LITMIR.BIZ

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nodded in his direction, and Timber took the cue, placing his empty bowl on the table by the fire. Together, they approached the lone figure.

      Heads turned as they grew closer. Nathaniel placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. He’d rather not draw it out in front of civilians, but he’d wield it if he had to. The figure turned in their direction, revealing a pale cheek, a red curl, and a fearful blue eye. The boy leapt from his seat and startled a barmaid. Her tray toppled, ale glasses breaking on the floor. The boy pushed a man aside and ran toward the door.

      “Make way!” Nathaniel shouted. Everyone cleared his path. He bolted toward the door and followed the boy into the darkness.

      * * * *

      Servants cleared the third course from the table as the first couples took to the dance floor. Unfortunately, it was venison stew, another plate Valoria couldn’t stomach. All she’d had to eat was a roll and a lettuce leaf garnishing the chicken wings of the second course.

      “Your minstrels play well.” Brax mentioned it as though they’d trained their whole lives to play background music at a feast.

      “They do much more than entertain. Are we going to dance?” She’d rather know now and prepare for it, like a soldier going to war.

      “Most certainly not.” Brax drank another cup of ale so strong, the fumes made Valoria dizzy. He’d eaten every bit of food in front of him and some of hers. At least she was good for something—second helpings. “I do not dance. It is a fruitless activity. I’d rather save my energy for training.”

      Relief came over her. “How could I not guess?”

      He raised an eyebrow as if he wondered if she teased him.

      Valoria hid her face behind her glass of wine. “If we do not dance, then what do we do at these events besides eat?”

      He stood, and for a moment she thought he would change his mind and offer his hand. “I consult with my generals about our future war plans and I try to earn more allies for the kingdom’s cause.”

      “How diligent.”

      “We all must be diligent in times like these.” Brax regarded her as if she were some silly party princess. “If you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to.”

      The king and queen glanced at Brax with surprise and disappointment, but he ignored them and crossed the room, joining a group of soldiers in the back. The queen turned to Valoria with an apologetic face, but she glanced away, not wanting her pity.

      She couldn’t make Brax love her any more than they could. And she didn’t want to.

      Frustration brewed inside her. Would she be resigned to watch every night while other couples danced and laughed for all the years of her life? Valoria threw her napkin on the table and stood. She’d rather play with the court musicians. At least then she’d be useful.

      The queen called her name, but she pretended not to hear, leaving the table and walking along the side of the room. Where had Nathaniel disappeared to? For a moment, she’d thought he was on her side. But, he could never really be on her side completely. That was Brax’s duty.

      Two doors opened to a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Valoria breathed the fresh air with relief, closing the door behind her. The glass muted the din of the party, but it could not mute the sore ache in her chest.

      She walked to the edge and placed her hands on the cold stone railing. The cobblestone streets of Ebonvale spread out before her. The city was three times the size of her minstrel village. Gabled roofs of inns, taverns, and shops cluttered the horizon in a complicated jumble.

      So many people called Ebonvale their home. Was it her duty to protect them? As strong and noble as the Royal Guard was, it had been the minstrel’s song that stilled the wyverns so the warriors could get close enough to deliver the fatal blow. When the next threat arose, would it take both sides once again to defeat it? Would only her and Brax’s union ensure the safety of these people and her own?

      Maybe Brax was right. Maybe Ebonvale didn’t need the minstrels after all. A lot of time had passed between the last war with the wyverns, and the fire worms had yet to return. It would be a convenient truth.

      The door opened behind her, and the queen stepped onto the balcony. The wind threw up her honey-blond hair. She wore a sumptuous gown, but her body moved like a warrior’s. The soft fabric could not conceal the sinewy muscles in her arms, or the fierceness in her eyes. She was gorgeous, and for a moment Valoria understood why her father could not take his heart back. But, her mother had had a soft kindness the queen lacked. In Valoria’s esteem, gentleness counted more than beauty.

      “Forgive me, am I intruding?”

      Valoria bowed her head. “No, your majesty. I needed fresh air.”

      “As do I.” Queen Thoridian joined her, standing on the balcony’s edge and gazing at the city below with certainty and pride. “These dinners can be tiresome.”

      Valoria glanced away, afraid the queen would see the repulsion on her face. “I am thankful for your kindness.”

      “It is I who should thank you.” The sincerity in her tone made Valoria snap her gaze back on her.

      Queen Thoridian pursed her lips. In the moonlight, her pearls shone like underwater treasures. Valoria had heard a tale sung about the Sapphire Isles, where a king had tricked a mermaid and stolen the five pearls of wisdom. Were they the same?

      The queen turned toward her. “You know of the history between your father and me?”

      Anxiety crept up Valoria’s spine. At her home, this subject was taboo. “He does not speak often of it, but I am aware of your broken betrothal.”

      Queen Thoridian nodded, and a sad reluctance settled in her sharp features. “I highly regard him. He is a great and noble man and he treated me well—better than I deserved. But, I did not love him. You see, I am very much like my mother before me even though it pains me to admit it.” She shrugged as if she could do nothing about it. “My heart rules my mind. I loved Bron—I still do—more than anything in the world. There is no shame in that. But because of my choice, the future of both kingdoms falls to you, and to Brax.”

      Great pressure fell on Valoria’s shoulders. She struggled to breathe. Her chin trembled as she struggled to hold her tears back. Uniting the kingdoms by marrying Brax seemed so impossible. “I do not think he cares for me.”

      “Brax is a noble man, but it takes time to win his regard. Once you do, he’ll love you more deeply than anyone else could. If you have any of the virtues of your father—some of which I’ve already seen in you—then, in time, he will.”

      The queen moved toward her and took Valoria’s hands in her own. Her meadow-green eyes pleaded. “It is unfair of me—of anyone—to ask you to choose against your heart. But, who knows what threats lurk on the horizon, and how much of an alliance our kingdoms truly have? Do me this one favor. Be patient. Give Brax time.”

      Words would not come. Valoria stood frozen with the queen squeezing the blood from her hands. She asked so much of her. But, Danika Thoridian wouldn’t have come out and spoken so honestly if she didn’t think the cause was worthy. Valoria’s own father had asked the same of her since she could talk. Could she disregard all of their hopes after one dinner party?

      Valoria nodded slowly. “I’ll try.”

      The queen laughed desperately. “Thank Helena and Horred.” She smoothed back Valoria’s hair. “You are such a darling child. Your father must be proud.”

      “I want to make him proud.” Valoria smiled, thinking of his long face, his graying hair, and his silver eyes. “He’s spoken of me coming here every day of my life.”

      “I’m sure he has.” She glanced away as if the thought of Valoria’s father talking about Ebonvale every day seemed unsettling. “Come, let me find your handmaiden. I will bore you no

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