him call out, so I opened it. He was standing, looking out the window

Ithyles murmu

he regarded me, the surprise fading into an expression I could not put a na

eed, reaching up to where it rested on

l, without taking his eyes from me. He grimac

. Your mother has been a little.

ll me to think I have lost my magic, and send

I replied. "Drink up. I will also point out," I said, accepting the goblet back from him a

arded items of grooming and removed them into the other chamber. Akyran walked around me. "This is really an unusual dress," he obs

ing a little and swirling my skirts so the

t the moment," he adjusted the locket on my neck, his fingertips brushing my skin and sending a current through me. He leaned over in such a way to look at it, t

the oils, as

n your hair." When he turned back to me, his cheeks were flushed again. He was fidgety, his movements sha

I could count the times I had seen him nervous on one hand. "You look very handsome," I offered, as he see

war against the brethren and Aurien getting himself involved, and now my parents are debating wh

I laid a ha

e should go," he said quietly. "My father and I had words last time I was here, and he has little patience with me as

overed t

paused and brushed his

me you had words

oo much." He opened the door and led the way into the hallway. "I wonder if Aurien's wife knows she is yet

s, I'm sure," I replie

esil. That will be a first for history

rom the artwork, indicating we were moving from the private residences of the royal family. "If there was ever to be a dragon king, it would be there. I cannot

archly. "Because we need her to win back the th

ccept her as queen more readily, and once they do, he can claim her, but n

ts had set up a refreshments table out here, the area was busy with clusters of elaborately costumed

"It would be good to see him again.

nk I pisse

gh my eyelashes. "Why am I

ey smiled and bowed to him, pleased to see their prince in good humour.

and leafy boughs, with seating areas set upon lush grass framed by wildflowers. The ceiling that arched high above, held the moon and stars to light the room below and

his eye over the room. "A litt

s overdone - we were both shaking sand out of our hair for a week after. This, by comparison..." I paused a

traight. "It's anyone's guess. I do not think they even know." He moved us further into the room. A servant brought a tray

rds that person, unpleasantries disguised as pleasantries if he was not happy with them for whatever reason. Akyra

ood with my parents, watching us. Akyran did not s

s beautiful Ecaeris, of course," he leaned over

hoever dressed her had sensibly resisted the temptation to put her in sea colours and drape her in pearls. Siorin was less than comfortable with her oceanic

k when Akyran released her, taking more care n

only met her once or twice when I had accompanied Akyran to the Court of Light, and whe

he few people that knew wh

ith, and since then, mankind had adopted the device in various forms for various results - all of them unpleas

k you. Your dress

ivyn was saying to Akyra

eyebrow. "Is that what

ng smile. "Well, you know the c

ared at his brother. Rivyn laughed.

ghtly, "when you shed the unpleasant gr

ation with Rivyn was. "Akyran," I nudged him. "You're still scowling

hed his teeth. "Fae law is Fae la

as rather forceful with her desire for him to bend to her will. Perhaps he is merely accommodating her wishes. Once he is ki

ension from his shoulders, and smiled do

of us nee

n exchanged cheek kisses with Leamoira. King Treyvin was less inclined to break with formality than Queen Leamoira, and me

ot say you were coming for this ball," I said apologetically

ummoned, I realised. I wondered what was afoot, but I could not ask in front of the Queen. Akyran's discuss

the conversation between the King and Prince and sought to c

he line," my father observed dryly. "Skyshir

r smirked, "unlike other first-time fathers we could men

h," the Queen agreed with my mother. "I thought Ent

ther replied, flicking my

ds," my father acknowledged with amusement. "

ment. "I might need to employ one, I'm just not sur

intervene?"

shaking her head. "Akyran is out of lin

of line?" I asked

eamoira replied. "Nothing to be concerned about,

ker found a young girl who could weave straw into gold thread. I was able to assist her with the payment

know?" Leamoi

material for my dresse

s with speculative parental concern, knowing t

name, so the gold thread was free. There was only the cost of weavin

to be relieved or ho

ads of gold via goblin magic?" I arched my brow. "T

lt for anyone else to rep

the gold thread," I replied as King Treyvin returned to us. Akyran h

his head. "Give him