of the crowd Rose didn’t miss the tightening of his jaw, the curling of his fists by his side. He was nervous. And so was Rose.

‘Tell me, King Shen,’ said Princess Elladora, flashing two perfect rows of pearly teeth. ‘If I impress the crowd, do I win a kiss?’

Rose inhaled sharply.

‘Shameless!’ cried Celeste.

Shen was nonplussed. ‘I think they’re already more than impressed with what they’ve seen,’ he said, returning an easy smile. ‘It will be hard to impress them further.’

‘I do like a challenge,’ said Princess Elladora, coyly. She flicked her wrists and the stars flew towards Shen, their sharp edges glinting in the moonlight. Rose gasped as they sliced through Shen’s silk shirt. The material fell away from his torso in ruined shreds, leaving him standing bare-chested, but unharmed.

The stars clattered to the floor and the crowd erupted.

Shen chuckled as he surveyed himself. ‘Thatwasimpressive,’ he said, picking up the stars and handing them back to the princess of Demarre, who returned them to her belt.

She turned to the crowd. ‘Well?’ she called out. ‘Have I earned my kiss?’

They roared in unison, stamping their feet in support.

Satisfied, Princess Elladora leaned towards Shen, her full lips puckered.

‘KISS HER!’ screamed someone in the crowd, the chant taking hold almost immediately.

‘KISS! KISS! KISS!’

‘DON’T YOU DARE!’ yelled Celeste but her voice was lost in the furore.

Shen laughed, and gamely kissed the princess of Demarre on the cheek. She pouted, but then winked at him, whispering something that was impossible to hear over the roaring crowd. Whatever it was reddened Shen’s cheeks.

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