Later that evening, the ballroom glowed with candles and magic-laced lanterns. A casual dinner, the Queen had called it. Evelisse, now in a twilight blue gown with silver leaves embroidered across the bodice, felt anything but casual.
She sat at the long dining table, nibbling politely at roasted pear while Caelith answered Marcus's question about his sword training.
"The Blade Temple doesn't train for tournaments," Caelith said. "They train for survival."
Jared leaned in. "So no fun sparring with bragging rights?"
Caelith gave a slight smile. "Only if you enjoy being knocked out with your own weapon."
The twins laughed. "That sounds like something brother Jared would do to himself."
Seraphina raised her goblet. "To our guests. May curiosity guide your time here."
Everyone lifted their glasses.
Evelisse sipped lightly, then turned as Fluffy floated near her ear.
"He's too calm," Fluffy whispered. "I don't trust people that calm."
"That makes two of us," she muttered.
