At least they were being honest with each other.

“It will take time for us to adjust and get to know each other.” He turned back toward her. “I promise I will give you all the time and space you need.”

“Thank you.” But she wasn’t sure if time or space would help.

Storm clouds rolled in across the city as Selene made her way to the main audience chamber, escorted by Taegis. Earlier, Essa had delivered an exquisite silk gown of white, with waves embroidered along the neckline and sleeves, along with a matching light blue cloak. After brushing her hair out, Essa had insisted she should wear it down. The black strands hung over her shoulders and fell to the embossed belt she wore around her waist.

Her fingers were cold as she grasped the inside of her sleeves. Taegis led her to a part of the castle she had not visited yet. He stood before the double doors, each side stationed with a guard, and glanced at Selene.

“Are you ready, my lady?”

Selene raised her chin. A kernel of fear burned deep within, but she held it at bay with the same iron determination that had seen her through the last few months. “I’m ready.”

Taegis opened the door.

She wasn’t sure what she was expecting. Maybe a chamber similar to the one back at Rook Castle, which was a large cavernous room with the denizens of lower houses and wealthy elite standing around a platform with a raised throne.

Instead, the audience hall was a long narrow chamber made of light grey stone, with stairs at the end that led to a throne made of glass. On either side of the throne were two large fish heads from which water flowed in a cascading waterfall to the waiting canals below. The canals wove between the columns and disappeared in grates near the double doors. The sound of rushing water reminded Selene of the mountain streams back home.

Behind the throne were three large windows the length of the wall, with a view of the wide-open sky, currently filled with the grey clouds of a brewing storm.

On the throne sat Damien, dressed in a deep blue tunic and sleeveless jacket, all covered by a bright blue cloak trimmed in silver. He stood the moment she walked in and held out his hand.

Selene made her way across the hall, noting the tiled pictures of the sea, sky, and beach across the floor. Her boots barely made a sound, and as she passed each column, she spotted people standing in the wings. It appeared the chamber had been constructed so that the focus of the person entering was on the throne and not those gathered.

She gathered her dress in one hand at the bottom of the stairs and made her way up to Damien. He gave her a soft smile that reached his unusually blue eyes.

In his gaze, the rest of the room vanished. All she could see was depths of blue, and she felt herself drowning inside of them.