Page 26 of Shrine of Fire

Baylin began glad-handing, and speaking to people, soaking up the attention that came with arriving at the same time as me.

Nova was close to the throne, surrounded by a throng of ladies-in-waiting and courtiers. I closed the distance between us and gave her a bow. Deeper than I really should have, but I wanted the entire room to see her as I saw her: worthy of our love and respect.

“My prince,” Nova said, looking radiant in her red gown. It was off the shoulder and cut across her breasts. The skirts were full and shimmered with reds, yellows, oranges, and hints of diamonds. Her bearing was perfect, and her dark hair piled on top of her head in a riot of curls and tendrils.

“Shall we dance?” I took her hand in mine.

“Please.” Nova followed me to the dance floor. I was the luckiest man in the entire room.

Someday soon, my luck was going to run out.

Hours of dancing at the Royal Ball, and my feet were finally getting tired. Stefan was an excellent dancer, moving in time with me like we had danced together our whole lives.

In between dances, we circled the room, and I was introduced to every remotely important person within a five-day sailing distance. Stefan played his part well, smiling and keeping up good appearances, but his shoulders were stiff, and his smile didn’t make it all the way to his eyes.

Something was bothering him. Maybe it was being in a room full of predators in pretty clothes. Maybe it was something more.

The king sat on his throne, looking bored, but watching the entire night before him like it was all a scene from a play. No doubt noticing who was talking to whom.

All night, beta after beta approached us. Some of them were wealthy sons and others had titles and land. A few had magic gifts to offer us.

I smiled and thanked them all, and then danced with Stefan.

I was supposed to be considering the next members of the Royal Pack, but none of them smelled good enough. And even if I actually planned to marry Stefan, I wouldn’t marry a beta simply because I was supposed to, tradition be damned.

When my feet began to tire, Stefan pulled me to the side of the room where there was a table filled with delicacies and a range of wines and other beverages. He poured me a cup of green tea and offered me some sweetened fruit.

“Are you quite well, my princess?” Stefan poured himself his own cup of tea. “We can stop at any time.”

“I’m alright.” I watched the throne out of the corner of my eye. The King would announce our trip around the world, but I wasn’t sure when. “You?”

“I’m wonderful.” Stefan smiled. “I have the most beautiful woman in the room on my arm.”

“That you do.” A man approached us, a beta who looked to be in his early fifties. He wore royal robes, but had a firebird pinned to his label. Unlike most of the staff, it was obvious he wasn’t from Ember Island. His eyes were more round than most of the people from the Broken Sea, and he was pale, with brown hair.

“Nova, allow me to formally introduce the Lord Baylin, Chamberlain of Ember Island.” Stefan took my hand and nodded at the older man. “Lord Baylin, this is my bride-to-be, Callenova of the Shrine of Everlasting Fire.”

I wouldn’t have thought to introduce myself by emphasizing my connection to the Shrine. Stefan was smart. I held out my hand and Lord Baylin gave a polite bow and kissed the back of it. “It is a privilege to meet you in person. I have heard tales of your beauty and graciousness, but nothing can compare to the real thing.”

“You are too kind.” I smiled, falling into the role.

“I have been a humble advisor to His Royal Highness these long decades, and I would like to offer any assistance I can to the new couple.”

“That is so kind.” I smiled. Of course, he needed to start laying the foundation now. If, as he thought, I was going to be the future queen, then he would need to start currying favor from our first meeting.

The ladies-in-waiting had made the same conclusion early in the evening and had all pretended to be vastly interested in everything I had to say.

The impish part of me had wanted to toy with them and talk at length about my crochet projects. Ask where to get yarn and how the dying process here worked.

I didn’t like politics, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t take pleasure in a job well done.

“I am quite looking forward to the journey ahead of us,” I said. The ladies had spoken in veiled hints about wanting to see the world, so I assumed there would be a great vying amongst the courtiers for positions on the ship.

Baylin’s eyes lit up, although he covered it with what seemed like genuine surprise.

Stefan stiffened next to me, even though his tone remained light. “What fun, Lord Baylin and I were talking about our Royal Tour.”

“I have made sure my schedule is open for you both, should you have need of my expertise.”

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