the space between us, connects us together in a palpable way. I breathe him in, feel his pulse, revel in all the unspoken words between us. There's so much I want to say. So much I want him to understand, and so much I want to know.
I'm about to try, about to open my mouth, and my heart, and tell him what I'm feeling, when a young man bursts in to the dining area. He bows, then hands Fen a parchment sealed in wax. "I was told to deliver this to you immediately, Your Highness."
"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