Page 28 of A Dagger in the Ivy

King Silas lifts his chin. “Honored guests, tonight, we gather to celebrate not only the union of our lands, but the future of our kingdoms. Please join the queen and me as we announce the betrothal of our son, Prince Torbin, to Princess Celeste of Delasurvia. Let us welcome her to Hedera with open hearts.”

A murmur of approval ripples through the crowd, though there’s obvious curiosity and judgment in their eyes. I keep my expression composed, my hands clasped tightly in my lap to hide their trembling. Torbin reaches over and slips his fingers through mine, placing our joined hands on the table. I figure he wants the court to consider us already bonded.

“Many of you may not know,” King Silas continues, his tone softening slightly, “but I had the honor of calling Celeste’s father, King Axel, a dear friend in our younger days. Though a rift grew between us over the years, not a day goes by that I do not miss my friend. Sadly, King Axel passed before we had the chance to mend our friendship.”

A hush falls over the room as he speaks, and I feel a pang of sadness at the mention of my father. The king’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of genuine sorrow and regret.

King Silas straightens, offering the court a small smile. “With this union, we take Delasurvia under our wing. As we look to the future, letus honor the memory of King Axel and strive to build a bond between our kingdoms that he would be proud of.” He lifts his wineglass. “Welcome, Princess Celeste.”

As the weight of the king’s words settles over me, applause fills the hall. I glance around the room, noting the opulent surroundings, the grandeur of the court, and the masked interest of the nobles. This ball is as much a display of power as it is a celebration, and I am keenly aware of my role in this intricate game.

As the applause dies down, the sound of conversation and the din of silverware fill the space. I place a hand on my stomach, hoping the churning will end. I haven’t eaten in hours, but I also don’t want to force food into myself just to have it come up again.

Servants come and refill our wineglasses throughout the meal, and the queen empties hers almost twice as fast as everyone else at the table. But I don’t judge. Aila, despite her petite frame, can handle twice the amount of ale that Isaac can, so maybe Queen Eleanor is made from the same cloth.

I manage to eat half my plate without incident, but I don’t press my luck. When I glance at Nadya, I have to laugh. Not only has she finished her overflowing plate, she’s already indulging in three types of dessert. She catches me watching her and gives me a wink as she takes a bite of cake.

After the last remnants of the sumptuous meal are cleared away, the lively chatter of the nobles and courtiers fills the air, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the soft strains of music resounding throughout the ballroom. Despite the warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth, a chill settles over me as I catch sight of the dance floor.

As if reading my mind, Queen Eleanor taps her wineglass with her knife. “Please, let us fill the hall with dancing.” There is a slight slur to her speech, but her eyes twinkle with excitement. She turns to me with the widest smile I’ve seen on her yet. “It’s been far too long since we’ve had a proper ball, and I would dearly love to see you grace the floor, Celeste.”

I swallow hard, my fingers instinctively reaching for the comforting weight of the dagger strapped to my thigh. Dancing has never been myforte, and the thought of making a spectacle of myself in front of the entire court makes my stomach churn all over again.

Torbin holds eye contact with me, his brows raised as he waits for me to respond.

I return the queen’s smile out of politeness, but then I send a pleading look to my uncle. I’m not sure he would allow me to retreat to the shadows, but I’m hoping for a miracle.

General Kormak Moorgrin is not one to be swayed by my reluctance. He takes my hand, his grip tightening. He smiles for appearances, but his telepathic voice fills my head.“You must, Celeste. We don’t want to cause a scene, especially when the king has welcomed you in front of his entire court with open arms.”Before I can protest, he says out loud, “Come, Niece. Dance with me. The people need to see their future queen enjoying herself.”

I cast a nervous glance around the room, my heart pounding in my chest as I feel the weight of their expectations pressing down upon me. Torbin grins, resting his elbows on the table and settling his chin upon his hands. With a resigned sigh, I allow my uncle to lead me toward the dance floor, my mind racing with a thousand doubts and insecurities.

As we step onto the polished marble, the strains of a waltz fill the air, the melody floating around us like a gentle breeze. I try to focus on the rhythm, allowing my uncle to guide me through the steps with practiced ease. But despite his reassuring presence, I can’t shake the feeling of being out of place, a soldier thrust into a world of grace and elegance. I long for the familiar comfort of my armor and sword. I steal a glance at the smiling faces around me, realizing that for tonight, at least, I must set aside my fears and embrace the role that has been thrust upon me. For the sake of my reputation as their future queen, I must learn to dance.

Suddenly, my uncle’s steps falter, bringing us to a stop. I follow his gaze and see Prince Torbin standing nearby, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

My uncle releases my hand and dips his head. “I believe it is time for me to go. I will retrieve my things and have the carriage prepared.”

“So soon?”

“The sun has already set. I’m long past due to journey home. We will speak soon.” He meanshewill speak to me soon, and for a moment, I panic that he will forget me altogether. He must run Delasurvia as regent until my coronation—which will only take place after our deal with Hedera can be properly set in stone. Uncle Kormak places a kiss upon my cheek, and I have to hold my breath to keep from protesting his departure. As he gestures to allow Torbin to cut in, he communicates with me telepathically.“Remember your duty, Celeste. Delasurvia is counting on you.”

With a nod, I turn to the prince. As I take his outstretched hand, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve made a terrible mistake in agreeing to come to this mysterious kingdom.

I cast a quick glance at Nadya, who is submerged in conversation with two gentlemen. She looks as though she’s enjoying herself, so I refrain from trying to attract her attention.

Prince Torbin, still holding my hand, bows to start the dance. I swallow back my fears and let him place his other hand on my waist. He grins as he leads me into the dance, and I can’t help but notice the effortless grace with which he moves. He towers over me, and I find myself marveling at the strength evident in the way he holds me, yet there’s a gentle touch to his grasp that belies his formidable appearance.

After studying my face for a moment, he leans closer to my ear. “You’re not fond of these balls, either, are you?”

A soft chuckle escapes my lips before I can stop it. “No, not particularly,” I admit, relieved to find that we share this one thing in common. “I haven’t much experience dancing.”

“Yet you know which way to step during battles. Which moves to make so that you do not falter.”

I shake my head. “That’s different.”

“I think it’s quite similar. Both require a certain grace.” His smile, warm and inviting, draws me in like a moth to a flame.

I can feel the weight of his gaze upon me, and for a moment, all the noise and chatter of the ballroom fades into the background. It’s just the two ofus, caught in the swirling dance of the moment.

---