Thorns of Frost (Fae of Snow & Ice, #2)(29)
I finally caught sight of her on the balcony, hidden behind a draped curtain. My sister stood just outside of the room, on the terrace overlooking the large, snowy lawn. She was hidden enough that no one would easily see her.
I let out a sigh of relief. I had no idea how she managed to get onto the balcony without the guard the prince had assigned to keep her safe, but come tomorrow, I could pick her brain, and she would be able to tell me everything about the other participants.
“Ah, Ilara!” someone called.
I swirled around to see Nuwin waving from across the room, a smile lighting up his face before he glided toward me.
Nerves calming slightly, I snagged a flute of champagne off a passing tray and took a sip just as Nuwin reached my side. Like the crown prince, he was tall and broad, his face ruggedly handsome and his build thick. His black wings rose above his shoulders, not quite as high as the crown prince’s, but the two brothers would make any female look twice.
The younger prince took my hand in his, then kissed me on the cheek, his lips coming dangerously close to my mouth. “You’re a vision as always, Lady Seary.”
I squeezed him in return, about to reply, but the prince entered the hall, and a wave of his aura pulsed toward me in the same breath. In a blink, he was at my side, moving so quickly on his air affinity it was as though he’d mistphased.
Nuwin snickered. “I wondered when you’d show up.”
Prince Norivun’s attire was similar to the night of the Betrothed Ball. Power rippled from him, and my stomach flipped, especially when a predatory light filled his eyes as he appraised me. A low growl rumbled in his chest, making my throat go dry. “I’ve got her, Nuwin. She’s my date tonight.”
Nuwin bowed and then winked at me. “Of course, brother. A thousand apologies for not relinquishing her to you immediately.” He kissed the back of my hand, his eyes full of mischief when he added, “I look forward to the night when you’ll be my date.”
“Nuwin,” the prince said, his tone low and warning.
Nuwin merely straightened. “You can’t blame a male for trying.” With that he sauntered off, leaving me in the crown prince’s grip.
More eyes fell on us as the prince glided me across the room. “You’re late,” he murmured, his tone gruff when Michas Crimsonale lifted his champagne to me in a silent toast.
I nodded in acknowledgment, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cailis studying the Osaravee noble.
“I stayed to train a bit longer with Matron Olsander,” I replied. “Besides, aren’t you actually the one who’s late since you arrived after me?”
He gave me a side-eye, then led me to the table. “That’s because I left to retrieve you from your chambers, but it seems we missed one another in passing.”
I shrugged and tried to ignore how wonderful the heat felt from his palm as he guided me to the table.
Even though nobody else was seated yet, he pulled out a chair for me, then took the seat at my side as everyone else proceeded to the table to join us.
Chairs were still being adjusted, skirts being swooshed out of the way, and champagne flutes being refilled when Sir Featherton entered the room, his chin high and proud.
When he reached the head of the table, he clasped his hands beneath his wings. “Good evening, fine fae of the Solis continent. Welcome to your first Trial dinner.” He grinned, then held his arms wide. “In attendance tonight are some of the strongest fae of our mighty race.”
There were a few murmurings and puffed chests following that comment. I still couldn’t believe I was even considered a member of this group.
Continuing, Sir Featherton said, “As you all know, at these dinners each female will be paired with a male for a date following the meal, and in one weeks’ time, they shall be paired with another male. The king and I hope you enjoy these evenings and use them as a way to better acquaint yourselves with one another.” He straightened more, his wings ruffling slightly. “All we ask is that you keep an open mind and do your best to view each partner as a potential lifelong mate.” He bowed slightly. “With that, I shall bid you a good evening and wish you all a wonderful time.”
My stomach twisted at the reminder that this Trial would end in an arranged marriage no matter what. It didn’t help that Prince Norivun’s scent was clouding around me. I hastily took a sip of champagne.
Meegana smiled shyly at me from across the table. “You look beautiful, Ilara.”
“Thank you, so do you.” Like me, Meegana was dripping in jewels. Her gown was fuller than mine, holding layers of chiffon, and was a light teal color. “I love how your dress matches your eyes. It’s stunning,” I added.
Meegana’s smile grew as her hand fluttered to her neckline. “Thank you.”
Beside me, the prince adjusted how he sat in his chair, and his knee bumped me. I made a move to put more distance between us, but his large palm settled on my thigh, spanning the width of it.
My heart rate picked up when he didn’t remove it, but his fidgeting calmed, as though touching me had some soothing effect on him, which was bizarre, but perhaps having his property within reach was calming since he was definitely a male who didn’t like to share his things.
Heart still hammering, I tried to pretend I wasn’t affected by the weight of his hand as servants appeared, bustling around the table. They served the first course—a delicate salad of greens, berries, and a tart dressing.