“I’ve no doubt of it. I’ll have some servants brought to unload your belongings and have them taken to your rooms.”
“That won’t be necessary. Our crew is already unloading the ship.” He gestured over his shoulder. A second loading ramp had been lowered out of the cargo bay. He had made sure to tell the captain he wanted the crew to make this a top priority. He wanted to be sure the ship was emptied of both people and cargo as soon as possible, so Cinder and the others wouldn’t be trapped in the docks for too long.
“How efficient,” Levana said. “In that case, your ambassadors may follow Thaumaturge Lindwurm to our guest suites.” She indicated a black-coated man. “I’m sure they would like to rest from such a long journey.”
Within moments, Kai’s following of nervous companions were being led to a set of enormous arched doors that glittered with a depiction of a crescent moon over Earth. Though the presence of his Earthen companions had offered no security at all, Kai still felt abandoned as he, Torin, and his guards remained behind.
“I hope you won’t think it rude that I didn’t offer full introductions to your guests,” said Levana. “My stepdaughter is easily distressed, and too many new faces could unnerve her.” She floated a hand out to her side, like she was conducting a symphony. “But do allow me to introduce you, at least, to my stepdaughter, Princess Winter Hayle-Blackburn of Luna.”
“Of course. I’ve heard so much … about … you.”
Kai trailed off as the princess lifted her head and peered at him through a fringe of thick lashes. It was a brief look, barely a glance, but that was all it took for a rush of heat to climb up Kai’s neck and into his ears. He had heard of the princess’s legendary beauty. Beauty that was not created by a glamour, they said, unlike Levana’s. The rumors weren’t exaggerated.
Clearing his throat, Kai forced a composed smile. “I’m honored to meet you, Your Highness.”
The princess’s eyes were teasing as she stepped beside the queen and lowered into a curtsy with the grace of a dancer. When she rose again, Kai noticed her scars for the first time. Three uniform scars cut down her right cheek. These, too, were legendary, along with the tale of how out of envy Levana had forced the princess to mutilate her own face.
The sight twisted his stomach.
Princess Winter offered him a docile, close-lipped smile. “The honor is mine, Your Imperial Majesty.” Drifting closer, she pressed a light kiss to Kai’s bruised cheek. His insides turned to goo. He had the presence of mind to be grateful Cinder wasn’t witnessing this exchange, because something told him he’d never hear the end of it.
The princess stepped back and he was able to breathe again. “With our introductions complete, I feel it is safe for us to drop any future formalities. After all, with your upcoming nuptials, you’re practically my father.”
Kai reeled back, his jaw dropping open.
Silent laughter glimmered in the princess’s gaze as she took her spot behind her stepmother again. She seemed neither distressed nor unnerved.
The queen gave her stepdaughter an annoyed look, before gesturing to the man on her other side. “You will of course remember my head thaumaturge, Aimery Park.”
Snapping his mouth shut, Kai inclined his head, though the thaumaturge offered only his signature smugness in return. “Welcome to Luna,” he drawled.
Scanning the rest of the entourage, Kai recognized two of the guards too. Seeing the queen’s captain of the guard was no surprise, but his teeth clenched when he spotted the blond guard who had been like a shadow to Sybil Mira when she’d been a guest in New Beijing.
Distrust twisted his insides. Cinder had thought this guard was an ally, but she now suspected he’d betrayed them to Sybil when they were trying to make their escape from the palace. His presence here, in uniform again, confirmed her suspicions.
No matter, he thought. Cinder had succeeded, despite his betrayal.
Levana grinned, like she detected the rebelliousness of Kai’s thoughts, despite all his attempts to appear complacent. “I believe that leaves only one matter of business to tend to before we show you to your rooms.” She snapped her fingers, and two of her thaumaturges and six guards snapped to attention. “Search their ship.”
Despite all his attempts at normalcy, Kai couldn’t keep away the panic that flared in his chest. “Excuse me?” he said, swiveling his head as the entourage marched past him. “What are you doing?”