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.
“Did you find the extra training helpful today, Lady Seary?” Georgyanna asked from down the table. She fluttered her hand, admiring the gleaming gems on her bracelet. “It looked like you needed it. Hopefully it was enlightening?” she asked with mock sincerity.
One of the males coughed, and another snickered at the Kroravee female.
Warmth bloomed across my chest since I’d struggled repeatedly that afternoon when trying to better control my fire element. I’d nearly burned Matron Olsander at one point, never mind the mat from the other day, but the tutor was quick on her feet despite her rotund figure. Of course, my training session hadn’t stayed private, so everyone had witnessed my fumble.
Forcing my chin up, I replied lightly, “Indeed I did. I would offer to light the candles on this beautiful table, but I’d worry that I’d start the napkins on fire.” I smiled sweetly at her and picked up my champagne flute.
The crown prince snorted, and Nuwin and a few of the other males outright laughed, not even trying to hide their amusement at my self-deprecating humor.
Georgyanna’s lips thinned, and her eyes shot daggers my way.
I grinned, flashing my teeth, despite the fact that my heart was still beating a million times a minute and not just from the prince’s claiming touch. Menace practically dripped from Georgyanna. But I wouldn’t for a second let her think that my late blooming meant I was going to turn belly-up.
Glaring at me one last time, Georgyanna angled herself in her seat, giving me her back and slightly flexed wings as she laid a hand on the male’s forearm beside her.
Trying to calm my racing heart, I took a deep breath just as Beatrice said pleasantly from across the table, “I heard your sister’s joined you here at court.” Her eyes were bright and open, carrying none of the malice that Georgyanna wielded. I cast a glance to where Cailis was watching on the balcony, but my sister had moved into the shadows. I still didn’t think anyone knew she was there.
I took another sip of champagne as I nodded. “She has. She arrived a few days ago.”
“Does she possess multiple affinities too?” Meegana asked as Georgyanna fell into conversation with all of the males surrounding her. I could practically feel the Kroravee female’s manipulation affinity rising and wondered if that was how Georgyanna conversed with all fae—trying to bend their will to her own.
Gritting my teeth, I forced my attention away from her. Replying as lightly as I could to Meegana, I said, “She doesn’t. Cailis only has one affinity. Truth.”
Beatrice’s eyes widened in delight. “How magnificent! I bet that affinity’s come in handy a time or two.”
My lips spread in a genuine smile as the two females and I quickly fell into easy conversation, sharing where we’d grown up, gone to school, and tidbits about our family. When it came to my turn to share details about my parents and siblings, I glossed over them, not revealing that the male at my side had ended their lives prematurely.
Prince Norivun tensed when I spoke of them, but when I didn’t cast him in a scathing light, the long fingers of his free hand, wrapped tightly around his drink, loosened. He even gave my thigh a small squeeze with his concealed hand, as though thanking me for not damning him for the entire realm to hear. I had to stop myself from jumping against that intimate touch.
The dinner carried on in relative peace for over two hours as dish after dish of succulent meats and an abundance of sides were served. Everyone drank, laughed, ate, and enjoyed one another’s company for the most part, and nobody commented that I ate more food than half of the males in attendance, but such was needed for what was being demanded of me of late.