Chapter 38
I pinned my auburn mark before seeing Karina, the castle’s seamstress, in her workspace this afternoon. My black hair is elegantly pulled away—half up—with a few wavy strands framing the sides of my face.
Karina dressed me in a mesmerizing two-toned cream-and-gold gown that cascades to the floor. The bodice fits snug at my chest, hanging just off my shoulders and dipping to the swell of my breasts.
I expected to learn more of my mission from Ren like King Elion mentioned, but all I got was a missive shoved under the door with an extensive backstory on Sensa Blackwyth.
I haven’t seen Ren since he caught me sneaking back into my own chamber last week.
I just figure he was searching for any information regarding the second-in-command without being obvious.
Karina opens the massive white door with a soft smile. “I’ll send someone tomorrow to retrieve the items from your chamber.”
My grin widens as I stride past before stopping short. Ren pushes himself off the wall across from me, eyes grazing mine with a disinterested stare.
“What are you doing?” I ask just as the door quietly clicks shut, leaving us alone in the hall.
“I’m your personal guard for the night,” he says, slowly scanning me from top to bottom before meeting my eyes, expression unreadable.
“You’re my what?” That’s when I notice what he’s wearing.
Dark pants are covered by the long cream-and-gold colored tunic with a matching cape, elegantly draped from his shoulders, a golden clasp securing it at his collarbone.
His arms are gloved, matching the dark belted sheath secured at his waist holding a golden sword with an emerald jewel nestled at the top—matching the one at my throat.
My cheeks heat at the realization of him matching me.
He looks like a royal guard.
“If this were a few years ago, you would’ve been delighted about me being your personal guard with all the chaos we caused.” He fights a grin, but I can’t help but throw him a glare as he offers me the inside of his elbow.
We silently walk through the courtyard and up the steps near the kitchens, as the ballroom sits right across from it. Music flows into the corridor as every door remains open. Extra guards are posted nearby, and I spot a few from the brotherhood disguised as more royal guards.
“How many weapons do you have?” I mutter.
The ballroom is nothing short of exquisite.
Vaulted ceilings draw you in with the gilded chandeliers that drip with fine crystals, casting speckles of light across the polished white marble floor.
Lively but soft music weaves through the conversations, laughter filling the air as couples spin gracefully across the room, the quiet rustle of gowns brushing against the floor.
“All of them,” he says quietly, then glances down, lifting his scarred brow. “How many do you have?”
A smirk plays on my lips. “All of them.”
He chuckles, leading us toward the edge of the room where guests mingle around clusters of chairs and tables. Spiced mead lingers with the scent of savory treats behind us, enticing more guests to filter in from outside.
I quickly scan the room. Only the finest dressed dukes and duchesses trail in with their family and close friends.
Then I spot King Elion sitting on the raised dais toward the back with Xane, Luke, Ezra, Malrik, and Theron—all disguised as royal guards.
All dressed similarly to Ren, flanking King Elion, behind and in front of his elegant table.
“It’s going to be quite interesting watching Rydian hear about this later,” Ren mumbles, and I glance up just as a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.
“Stop provoking him,” I grumble.
Ren huffs a quiet laugh. “It’s entertaining watching him unravel at the thought of you being unprotected or touched by someone else. He can’t seem to control himself.”
A frustrated sigh leaves me, wondering why Ren thinks that. Rydian seems to have plenty of control when I’m around him.
“He doesn’t unravel,” I say. “Technically, I’m not unprotected. You’re here, aren’t you?”
“You don’t need protection. I made sure of that. He just needs to be humbled a bit,” he says, and I catch the tightness of his jaw.
“And you don’t? All you males do is argue. The least you can do is get along for a few weeks until we find my mother, and then we’ll leave.”
His gaze swivels down to meet mine. “Trust me, I’ve been humbled for the last four years.” He scans the room again. “You’re going with him.”
“I don’t know yet,” I say, even though he said it like a statement. But I know that going with Rydian is the deal I made before we agreed to search for my mother. I’m just not sure how Ren will take it now that I know we used to be friends. “Afraid you’ll miss me?” I ask.
He only sighs. “You won’t be a thorn in my side anymore, and I’ll finally be able to sleep without worrying about what you’ll do next.”
My eyes roll. I figured he felt that way. He’ll probably rejoice the day I leave, knowing I won’t be a problem anymore.
