"Thank you," I tell the messenger. "Ask our cook to get you something to eat and drink before you head out."
He bows to me, mumbles a thank you and leaves us.
Fen reads the letter quickly, frowning deeply. When he's done, he stands abruptly and curses.
"What's wrong?" I ask, standing as well. Baron leaps to his feet with us, ears perked, teeth bared, ready to fight whatever is making his master angry.
"You must have really pissed Levi off. He's insisting I bring you to High Castle tonight to meet the princes."
"But that wasn't supposed to happen for another week. I don't even have my dress yet."
"Asher had it delivered this afternoon. It's in your room."
"It's so late," I argue. This doesn't feel right, but I'm not sure why.
"We have to go. The Council decided it."
"Why are you never there when they decide things about me?" I ask.
"Because I'm never informed until after the fact." He practically growls, and I can tell his temper is tethered by a string.
"Doesn't that seem fishy to you?"
"It does. But you will be safe. Levi wouldn't dare make a play at you with everyone there."
I nod. "I'll go get ready."
***
I bathe in the waterfall shower, then Kara and Julian brush out and dry my hair and help me dress. I wear the necklace Kayla loaned me, and when I look in the mirror, I have to admit I look like a princess. I smile. "Thank you, ladies."
They both curtsy.
I turn to them. "I haven't had a chance to talk to you about the slaves I bought today. I want them treated well. Please make sure they have comfortable jobs they enjoy and are under the care of people you trust."
Julian nods. "We will."
"I'll check in on them when all this is done."
As a last measure, I strap my dagger to my inner thigh. Just in case.
I meet Fen downstairs, at the entrance of the castle. He's dressed nicer than I've ever seen him, in a black vest with gold buttons and a red shirt beneath. "Did you borrow that from Asher?" I ask with a teasing smile.
He narrows his eyes at me. "No. I do know how to dress appropriately for an occasion."
"You look good," I say. "But I prefer you in leather."
I wink at him and straighten the lapel of his coat. Our bodies are close. This time, we're not holding swords; he's not teaching me to kill someone. This time it's just us, so I press closer. He holds my hand, pressing it tight against his chest.
"I have something for you," he says.
I step back as he pulls out a small leather pouch from his pocket and hands it to me. "I commissioned Kayla to make it."
When I open the pouch, tears burn my eyes. Inside, lies a white gold ring with a Shooting Star Crystal in the center and beautiful root designs on the sides. I slip it on my middle finger and admire it. "Thank you," I whisper.
"You're welcome." He holds out his arm, and I slide mine into his as we walk through Stonehill to the boat that will take us to High Castle.
I know this is hard for him. Hard for us both. Why grow closer to someone who will leave you in less than a month?
But this ring is a reminder. There is something between us. And no matter what happens, I will always be grateful for Fenris Vane.
***
When we arrive, trailed by Marco and Roco, we are greeted by six armed guards. They escort us to the ballroom, where the floors glitter with gold and paintings of war cover the arching ceiling. More guards, clad in red and black armor, line the walls and doors.
"Whose men are these?" I ask Fen, clinging to his arm.
"Levi's," he says with a growl.
The ballroom is empty save for us and the guards. A raised platform carved from marble stands in the middle. One of the guards grabs my arm. "The princess must—"
Fen grabs the man's wrist, twisting it until the guard collapses to his knees. "You will not touch her," growls the prince.
"Of course. Apologies, Your Highness." He glances between Fen and me as he speaks, clearly unsure about which of us he should apologize to first. After a moment, Fen releases his grip.
The guard stands, cradling his limp wrist. "The princess must situate herself in the center." He points to the platform with his good arm.
Fen is about to argue, but I place a hand on him. "I'll be fine. Let's just get this over with."
I walk to the platform. Fen keeps Baron by his side. Once I'm 'situated', the floating lights in the ballroom flicker off, and we are left in complete darkness. A bright yellow sphere begins to glow ahead, blinding me. It's a spotlight, and I am the focus. I hear others enter the room, presumably the other princes, but I can't see them.
"What's this about, Levi?" Fen demands.
"It's just our way of getting to know the princess." His voice is cold and smooth like polished stone. "You've had her all to yourself long enough."
"Everyone will have their time with the princess," Asher says offhandedly. "No need to worry yourself."
"Says the man who has already met her," another voice says.