Page 20 of A Dagger in the Ivy

The king runs a hand over his beard. He then turns his focus to Farvis, who steps forward.

Farvis smooths down the front of his black-and-green robes. “It would be wise to lay some ground rules, of course, but it does seem a fair compromise, Your Majesty.”

Ground rules?

After a moment of deliberation, the king speaks. “Fine. But only until the wedding. After all, I expect that, soon after, an heir is produced. I will not have the unborn heir to Hedera vulnerable in the middle of a battlefield.”

Though I knew that producing an heir would be in the terms, the thought of any child of mine inheriting King Silas’s cold demeanor churns my stomach.

Uncle Kormak dips his head. “That sounds more than fair, YourMajesty.”“It’s a good start, Celeste. I did not expect him to even consider it.”

The wedding won’t take place for a few months, so that gives me time. And if I can find ways to delay it, all the better. For now, I decide to play nice. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The king looks pleased with himself, sitting up straight with a gleam in his eye. “Just one last term—the most important term, I believe.” His quick glance at Farvis tells me that the term was proposed by his advisor. “If, for any reason, the princess rescinds her agreement and does not go through with the marriage, I will take it as a betrayal to Hedera. It will be considered an insult to the good faith of our agreement, and not only will all support to Delasurvia be withdrawn, it will spark a war between our lands.”

My breath leaves me, and there’s a sudden heavy feeling in my stomach. I don’t intend to break my promise, but the king just threatened us with war. I can’t help but feel admonished.

“Yes, of course,” my uncle responds, evidently noting I’m too shocked to speak.

“Very well. My council and I will make the final arrangements, and I shall release my nightfeathers immediately to relay the news.”

“I would like to be present for the final arrangements, Your Majesty.” I keep my voice polite, but my stance is strong.

Farvis and the king exchange a glance.

The king lets out a chuckle. “I’m afraid I cannot allow you into the council chambers, Princess.”

Farvis takes a step forward. “It would be unwise for the court to allow someone from another land to freely enter the chambers where classified information is held. Especially so shortly after your arrival. We must take precautions, you understand.”

I purse my lips, only holding back my argument because of my uncle’s warning look. “Yes. I understand.”

The king leans back and gestures to someone by the door before turning back to me. “You may take your leave and prepare yourself for tonight’s ball. Indira has been assigned to serve you and will see to allyour needs.”

Nadya puts a hand on my arm, her brows raised and her teeth sunken into her bottom lip.

I turn back to the king. “I will need my lady-in-waiting to remain nearby. Preferably in an attached room.”

The king’s smile disappears, and his eyes narrow. “I was unaware you would be so demanding.”

My teeth clench as I bristle. “Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but I am upending my entire life, promising you the fealty of my future children. I don’t find my requests out of the question.”

The queen clears her throat. “As luck would have it, there is a room attached to yours. I’m sure it will suit Lady Nadya perfectly.”

I dip my head for the queen. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Nadya follows my lead and extends her thanks.

Master Zimmerman signals to the servant waiting at the door. “Indira.”

A woman around Nadya’s and my age approaches me, her natural beauty striking, with smooth, sun-kissed skin, round cheekbones, and dark, expressive eyes that seem to see right through me. Her long, ebony hair is tied back in a simple braid, but even that looks elegant on her. “If you’ll follow me, Your Highness.”

Indira has the confidence of someone who knows her worth, even in the role of a servant. There’s a maturity in her eyes that speaks of a life lived with purpose, and her modest clothing is impeccably clean and well-fitted.

Before I can respond, Torbin takes my hand. “Until this evening, Celeste.” His eyes stay locked on mine as he brings my hand to his lips and places a gentle kiss upon it.

I give him a small smile and curtsey, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach.

When I glance at my uncle, he gives me a nod. “I will stay for the ball but will have to leave by nightfall.”

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