Guests twirl in and out in mesmerizing movements, my stomach fluttering—not from being hungry or my current mission, but from realizing that I might have to dance. I swallow, my face heating as my pulse climbs, suddenly unsure I’ll be able to complete my mission without making a fool of myself.
“What’s wrong?” Ren asks.
“I don’t even know how to dance.”
Ren lowers his gaze, clearly fighting a grin. I can tell he’s holding back what I’m sure would be an amused chuckle if we weren’t in such a highly trafficked area.
“Are you panicking?” he asks with a blink. “I’ve never seen you panic before.”
“This isn’t funny,” I snap quietly, grappling for composure. I pivot to face him, my gown brushing against the floor. “I’m sure Ekrin is going to want to dance with me, and I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Yes, you do,” he mumbles, almost in annoyance, forcing my head to snap up in confusion. “You know how to dance. I’m sure that’s the one thing you didn’t forget because we’re all taught ballroom etiquette in the brotherhood. Just… follow your instinct.”
“I have no recollection of ever learning these dances—” My retort is cut short when Ren’s composed mask slides into place, nodding toward the center of the room. I realize then just how good he is at that.
My attention shifts to King Elion striding toward us with Ekrin Highcrest at his side, guests parting down the middle. The next thing I know, I’ve become Sensa Blackwyth, high-ranking niece to Kiev and Selphira Blackwyth of Eldryn.
He’s just as I remembered from my mission last week: tall and dark-haired with pale green eyes.
Only this time he wears an elegant black-and-gold colored tunic that covers his dark pants.
His outfit complements his light tanned complexion, complete with a matching high collar cape that clasps at his neck.
Too bad his arrogance drips from him like a fine wine.
They finally meet us, coming to a stop just shy of our feet. Ren and I bow to King Elion.
“Your Majesty,” I say, cautiously eyeing the duke.
“Ekrin Highcrest, this is Sensa Blackwyth, niece to Kiev and Selphira of Eldryn. And this is Ren Demaris, our current captain and her assigned personal guard during her stay. Sensa is currently visiting the castle for the next few weeks and has never been to the Aurorafest. I’d love for you to show her around,” Elion says, clasping Ekrin on the shoulder and gesturing toward me. “Please, get acquainted!”
King Elion meets my gaze before leaving to greet the other dukes and duchesses approaching him nearby. I give Ren a nod and he steps back to hover behind us.
I face Ekrin with a soft, convincing smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard many wonderful things.” I extend my right hand. He gently lifts it to his mouth, inhaling as he places a soft kiss to the top of it. He eyes me, slowly releasing my hand, then gives me a charming smirk.
“I doubt that, but I am interested to hear exactly what you heard. Care to walk with me?” His voice is smooth like honey, and I quickly understand the allure to him.
A soft laugh slips free as I wrap my hand around the inside of his elbow. “You’re right, I’ve heard many wicked things, but I think you might have to pry them out of me.”
He chuckles. “Tell me, Lady Sensa, what brings you to Alvonia?”
The ballroom walls are lined with arched windows, draped in shimmering cream-colored curtains that lead into the courtyard.
Housemaidens glide around the room with practiced ease, passing out drinks to guests who continue to mingle.
There’s a palpable energy to the room—a blend of excitement and curiosity.
“Well, Duke—”
“Please, just Ekrin.”
“Well, just Ekrin.” I grin, and he returns it with an amused gleam to his eyes.
“We received an invite to the Aurorafest. King Elion offered to allow us to stay for a few weeks, but as you know, Eldryn makes it very hard to visit. I begged my mother and aunt Selphira for so long they finally agreed to let me visit until the spring. Childish, I know, but it’s stifling there, and I couldn’t wait to visit any longer. ”
“Mm.” He hums his understanding. “And your family couldn’t visit with you? I would have loved to meet the infamous Duke and Duchess of Eldryn.” He chuckles, leaning into me. “And no, it’s not childish. I understand all too well what that’s like.”
I glance at him, then sheepishly avert my gaze.
“They couldn’t stay, not for that long anyway.
Once coming down from the mountains, it’s almost impossible to travel back up in the dead of winter.
Kiev and Selphira needed to stay in Eldryn, but I’ll be back up there in the next few weeks once the ice melts,” I explain with a sigh.
He pauses our walk. “And you don’t want to go back?”