TWENTY-SIX
MY PRESENCE WAS required at King Terrell’s birthday ball. Two invitations had arrived in our apartments the day I’d left for the wraithland, and a letter from the king himself had appeared shortly after; in it, he all but pleaded for my return to health and attendance.
I’d just made it in time for the celebration. I slept through the night and most of the morning, but it wasn’t enough. When Melanie woke me to prepare for the ball, dancing was the last thing I wanted to do, but declining such an invitation would have been a terrible insult—likely, we’d have been shunned from palace society.
In anticipation of my return, Melanie had ordered a pair of gowns made for us. Hers was a pale pink creation with pink sapphires sewn into the neckline and high waist. She looked beautiful in it; she’d look beautiful in anything.
The gown she’d chosen for me glimmered when the maid brought it out. Silver silk rippled and shone in the firelight, like scales, while diamonds and silver embroidery graced the bodice in a flowing, intricate pattern. They weren’t random patterns, though. When I looked closer, I caught ospreys taking flight, swords and daggers dangling from their talons.
I lifted an eyebrow at Melanie. “You ordered this?”
She peered at the gown. “Not exactly that. I ordered ospreys. Well . . . it’s all too stylized to see at a glance, at least. No one will notice.”
“I hope not. It’s a little odd for a duchess of Liadia to wear ospreys. Lions would have been more appropriate.” Nevertheless, I put on the gown, strangely relieved to wear something so fine again. “I wonder what His Majesty thought when he saw the bill for these gowns.”
“He probably thought about marrying you to someone very quickly. Then someone else can provide for your expensive tastes.”
I smoothed the silk and wool over my ribs, down my hips, then sat for the maid to conceal the yellowing bruise on my cheek. She didn’t comment on it, of course. As far as she knew, I’d been ill; my gaunt appearance only added to the illusion.
Melanie pulled a tiny strand of my hair, freeing it to curl down from the elaborate coils and braids. “Perfect.”
What she meant was that the tendril of hair would distract from any bruise that showed through the cosmetics.
“Mel,” I whispered when the maid stepped away. “We weren’t on the best of terms before I left. . . .”
She shook her head. “We are now, though. I’ve had a lot of time to think, and to miss you, and to see the Ospreys how you must. It’s over between Patrick and me.”
I held my fingers just over my bruised cheek. “Does he know?”
“Not yet. But he probably suspects.” She dropped her eyes.
I wanted to ask if she still loved him, but the maid returned with a small dinner and the promise of a generous buffet in the grand ballroom later. Shortly after the clock chimed the hour, a footman came to escort us. Light spilled through the wide double doors, and music twinkled in a delicate melody.
The herald took our names, guided us to our positions, and then announced us. “Duchess of Liadia, Lady Julianna Whitman, and her companion, Lady Melanie Cole.”
I stepped into the immense ballroom and was dazzled by the lights. Melanie touched my elbow to steady me.
Iron dragons twisted around the grand chandelier that hung above. Mirrors and faceted gemstones glittered in the light of the gas lamps, throwing rainbows across the room. Candles sat on every surface and in sconces along the walls. There was even an illuminated dragon statue, with a candle set into its lower jaw. The beast stared a challenge into the large crowd assembling on the dance floor.
A few faces turned up at our announcement, and I caught the king’s frail smile from a high-backed throne at the far end of the room. He gestured for us to approach.
The throne area was a crowded place. Princes Herman and Colin stood beside their brother and the queen, chests all puffed out as they surveyed the ballroom.
I hoped Herman wouldn’t recognize me from West Pass Watch.
On the other side of the throne, Crown Prince Tobiah, Lady Meredith, and Lieutenant Rayner stood tall. The prince wore a jet-black tailcoat and trousers with deep blue stripes down the sides, and his cousin displayed his formal Indigo Order uniform, medals pinned on his chest and a sword hung at his waist. While the prince hardly seemed to notice my approach, his bodyguard flashed a smile and minuscule nod.
“My lady.” King Terrell reached for my hand as I curtsied. “I’m so glad you’ve recovered. I was quite worried when I learned of your illness.”
“I’m much better, Your Majesty.” I forced my voice even. “And I wouldn’t have missed your birthday celebration for anything.”
The king smiled again. “I believe you’ve met my wife, Queen Francesca, House of the Sun.”
I curtsied again. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ve had the honor, and I’m glad to have it again.”
The queen sat tall and lean, like her son and nephew, with pointed features and a sharp look in her eyes. But she smiled and dipped her head.
“And you’ve met my brother Prince Colin Pierce, I believe. He is Overlord of Aecor Territory.”
It took every drop of my self-control not to clench my jaw and fists as I curtsied. Overlord of my kingdom.
“And my youngest brother, Prince Herman Pierce, Lord of West Pass Watch.”
This time, I made sure to keep my posture open and feminine, but if the prince recognized me, he gave no indication. People saw what they expected to see.
We moved on to greet Tobiah and Meredith, and the latter offered a warm smile.
She was resplendent in her peacock blue gown. Gold-embroidered unicorns paraded across a band of silk around her ribs in an exquisite display of her wealth, and her seamstress’s skill. Sapphires and other gemstones glittered as she curtsied and offered a warm smile. “We’re both so happy you’ve recovered, Julianna.”
There was an odd note in her voice. Suspicion? Amusement? She and Chey had both sent lots of flowers and well-wishes. More than made sense, considering our short acquaintance.
“Thank you.” I pushed a little, to study her reaction. “I’m so looking forward to spending more time with you and Lady Chey in the solar. I’ve missed our talks.”
Her expression was nothing but politeness.
Tobiah cast an uninterested glance and turned to murmur something to James. The lieutenant grinned, first at his prince, then at me.
Meredith and I exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then Melanie and I were dismissed.
Several more lords and ladies and prominent merchants wealthy enough to keep the king’s attention were announced, and the ballroom grew stiflingly hot.
Melanie leaned toward me, her voice low. “Meredith seemed delighted to see you.”
“An act, I’m sure. She’s probably annoyed that when I join her in the solar, she and her ladies will have to stop gossiping about me. I wonder what they say. Did you go while I was ill?”
“I’m not important enough to go without you. But we could bribe some of the guards to repeat conversations. No one ever notices them, let alone important ladies.” She wore a pleasant smile as she gazed around the room. “Oh, the prince is watching you.”
I glanced over my shoulder, catching the prince’s eye before he leaned toward James again.
“Careful, there.” Melanie gave a low chuckle. “Meredith seems nice, but if she thinks you’re interested in him, I bet she’ll find a way to remove your head.”
I nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “She’s fiercely good with a needle. I wouldn’t want to anger her.”
Melanie grinned.