Page 44 of A Court Bright and Broken

“That’s Raewyn Fennessey?” I heard one of my neighbors ask.

Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd.

“What has happened to her?”

“Where is she going?”

“Did she make a deal with the witch?”

“Have a wonderful time,” Tindra said. “Will you wake me up when you get home and tell me all about the ball?”

“No, but I’ll tell you all about it in the morning,” I vowed.

“Remembereverything,” she said gravely. “Every detail.”

“I’ll try.”

Then I boarded the carriage with the assistance of a footman and set off for what was certain to be the most memorable—and possibly most terrifying—experience of my life.

Chapter 13

An Interesting Start

Raewyn

Though the coach was as comfortable as a featherbed, my nerves jangled for the entire ride, anticipating the night to come.

They really started clanging when my carriage reached the palace gates.

I was about to see things I’d only ever read about—a room full of beautiful gowns like my own, gentlemen in fancy clothes, all manner of food and drink, not to mention the inside of the spectacular palace.

I might also catch a glimpse of the royal family—the Randalins.

Seaspire Castle in the royal city of Merisola served as not only the seat of power in Avrandar but also the home of the dreaded King Pontus and his family.

On the plus side, there was also a chance I’d see Sam again, or whatever his name was in reality. Since he’d invited me to the ball, I assumed he planned to attend as well.

Would he recognize me instantly the way Tindra had? I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t—I hardly recognized myself.

The guards at the gatehouse didn’t even stop the driver and ask to see an invitation, simply waving us through. Perhaps the elaborate carriage and fine horse were permission enough?

No such luck at the ballroom entrance, though. Several men dressed in royal servant uniforms of navy and turquoise asked for and inspected invitations from each guest before allowing them entry.

The nerve clanging was so loud now my heartbeat nearly drowned out the enchanting music drifting from the open ballroom doors and the conversations of the people in line around me.

And bypeopleI meant Elves. They were everywhere.

I’d seen some at a distance in the village Sam and I had walked through, but these were soclose—close enough that I could reach out and touch them if I wanted to.

Close enough they could reachme.

I made an effort to act like I was used to circumstances like this—elegant, glamorous. Surrounded by powerful and dangerous Elves.

The woman in front of me sounded very dangerous indeed. Apparently there was some question about the legitimacy of her invitation.

A haughty looking butler turned it side to side, back to front, looking down his nose at it. All the while she spit threats and insults at him.

“Do you know who Iam?” she yelled. “Do you know who my father is? I am by far the best candidate to be the prince’s bond-mate out of all the women here.”

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