His eyes crease with playfulness. “They say after the First Dawn, when Queen Ophelia arrived in Infinity, the moon disappeared for twenty-three days. In that time, she roamed this infinite land, trying to make herself a part of it. But the humans would not accept her. They said her existence had taken something from the world—that her very essence had cost them the moon. Not wanting to spend her infinite life alone, she became a creator and brought four sons into this world. The night the princes were born, the moon returned to the sky, crimson as a phoenix tail born from the fires. So the Bloodmoon, you see, is a celebration of life.”

I lean in, raising a brow. “It kind of sounds like it’s also your birthday.”

“Yes. You’d think they’d make more of a fuss about it,” he says, sipping from his goblet.

I can’t help myself—I laugh. And when I remember where I am and who I’m with, I try to distract myself by stuffing pie in my mouth and chewing until my jaw hurts.

Prince Caelan sets his drink down, the smile still hitched at the corners of his mouth.

The meal lasts far longer than I’d expected, especially considering food is more tradition than necessity, but eventually the servants return to clear the plates, and most of the Residents venture back inside for more drinking and dancing.

I stand when Prince Caelan does, my eyes drifting around the garden anxiously for the girl from the palace, but I can’t find her.

Vallis is standing several yards away, eyes focused on Commander Kyas, who is speaking to several Residents on the other side of the garden. And then, as if he’s run out of patience, Vallis marches toward the commander and whispers into his ear. Kyas bows an apology to his present company, and the two of them disappear into the hedge maze.

Caelan looks at me, and I pretend to be busy admiring the autumnal decorations instead of raising suspicions about what Vallis and his commander are up to.

The prince opens his mouth to speak, but his attention is pulled away by a Resident with sandy hair braided into an elaborate design. He almost looks out of place next to the other attendees, wearing simple green silk and the faintest amount of gold dusted on his cheeks.

“Your Highness.” The Resident bows, pressing a hand against his heart at the same time. “Prince Lysander sends his greetings.”

Lysander. Could this Resident be from Death?

“I’m surprised to see you here,” Caelan admits. “My brother normally chooses to send messages by way of airship, just to avoid having to send anyone from his court.”

“His Highness has made an exception for the Bloodmoon.” His voice is like velvet. “And Death has brought you a gift.”