“Good day, Your Majesty,” he greeted me, an easy smile on his face. “What an interesting choice. You look lovely.”

“Thank you.” I practiced breathing steadily as he escorted me in front of the crowd.

My throne was there, as was one for Etan. Hagan had a seat to my right, and on Etan’s left, there was another chair for Ayanna. I’d heard he’d been encouraged to find a mate rather quickly. He and I were in similar situations with our family lines: we were the end of them.

I glanced at Valentina, asking her with my eyes if I still looked all right. As if something had changed in the last three minutes. She nodded reassuringly, and I clasped my hands in front of me, hoping to settle my stomach, but instead I felt my ring. I looked down quickly at the gift from Mother, the heirloom from Jedreck. In our many correspondences, Etan had never asked for it, but as I was now a Coroan queen and forbidden from being an Isolten citizen, I wondered if it should go back to him. Just one detail of many to settle over this trip.

The trumpets sounded, announcing their arrival, and I could feel my heart leaping from my chest. Etan was here. We were breathing the same air. I watched expectantly down the path made up the middle of the Great Hall, probably giving away how desperate I was to see his face again.

I saw his shoe first. All it took was a shoe, and I was lost. His hair was shorter, but there was still one rogue piece trying to fall in his eye. He’d grown a very short beard, and it looked absolutely charming around the shape of that smile growing on his face.

I shook my head. I shouldn’t have been surprised that we’d had the same thought.

While his entourage was dressed in dozens of cool shades of blue, Etan’s coat was red. He was a flash of fire in the night. And I? I’d chosen the bluest gown I had, bedecked my hair in silver. For him.

He walked up, bowing before me. As he did, I noted the petite girl just off his shoulder, her hair done up in an elaborate twist, and her face angelic and poised.

For a split second, I forgot my place. I curtsied to him in return, a little hastily. I sighed. I was already making mistakes.

I walked down off the dais, my arms outstretched, and he happily took my hands in his.

“Is this the best you could do?” he asked, flicking at the collar of my gown. “You look like a puddle.”

“I assume they lost your wardrobe on the road and that’s why you’re wearing this horse blanket?”

He chuckled. “It works in a pinch.”

I smiled and looked past him, raising my voice. “Dear friends, thank you for coming. I realize this meeting came much sooner than expected. I appreciate your willingness to visit with us, and for your support, even from afar. Some of you rode up to this very palace for my sake, and I have not forgotten it. Please make yourselves at home. You are most welcome here.”