Teddy jumps up from the armchair and holds up the vermillion gown. “It would be a shame to let something so perfect go to waste. I’m wearing this.” She sends me a quick grin. “If you’re ready, I’ll send for the maidens.”

“Yes, I’m ready,” I say brightly, hoping my trembling hands don’t give me away. Thankfully, she leaves the room. My shoulders fall, and I let out a heavy breath.

I’ll dress for the festival. I’ll honor Lachlan’s late wife and dance the night away with my future husband. I want no part of what The Wood showed me. Marrying Lachlan is my chance to save my Kingdom, and I won’t let the mysteries of the Florian steal that away.

I grab the silver dress. The rest of the Minea’s words drift around me like a plume of smoke, filling the room.

“However, should you choose to ignore your fate, the world will be swallowed whole, and all light shall pass away.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Braizen

Lachlan fiddles with the cuffs of his sleeves, staring at them with a fixed expression. He seems more anxious than I am. I can’t blame him; he’s in complete regalia, and the fur collar of the robe resting on his shoulders would make any man miserable. I smooth down my auburn tunic, adjust the cravat clinging to my neck, then rub my freshly shaven chin. My hair is tied back so tightly it pulls my face. We’re in a small room preparing for his annual parade through the streets during the Aeradian Festival.

Lachlan and I haven’t spoken much since we arrived, and I certainly haven’t brought up his future wedding. Perhaps it’s time. It would be wise to ascertain Lachlan’s loyalties and ensure that Aeradian and Baelliles will continue as allies after he marries Idalia.

My father would’ve already done this. Though, to be fair, my father would’ve made sure this wedding would never happen in the first place. I face my old friend.

“Maybe after all of this, the two of us can grab a drink. What do you say, a couple of old Princes getting blind drunk and discussing days past?”

“One of us is a King now,” he says, and his smile wavers.

I give him a mocking bow. “But of course! Forgive me, Your Majesty,” I exclaim and Lach chuckles. “I don’t suppose Your Majesty would allow someone lower on the food chain to buy him a drink later this evening. To make up for such a silly remark?”

I hear cacophonous instruments and loud voices piling on top of each other until it’s a cluster of noise that seems to shake the earth. Now, I’m nervous.

Lachlan slaps my back. “A drink will be much needed, friend. I accept.”