I escaped the thrum and surge of the dance floor, exhaustion catching me as I made my way to the darker edges of the room. Away from the dancing, other pursuits held sway: talking, posturing, seducing. A few couples and one throuple were locked in embraces, though I didn't see anyone obviously having sex. I found a bare patch of stone wall and leaned against it, the cool stone sucking heat out of my overly warm body.

A fae woman drifted towards me, one of the four who had been at the high table; I looked over to her and offered what I hoped was a polite smile. She gave me a small bow and I inclined my head in return.

"Good evening," I said when she didn't speak, wondering if maybe it was rude for her to start a conversation.

"A pleasant evening to you, your highness," she responded, her voice rich and deep, with a curling quality to how she said the words. "If I may make your acquaintance, I am Lady Gweyir Rynsandoral, of the Court of Mercy."

"A pleasure," I said. "I've already been announced, but I'm Princess Leah Escarra." I tried not to wince as I said it, keeping a blander expression than utter discomfort on my face. I was a damn far cry from a princess, and it felt bizarre to call myself one. I preferred 'duchess' by a mile.

"I was surprised not to see your soulmate dancing with you," she said, with a pleasant expression. "He seems so... possessive."

I laughed at that, more because it was unexpected than because it was funny. "I think Crown Prince Sundamar was irritated with me, and I can hardly imagine him dancing."

The corners of her eyes crinkled. "A reasonable assumption," Lady Rynsandoral said. "I'd been hoping to speak to him about some of the recent... difficulties, shall we say, along our border. Despite his reputation, his actions during the war with Raven Court suggest to me that he does not love warfare. He could be fighting still, if he'd left Phazikai standing."

"I don't know where he's gone, or I'd make you an introduction," I said, a bit ruefully. "But he seems to have vanished."

"I did see him heading towards the walled gardens," she offered. "I considered following, but..."

My mouth twitched. "You'd rather not risk his temper if you're wrong?"

"Correct," she said with a light laugh.