Page 18 of Court of Secrets and Flames

We’re not even to the dinner table yet, and I already want to commit murder.

This is going to be a long night.

Chapter Five

As I glide into the grandeur of the formal dining hall, my breath catches at the immensity of the space. Chandeliers hang every few feet, bathing the room with warmth and light. Stained glass windows line the opposite wall, while the far right side is devoted to an enormous fireplace.

The horseshoe-shaped wooden table only takes up part of the room, though it’s large enough for at least a hundred people to gather around. From my observations, nearly as many people are in attendance. Some are seated. Others mill about, talking and drinking.

There, amidst the opulence, stands Leesa.

Relief surges through me. She’s safe.

Crossing the threshold of the door, I wend my way through hordes of people. When I reach her, she’s chatting with a woman at least a few decades older than her. But I only have eyes for my sister.

I seize the opportunity to drink in the sight of her. She’s a vision in a fitted lavender satin dress that almost skims the floor, her dark golden blond waves spilling down her back.

More importantly, she appears unscathed from our morning torture session.

Or test, per King Jasper’s romanticized description.

Leesa must sense my presence because she whirls in my direction.

Her face splits into a grin, her features radiating the same relief I feel. “You’re okay.”

With emotion clogging my throat and my eyes threatening to water, all I can manage is a nod and a choked, “You too.”

She pulls me into a tight hug, fancy dress and all. “Oh, forgive my manners.” Leesa steps back, smiling at the older woman. “Your Majesty, allow me to introduce my sister, Lady Lark Axton. Lark, this is Dowager Queen Alannah Barda.”

Regal. That’s the word that sums up the queen, from her coiffed, nearly white hair to her elegant navy silk gown to the poise with which she carries herself.

I give a little curtsy. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”

“The pleasure is mine, dear. Truly.” She offers me a warm, genuine smile as she clasps both of my hands in hers. “I don’t condone the methods used to bring you to Tirene…and that’s all I will say about that. However, I’m glad you’re here all the same.”

“Thank you.”

I study her face, searching for similarities to her youngest son. She’s a striking woman, and I catch hints of their relation in the shape of her nose and sculpted cheekbones.

As I continue my perusal, her eyes grow unfocused and hazy. She murmurs to herself under her breath.

Alarmed, I shoot Leesa a glance, unsure of whether this is typical behavior. Before I can snag her attention, the grand doors at the other end of the hall swing open with a flourish.

A tall, thin man in a purple tunic steps forward. “His Majesty, King Jasper!”

A hush falls over the room as the king enters.

The questions I have for Leesa dissolve on my tongue, replaced by a nervous smile as the monarch approaches. His gaze sweeps over us, approval lighting up his handsome countenance.

At the sight, my blood simmers with untapped magic. I wonder what would happen if I yelled, “how about we test you now, you heap of steaming dragon dung,” and lit him on fire?

Oh, right. I’d be executed. Not the best way to end an already crappy day.

Afraid my expression alone could land me in hot water, I follow the rest of the crowd’s lead and bow my head in faux deference.

“Noble kin, esteemed guests.” King Jasper taps a silver spoon against a crystal goblet as he stands in the center of the great table. “Tonight we dine with a jewel among us. It is my privilege to introduce to all of you Lady Lark Axton. Lark, would you please join me as a guest of honor?”

He gestures me forward. Since that was a rhetorical question if I ever heard one, I have no choice but to comply.

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