She nods. We’ve perfected our act since our engagement. She uses her endearing personality to get people to trust her, and by extension, me. Then I swoop in with the charm and disarming winks, and they do whatever we want them to. And if that fails, Fionn scares them senseless. It’s a practiced routine that works well, and we may need to use it tonight if things go sideways. I loop my arm through Silene’s, and we walk arm in arm out of the room, the perfect picture of a Prince and his betrothed, shadowed by their loyal guard.

A large open-air courtyard built into a flattened plateau on the side of the mountain hosts the ball tonight. Like everything in Thayaria, lush overgrown plants creep up the walls and across the floor, while giant planters with night-blooming flowers are scattered across the space. Lights hang across the dance floor, and beyond is a picturesque view of the twinkling city below. Dark green and crimson banners mix with gold ones to represent the two kingdoms. The effect is breathtaking, and I find myself in awe of this kingdom that I once knew nothing about.

It’s early winter, so the air is biting, but fire pits dot the courtyard to help cut the worst of the cold. The smell of burning wood and the aroma of the food makes my stomach growl. Silene has acquired a large fur wrap she drapes across her shoulders that Fionn looks envious of. Velmara has a much warmer climate, so my friends must be freezing. Somehow, I barely feel the cold. I nod toward a roaring fire pit with chairs scattered around it and we make our way there to warm up.

Thayarian nobles and courtiers slowly trickle into the courtyard, unaffected by the cold. When they notice us, they give swift and shallow bows before moving away. Music filters our way from a group of musicians while servants walk around with glasses of bubbling liquid and delicate hors d’oeuvres. The menu is another blend of Thayarian and Velmaran cuisine. Fionn suggested the small fried pastry that can be found at every street food cart in the Floating Market. Velmaran courtiers would never condescend to eating what is a staple of commoner food, but the Thayarians don’t know that. They love it, judging by the empty trays.

A herald bangs his staff three times, and everyone quiets. “Her Majesty, Queen Laurel Elestren of Thayaria,” he proclaims. Fae and humans alike dip into deep bows and curtsies as the doors open. Fionn and Silene give me a nod, indicating they’re ready to slip out during the dance between the Queen and me. As soon as they back into a corner, I concentrate on the dim light surrounding them. Pulling aether to me, once again taken aback at how much power I can draw up here in Thayaria, I will the light to render them invisible.