My breathing slowed, the knot in my stomach loosening just enough that the hallway came back into sharp focus. “I’m okay,” I said, nodding at him. “Truly. Just a few nerves.”
“Understandable, Princess. Would it help if I tripped when we entered the room? I could stumble over my feet, fall flat on my face.” A small smile teased at his lips, his eyes crinkling underneath his crimson mask. “That would distract everyone from you.”
“You, the captain of the guard?” I tsked. “Surely no one would believe you to be so clumsy.”
We walked closer to the doors, and my heart beat to the rhythm of each step we took.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Erasmus said. “In the presence of such a beautiful woman, anyone might lose their footing. Too busy staring at your lovely face to watch their feet.”
My cheeks flushed. He didn’t have the bold confidence and swagger of the prince, but Erasmus had a way of sneaking up on you with his quiet charms.
I let out a laugh. “That’s okay, Captain.” I patted his arm. “No need to tarnish your reputation. We can’t have the court thinking the captain of the guard can’t even walk properly.”
We came to a stand in front of the doors, and I took three steadying breaths as the guards standing at their posts swept them open to reveal a room filled with elementals, most with wings, but a few without. They all turned to stare at me through their masks, and it was like my arrival had siphoned the chatter from the room, everyone silent.
“Princess Arabella Gustavias of the sky court,” the man next to me announced.
I felt like a cornered rabbit, everyone in this room snakes ready to pounce.
The silence was suffocating as Erasmus walked me toward the king and queen, who both stood in front of their thrones. The walk seemed to last an eternity as the crowd parted for us until I finally stood in front of them and bowed with Erasmus. He let go of my arm and moved to stand by the edge of the dais.
The queen gestured for me, the king staring out into the crowd, blue eyes cold and hard. I picked up my silver skirts and came to a stand beside the queen, the king on her other side.
Music floated through the air, ending the agonizing silence, and the room burst back to life. Thank the spirits. A line formed around the room.
“The receiving line,” the queen said. “Everyone is eager to meet their new princess.”
I gulped. I hadn’t been expecting this. Then again, I knew very little of court life.
The queen squeezed my arm. “Don’t look so scared. I went through the same thing as a young queen, except I was a former peasant. Imagine how that went over. I promise they’re likely more nervous to meet you than you are them. They want to make a good impression on their future queen.”
The line hadn’t moved yet, everyone waiting for Erasmus to signal that they could begin coming forward.
“Who are they, exactly?” I asked, gesturing to the endless faces.
Erasmus raised his hand in the air and gestured for the guests to come up. One at a time, they began to file in front of us, dipping into bows, offering their well wishes, speaking their names that I’d never remember. Some gave warm smiles, others had calculating gazes while others didn’t seem to know how they felt about me, pursing their lips or sending me curious glances.
All the while, the queen spoke in my ear, telling me about each and every person.
A woman stood at the front of the line, a nervous smile on her face. Her blond hair had thin braids, all swept back into a ponytail, and her blue gown rose all the way up her neck, the bodice tight around her thin frame. She shifted from foot to foot and twisted her hands together.
“Lady Saestra,” Queen Bronwen whispered. “She’s the king’s niece and, up until you arrived, was going to succeed us. Not our first choice by any means but our best one.”
I stared at the woman as she dipped into a bow. “Princess,” she said, voice quiet and timid.
I couldn’t imagine knowing you were going to be queen, trainingfor the position your entire life, only to have it taken from you. How awful.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said.
The king nodded at her, a fondness in his gaze as he looked upon her.
“It’s an honor, Princess Arabella,” Saestra said, her beige wings ruffling. “You must be excited about being presented to the court tonight as the heir.”
“Yes,” I said. “It’s quite... exciting.” And terrifying.
She twisted her hands in front of her. “I’m sure you’ll shine in your new role. I’ve been training for it my whole life, and I’m still not even prepared.” Her eyes widened in horror. “Not that I’m saying you won’t be.”
“It’s okay,” I said, then added, “Thank you.”
