will find out what happened to you, Myles,” she whispered. “If it’s the last thing I do.”
Chapter Fourteen
“You look lovely, darling. If a bit morose.” Queen Regan looped her arm through Brea’s as they made their way down to the banquet hall for the big Iskalt send off.
“Griff left without saying goodbye.” Brea had decided to play the part of a lovesick teen. She’d seen enough of the girls’ theatrics back home to pull it off here.
“Don’t worry yourself, dear. I sent him on an important errand that just couldn’t wait. He had little time to prepare, much less make time for a romantic farewell. He’ll be back soon, and we can talk about wedding plans. I’m so pleased you’ve agreed to his proposal.”
She made it all sound so normal and romantic, like he’d actually gotten down on one knee and popped the question. In the back of Brea’s mind all she heard was what would Myles say about all of this? First, he would be stoked to find the fae realm exists, and he’d want to explore it with her. Second, he would do that side-splitting laugh thing he did at the news of her impending betrothal. Just the thought of his laughter brought a smile to her face.
“That’s better.” Regan smiled as they approached the banquet hall. “Smile for the delegates, dear. They’ll be on their way back to their frozen tundra by morning, and we’ll have the place to ourselves for a while.”
By then, Brea would be neck deep in the marshes, if she even made it that far. She wasn’t looking forward to the next few hours.
“Do you entertain often, Aunt Regan?” Brea needed to play the part of the dutiful niece.
“One of the many perks of being queen. You get to throw parties as often as you like. Don’t worry, we have your betrothal and wedding celebrations to look forward to. There will be plenty more parties where you’ll be the guest of honor. We’ll have to start planning your wardrobe right away.”
This woman didn’t know Brea at all if she thought more parties and uncomfortable dresses was the way to cheer her up.
Brea followed her aunt into the banquet hall after the herald announced her and a footman guided her to the high table where she sat beside the queen. She smiled and nodded and engaged in the conversation as best she could, but her mind was elsewhere.
“None for me, thank you,” Brea murmured, covering her goblet with her hand. The servers had been plying her and the queen with wine all night.
“Are you feeling well, dear?” The queen asked, eyeing her plate.
Brea had done a good job making it look like she’d eaten, but she didn’t want to accidentally eat one of her aunt’s magic-stifling sauces by accident.
“Actually, I am feeling a little under the weather,” Brea admitted with feigned reluctance. “Just tired and a bit off from too much wine lately. I’m not used to it.”
“And missing a certain handsome young man?” her aunt teased.
Anger caused her face to flush, and Brea hoped the queen would take it for a lover’s blush.
“Very much,” she murmured.
“Very well, dear, you may retire. Come to my rooms for a late brunch tomorrow morning and we’ll get started on wedding plans.”
“Thank you, Aunt Regan.” Brea rose from her chair, intending to rush from the room, but every delegate at the table rose with her.
“Er, um. Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.” She bobbed her head.
“My niece is a bit tired this evening,” the queen explained. “And missing a certain gentleman,” she whisper-shouted behind her enormous peacock-feathered fan. Her laughter sent the Iskalt delegates into a tittering fit.
Stumbling over her train, Brea made for the door as quickly as she could and still look like the refined lady she was supposed to be. Once she hit the empty grand hallway, Brea hiked up her skirts and ran up the stairs to the queen’s quarters.
“Psst, my Lady,” Neeve’s voice drifted down the hallway leading to Brea’s rooms. “In here.”
Brea turned toward the sound of her voice and found her waiting in a small servant’s room. “Is this yours?” Brea looked around at the tidy room. It was nice. Nothing like her luxurious suite, but it was homey and comfortable in a way Brea’s wasn’t.
“The queen likes to keep me close, so I don’t sleep in the servants’ quarters like most palace maids. It will be safer for you to change in here. No one bothers to spy on me.”
“You