Page 108 of Enchanted Kingdom
“Oh boy,” I muttered. “Sounds pleasant.”
Silvia put a hand on mine. “I just don’t want you to be shocked by anything. Keep your wits about you and know that no matter how the king runs things and how much you might hate it, neither of his sons have the inclination to continue that sort of thing.”
“So don’t do anything impulsive is what you’re trying to say?”
She grinned. “Yes, darling, exactly.” After a laugh she added, “I think for these balls there may be some live plays brought in for you all to see, something like that, but probably nothing too scandalous. Or not until all of you are dismissed, anyway.”
I shook my head. “I used to just punch bread for a living. It is a strange life I lead, Silvia.”
“You have your order for the dancing tonight?” she asked. “We were told you already knew the lineup?”
I nodded. We had gone over that yesterday with the Assemblage advisor during our last common rooms time. Surprising no one, I was slated to dance last with Prince Keiran.
“Ready?”
It was Owen from the doorway. I stood and turned, feeling not ready to go, but ready to get it over with.
“Wow.” Owen’s head went back.
Silvia smiled as if quite pleased with herself. “She looks lovely, does she not?”
Owen was too busy trailing my dress with his eyes to answer.
“Owen,” I snapped.
His eyes met mine. “Yes?”
My lips twitched. “She asked you a question.”
Silvia snorted a laugh as she went to put away all her lotions and potions.
“I thought my non-answer was answer enough,” he said with a one-shouldered shrug.
I shook my head. “I have no idea how you have protected me this long with a room full of distractions at your disposal.”
He let out a dramatized sigh. “It is a difficult job, but someone has to do it.”
* * *
It wasweird to enter the ballroom not for a dinner, for once. It reminded me of that first night that had only been a few weeks ago, though it felt like years. It was still the same ballroom, but with lower lighting and fresh flowers throughout. It was as if they were trying to romanticize the entire evening.
I knew Keir had gone down way before I was due, and I was less nervous about being around him than I was to meet and greet all these Savaryn families. More magic was in the room tonight than normal. I needed to go back to my old strategy of laying low.
What if the king planted one of his most loyal Enchanted in the room tonight just to drug me and finish the job of getting my blood? Or worse?
I took a deep breath at the top of the grand staircase and began my descent.
I had to take short steps as I made my way through all the people, some of which were new faces, trying to find either Renna or Rinaldi. I found Rinaldi first and that was the first time I heard a whisper with the term “Nerede woman” in it.
I was sure it wouldn’t be the last time tonight.
“Ms. Demir,” Rinaldi smiled. “May I get you some water?”
I nodded. “If you would be so kind.” I quickly looked around us to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “Please be extra cautious and careful tonight?”
He paused and gave me a strange look. “Are you in danger, miss?”
I laughed as if he said something funny. “In this castle? Always.”
