Chapter 17

Before Prince Kaine and I enter the banquet hall his beta Jake pulls to the side. “You are well aware that your job is to watch for any suspicious activity, but there is something else that I need you to do tonight.” I look at Jake curiously wondering what his request could be.

Jake glances at Prince Kaine who is waiting patiently by the entrance as we speak, “I need you to help the prince deflect drinks. He is not allowed alcohol with the current state of his health, but it is not something that the prince wants revealed publicly at this time.”

I nod infusing my gaze with understanding. They are worried that the prince will lose control if he has too much to drink. If Prince Kaine has a public outburst, his reputation may not recover.

I regard Jake seriously as I respond. “Of course, I’ll do what I need to ensure the safety of the prince.”

He smiles, “Thank you, Ember,” he replies before leading back in the direction of Prince Kaine.

People begin swarming us the moment we enter the hall, eager to speak to the crown prince. I take a deep breath steel myself assessing for threats. I have a job to do

As I scan the crowd I tune in and out of the conversations people have with the prince. I find it mostly unnecessary to speak as I blend into the background. Everyone that approaches seems to want something from him, approaching with a smile and drink in hand.

The prince holds a full glass in one hand to deflect, and I casually take the new drinks from him as he chats. As the night continues, I quickly become exhausted by the dance of it all. Prince Kaine navigates the social politics seemingly effortlessly, but I recognize the skill it must take to play this game. I can’t help but think that few could handle the weight of being crown prince with the ease that Prince Kaine does.

Kaine

The banquet is full of people with requests as usual. I try my best to maintain focus as people vie for my attention, but my eyes keep finding their way back to Ember. When she had first emerged from her room I was stunned.

I was used to her appearance in her guard uniform, neat and efficient. Now, she stands a different woman. Her long hair cascades down her back, free from its constraints and her dress hints at a softness usually undetectable in her guard uniform.

I blink, shaking myself out of it. Of course it’s hard not to notice such a striking contrast. It would be impossible not to notice on anyone as buttoned up as Ember.

I hold back a groan as a noble, one of my father’s friends, approaches. “Your Highness,” He greets me, a practiced smile overtaking his features. “I was hoping you had a minute to chat.”

“Of course, Lord Hamon,” I say smoothly, hiding my irritation. He only spends a few minutes on niceties before launching into his proposal to expand trade through the southernmost part of the kingdom.

I consider carefully, noting that his plan does seem to be mutually beneficial when he pauses for a moment his gaze sliding toward Ember. “Forgive me, Your Highness, I didn’t notice this lovely creature at your side.” I bristle at his words, uncomfortable with the direction the conversation is headed.

He leans toward me his voice lowering, “She’s a bit rough around the edges but I suppose even princes need their… amusements.”

Rage, hot and dangerous rises to the surface at Lord Hamon’s disrespect. I lock eyes with the noble the threat in my eyes unconcealed, “I’m sorry Lord Hamon, your proposal is of no interest to me,” I answer coldly. A dismissal.

I turn, my gaze softening as I look at Ember. It appears that she hasn’t heard the lord’s remarks, too focused on her task as she scans the room, her cheeks flushed from the extra drinks she’s consumed on my behalf.

Rafe, already near the surface due to the noble’s comments, puffs. “Didn’t expect her to be so cute,” he murmurs in my head.

I keep quite as I watch Ember, appreciating her quite support. She’s unlike anyone else I know. She’s not calculating or angling for more status, she is just… Ember.

I watch as a familiar young woman eyes me and then Ember. I wince, recognizing the woman as Erika, a rather persistent suitor of mine. I should have been more subtle, when addressing the lord.

I watch as she approaches Ember, her high voice grating through the noise of the crowd. “The royals are really debasing themselves now, allowing someone like you into the party.” I watch Ember stiffen but she holds her tongue.

Erika shoots a predatory grin in Ember’s direction, “I could tell you were a commoner from a mile away, your manners are atrocious! Besides that, you look like a new born giraffe toddling on those heels. How embarrassing.”

Ember’s face, already flushed, begins to darken in color as Erika continues. “How did someone like you end up as the Crown Prince’s date?”

I watch as Ember pauses, the alcohol slowing her reactions. I am about to come to her defense, but then she moves stepping closer to Erika. I stop, letting my curiosity get the better of me. What is she going to do now?

Ember glances calmly at the woman, before reaching beside her to grab a spoon. Making eye contact with the woman, Ember slowly bends the spoon. I watch as Erika takes a quick step back, all the color draining from her face.

Mirth builds from somewhere deep within my chest, a laugh escaping my lips before I can hold it back. I appreciate Ember’s straightforward way of doing things, so unlike everyone else in my life. I rejoin Ember’s side.

I don’t mention my eavesdropping, but I can’t help the private smile that tugs at the corner of my lip for the rest of the evening. The more I watch Ember the more I find myself appreciating the way she moves through the world. She might turn out to be one of the few people I can trust.