Page 115 of Crown of Slumber

No answer.

I waited a few more moments, even dared to poke the rippling surface. It felt like cold, solid marble to my fingers.

Perhaps I had drawn the runes incorrectly. Or perhaps my magic wasn’t strong enough. After vowing to try again later tonight, I replaced my rune book in its hiding spot along with my chalk, then wiped the floors clean and returned to preparing for the fete with Aurelia.

Aurelia and I barely had time to scarf down a rather late lunch before we had to get ourselves ready for the fete. It was of paramount importance that we make an elegant and prompt appearance, as this event was directly tethered to the success of our alliance. If anything went amiss tonight, it would reflect poorly on us.

Aurelia would call for Mal as soon as the guests were assembled in the outer courtyard. Witnessing a dragon’s landing would be a sight to behold and a fabulous way to begin the festivities.

My manservant, Hayworth, dressed me in my finest black suit, with intricate silver detailing on the vest. I fumbled with my diamond cufflinks, trying to steady my nerves. Gods, I had never been nervous before a fete.

“Allow me, Your Highness,” Hayworth said gently, and I huffed, surrendering my wrists to have him secure the cufflinks.

“Will you be attending the fete, Hayworth?” I asked, trying to distract myself from the anxiety roiling through me.

Hayworth, with his fraying white hair and wrinkly smile, offered me a baleful look. “I am far too old for the merriment, Your Highness.”

“Nonsense. I’m not asking you to partake of the strongest fire wine. But you can still observe the festivities. It will be an extraordinary event, I assure you.”

He smiled. “Perhaps I will look on for a bit before retiring for the night.”

“Good man.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “You won’t regret it.”

His eyes seemed to twinkle as he stood back to survey my appearance. My hair had been slicked back, but all it would take was one dance to pull the unruly chestnut waves free again.

“Would you like me to have Gorrick run interference on the ladies for you tonight?” Hayworth asked.

I frowned, and it took me a moment to realize what he was referring to. “Ah. Right. Interference.”

Ordinarily, during the Nightfire fete, I had several eager dance partners for the night. The women of the court knew my reputation well, and many expressed their interest. But in cases like this, on an evening where more important matters needed to be tended to, I had Gorrick discourage the ladies from their pursuit so I could focus on my responsibilities.

I considered this for a moment, then shook my head. “No. That won’t be necessary.”

“You are sure?”

“Yes.” I would save a few dances for Aurelia, which would be enough to appease the crowd. But I didn’t want to anger the court any more than we already had. I wanted to show them I could still be the same Prince Fenn they knew. I had not so fully changed.

Besides, once Aurelia left, I would need a way to distract myself. Perhaps I could find someone tonight whowouldreturn my affections. Someone I could lose myself in.

It was impossible, of course. There was no one like Aurelia. And there never would be.

But I could still pretend. I could tell myself I would findsomeone to fall desperately in love with. Someone who would help me move on.

Hayworth nodded once. “As you say, Your Highness. Is there anything else you need from me?”

“No, that is all. Thank you, Hayworth.”

He bowed and left the room, leaving me standing before my mirror, staring at this face I no longer recognized. Gone were the smarmy smiles and twinkling eyes. Gone were the smirks and looks of superiority and smugness. This man here looked like a fool. A coward. A man who didn’t know where his life was going. A man who was lost in his love for a woman who did not care for him.

This will all change when Aurelia leaves,I assured myself.Once she leaves, everything will go back to the way it was.

I rehearsed this lie in my head until I almost believed it. Then, I drew in a steady breath, lifted my chin, and donned my most secure court mask—an expression of haughty apathy and confidence.

When I was satisfied with my appearance, I strode for the door, vowing to make this night a stunning success.

Once again,Cela had outdone herself. I made sure to compliment her often, realizing this pleased her the most. I had certainly noticed the way the rest of the castle staff had taken kindly to me, and I attributed this largely to her. Any allies I could secure while I was here would help, and Cela was proving to be a valuable ally.

She had procured me a gown of glittering rose gold, with gold lace sewn into the bodice. The fabric swept over my breasts in two long streaks of fabric, tying together behind my neck and leaving my back completely bare. The skirt fanned out, flaring wide, with gold sparkles that shimmered as it moved. Cela completed the ensemble with teardrop-shaped rose gold earrings that hung low from my earlobes. She curled my hair, leaving it down per my suggestion. I wasn’t sure why I wanted it that way. But I couldn’t shake the sound of Fenn’s low voice as he told me how much he loved my hair when it was wild and free. And a small, embarrassed part of me hoped he would plunge his fingers into my curls like he had the night he’d kissed me.

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