“Adelina,” Joslynn said, inclining her head towards the princess and then her courtesan. “I’m glad you could join me.”
The princess linked her arm with Joslynn’s and they took their time heading down the stone steps towards the expansive grounds. “You will not be participating in the Games?” Adelina asked.
Joslynn shook her head and glanced around to see if any of those damned recorders were nearby. “Why do you ask?”
“I can smell blood.”
She jerked at those words and shot a look of alarm at the princess. Was her sense of smell really that good? Joslynn had been sure to wear enough perfume to cover the scent. She knew the Dragas were a bit different, but Joslynn was still learning exactly how.
“Don’t worry, whatever you have on plus the crowds should hide it,” Adelina promised. The princess gave Nadyah a look and the courtesan nodded.
Joslynn had no idea what their silent conversation was about, but perhaps she should go back to her rooms. Adelina gave her a long, assessing look and Joslynn squirmed.
“I’m sorry there was no child,” she whispered, leaning into Joslynn. “Nadyah will protect you if you’d like to stay and enjoy the Games with me.”
Joslynn didn’t want to stay cooped up in the palace when she felt sad and lonely. She nodded. “I’d like to stay if that’s all right.”
Adelina patted her hand. “Of course, you can sit with me.”
Joslynn smiled in gratitude and followed the princess towards the raised platform for the royal family. King Orion and Queen Adele already sat under the shade with servants ensuring they had chilled drinks and fruit available. Hundreds of people swarmed the palace grounds, but it was a much more informal gathering than the Welcome Banquet had been, or the coming-of-age party.
The summer sun baked the earth and Joslynn could feel the heat in the stones through the soles of her shoes. The Kala sun around the Summer Solstice was merciless. After the morning Games, there would be lunch and a quick rest, and then it would be time for the Hunt. Joslynn loved a good Hunt, and was a bit wistful she couldn’t fully participate. The animal felled that day would be served at dinner, during the twilight hour.
Joslynn had never seen anything quite like the setting sun on Draga. The twilight breeze of dusk, the violets, pinks, and greys of the world were breathtaking. Pedranus simply didn’t have the kind of sunlight for such magnificence as watching Kala dip below the ocean.
“Are you going to join in any of the activities?” Joslynn asked. She smiled at the commoners who stared in open wonder and awe to simply be a part of such events.
“No, I do not plan to,” the princess replied, stopping to speak with some of the common citizens.
Joslynn waited patiently as they practically fell over themselves at the princess’s attention, stumbling over their words and protocol. It was kind of adorable in a way. Adelina’s laughter and kindness put them at ease as they chatted. The youngest princess had always been the best about maintaining relations with the people. It was a giant misfortune she had not been the first-born.
Once Adelina had moved on Joslynn jumped in, glancing at the way Nadyah shadowed them both. “Why not, Princess? I’ve heard you’re quite skilled with a bow.”
Adelina glanced at Joslynn and shrugged. She appreciated that the princess no longer tried to play those stupid court games with her. Adelina didn’t act shy around her, she didn’t dissemble, and she simply was herself around Joslynn.
“It seems prudent to keep the attention away from me at the moment.”
Joslynn glanced at Raena across the grounds as a male came up beside them. Adelina didn’t even have to give her a specific reason, it was clear as day and she hated to agree. It was safer, as Joslynn had heard the grumblings and whispers in the halls, words that would have been treasonous if reported.
Nadyah put herself between Joslynn and the blue-haired, chocolate brown-eyed beauty. The courtesan shielding her was such a small thing, but Joslynn was alone on Draga Terra and she appreciated it more than she could ever say.
“Will you be participating in the Games?” Adelina asked the young male after he introduced himself with a deep bow. He couldn’t be much older than the princess.
The breadth and height of him; he was utterly massive. Joslynn couldn’t help but admire his form and the soft beauty of his face. The male blushed when he nodded. “I plan to, your highness. What Game will you be playing?”
Adelina watched as the palace staff finished setting up rings for the swords, an archery range, galina races, and the game all of Draga knew as part of their culture and history – the game of the Wolf. Joslynn could see the longing on the princess’s face and wished she could do something to help her.
The princess turned back to Stefano and shrugged. “Someone needs to help keep score,” she said with that smile she wore for the livestream.
The male looked nervous as he offered Adelina his arm. “May I escort you to your seat then?” he asked, words stiff and formal.
Joslynn turned to hide her smile.
Adelina placed her hand over his fist. Despite his more dominant scent Stefano took the submissive position due to his lesser rank and placed one arm behind his back as he led her across the sweet grass field.
She trailed after the princess with Nadyah at her side. It really was a sight to behold. Had the royals ever allowed citizens to partake in their events and Games like the nobility? Joslynn couldn’t remember if there’d ever been such a thing before. Now here they were with this handsome male escorting a princess.
“Your host family has taught you protocol I see,” Adelina said.
The pair took their time walking to the raised platform and Joslynn smiled. The other commoners watched in obvious jealousy and the courtiers giggled and whispered as usual. The princess didn’t ever look away from Stefano.
“I hope this is not all too much.” Adelina waved her hand to indicate the opulence, the strict protocol, the courtiers, and the intensity of the recorders that followed her and Stefano with barely any room to breathe.
Joslynn felt guilty, but she was glad those recorders weren’t on her.
Stefano shook his head and then glanced at Adelina as if wondering if such a casual gesture was allowed. “The Priea House has been very kind and…instructive,” he said. “Their house in the city is stunning, and they’ve treated me with every kindness. The time I get to spend here and the experiences are a once in a lifetime event. Fear would only tarnish that.”
A brave male, Joslynn thought. She had thought his accent indicated the planet Priea, but despite the color of his hair she hadn’t been sure. His eyes were too dark for the average Priean citizen.
“Are you enjoying your time on Draga Terra?” the princess asked as they reached the platform.