Page 78 of Kiss of Fire

“Not helping.”

“I will tell you a secret. I too loathe these social engagements.”

“Seriously?”

“I would rather fight ten jotnars than face a formal dinner and make endless small talk with buffoons and dullards.”

“So why are we doing this?”

“Unfortunately, it is protocol. ”

“It still sucks.”

“Do not fear, Lady Raya of the Vulcani. We will face the ordeal together. I will not leave your side, if you promise not to leave mine.”

He gave her a smile then, and it was as if the sun had come out from behind the clouds. His eyes sparkled like sapphires. Unexpectedly, her heart skipped a beat.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you,” she told him.

She clutched his arm as they descended into the throng. A band started playing music as they reached the bottom of the staircase and everyone turned to look. Raya’s heart started thumping manically as hundreds of eyes rested on her.

Shade squeezed her hand.

“Breathe,” he murmured.

The crowd parted to allow the couple to walk through. Raya forced herself to take deep breaths.

“What do I do?” she asked from the corner of her mouth.

“Smile and nod. Repeatedly.”

With a rictus grin pasted to her face, Raya proceeded to do just that. Smile and nod, smile and nod, until her jaw muscles ached. Everyone she passed bowed their heads deferentially, but their open curiosity didn’t escape her notice.

They were eager to find out who had snared the elusive Lord Shadeed.

“Hm. I should have become betrothed years ago. It seems no-one has any interest in me at all,” Shade said drily.

“You’re old news, jinn. Humans are all the rage now.”

“In that case, perhaps you would like to formally welcome everyone to the castle?” He sounded amused and she shot him a horrified look. His mouth curved into a grin.

She liked the way he smiled, she realised. Quickly she turned away.

“If you make me speak, I’ll be sick all over you. How’s that for an introduction?”

“It would be a memorable one, certainly.”

They reached the banqueting room where several long tables had been set with sparkling crystal and silverware. Shade and Raya were seated at the top table on a raised platform. Dignitaries were placed on either side of them.

The crowd hushed as everyone waited expectantly.

“People of Nurhan, welcome to Castle Elumina. Blessings on you all for joining me on this auspicious occasion marking my betrothal to Lady Raya of the Vulcani. Some of you knew her mother, Lady Aelah who led the clan. It is my expectation that Lady Raya will follow in her footsteps. I bid you welcome her into your hearts, as I have into mine.”

Shade took her hand and kissed it. For a moment, the look in his eyes was so warm that the breath caught in her throat.

She knew he was just putting on a show. But she was still flustered as they sat down. At a signal from Pasha, serving staff started moving among the tables with tureens of food and carafes of wine.

Raya’s dining companion to the left was a portly gentleman who said he owned a series of salt mines.

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