Rua cringed, looking around the group as Renwick huffed a laugh and kissed her temple. “I’m sorry we didn’t invite anyone.”

“No one comes for the prayers,” Talhan said, pushing to the front of the group. “They come for the food. Speaking of, let’s go before I eat one of your horses.”

The smell of freshly baked bread and spiced meats beckoned them into the warm interior as they laughed. Bri dropped back to Lina’s side and brushed her fingers against the back of Lina’s hand. When Lina echoed the action, a secret smile tugged on her lips.

Chapter 34

Chapter Thirty-Four

Rua took her hosting duties far more seriously than Bri had expected. Bri knew Rua would hate to have anyone note her eagerness to fill her new role, though, so she kept her mouth shut. The whole wing of guest rooms was beautifully appointed in traditional Northern Court decor with hints of Rua’s upbringing displayed in the mountain frescoes and crimson details. The castle seemed to pay homage to the town of Murreneir too. An eye-catching mixture of redwood and gray stone, the castle should have appeared an odd clash, but instead it was harmonious and beautiful.

Gratefully, Bri and Carys were given rooms on either side of Lina, with Cole across the hall. It was a move noted by all their crew: putting a brown witch in the guest wing with the fae. Just like the High Mountain royals, Renwick and Rua seemed determined to carve out a new path for their court. The rigid hierarchies that Hennen Vostemur had toiled endlessly to define were starting to fade away.

They changed clothes quickly before dinner. Carys’s hair was still wet but freshly braided. Bri swapped her tunic and trousers for a fresh pair, but not bothering more than that. This dinner was amongst friends. Their group had arrived a day early for the festivities. The rest of the guests would come the following day, and Bri was grateful they had this time together before the palace was overrun. How many more times in her life would all of her favorite people be under one roof? She prayed to the Gods it was many.

Renwick and Rua sat at the head of the table in the formal dining room, and, while they both looked immaculate, Bri noted Renwick’s loosened collar and how Rua favored a detailed tunic and trousers over a gown. The two of them stole glances at each other throughout the meal, and Bri plied herself with wine, trying not to steal just as many glances at the gorgeous Western Princess sitting across from her. Lina had worn her blue and gold dress, the one that dipped down in a salacious V and hung from the very edge of her broad shoulders. Bri bet she could slip her pinky finger under one shoulder and the whole garment would fall off.