Thorne looks my way, lust briefly flashing in his gaze as it drifts across my body, landing on the necklace. He grins at me, an intimate, half twist of his lips, like there’s a secret between us, before he turns back to Aria. A satisfied warmth creeps over my body, calming my magic.

“Oh, I had no hand in this whatsoever,” he admits. “I confess I usually hate the Velmaran dinner parties. It’s all to the credit of my advisor, Miss Kalmeera. And, of course, Her Majesty. This wouldn’t have been possible without Queen Laurel’s agreement to Silene’s schemes. You should extend your praises to them.” I can’t help but note that he referred to Silene as only an advisor.

“I see,” Aria says, realizing Thorne has dismissed her. “Well, I will go find Miss Kalmeera and offer her my thanks.”

When she’s out of earshot, Thorne turns to me. His eyes slowly travel the length of my body, like he’s drinking me in, and it sets my skin ablaze. “You look stunning,” he growls. I blush. “And my necklace suits you.”

“Your necklace?” I ask, confused. Thorne looks sheepish.

“Well, uh, it was mine. But I wanted you to have it.”

“Why?” My eyes search his, but he’s spared from answering by Silene’s appearance at our side.

“Laurel, we’re about to start. Do you want to say anything?” she asks. I nod, then leave with her to address the room, mind still whirring from Thorne’s revelation and the way it stirs something inside me, something that feels ancient.

“Welcome to the first Winter Solstice dinner,” I say loudly to the group gathered for the dinner. “While the circumstances that led to this event were deeply upsetting, I’m happy to have this opportunity with all of you. As we dine tonight, please remember the lives we lost last week. Remember their families. Enjoy tonight and know that you’re welcome here in Thayaria’s palace. It’s your home as much as it’s mine. And please, join me in thanking our Velmaran emissaries, whose idea and planning led to this evening.” The crowd of human and fae, children and adults, bow to me, then clap for the Velmarans, and the sight is remarkable. I’m overcome with the vision of a future where dinners like this are common in Thayaria, both at the palace and around the kingdom. I raise my wine glass. “Happy Solstice!” I toast. The crowd echoes my toast, then breaks into the murmur of conversation.

Servants dressed in their own fancy gowns and suits uncover serving dishes with food before returning to the party, and Silene shoos people to go make plates.

“Your Majesty, you look beautiful,” Carex says as he approaches me.

“Thank you, Carex. And thank you for coming tonight.”