Page 46 of The Twisted Throne

“Yes, my lady,” Hazel answered. “Though the count I heard in the kitchen was some two hundred guests.”

Ahnna choked. “Two hundred?”

“Yes, it is not an event to be missed. The nobility has been arriving in Verwyrd throughout the past week, and everyone is eager to meet Your Highness.” She hesitated, then said, “Ithicana’s mysteries have long been a matter of intense speculation, and the unveiling of its secrets is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

It was hard not to stiffen, for those secrets were what protected Ithicana. “Unless they’ve an interest in snakes and sharks, there isn’t much to tell.”

Hazel made a soft humming noise. “Would you like me to explain the order of a Harendellian banquet?”

She’d learned the protocols in her youth, but a refresher seemed prudent. If she was to embarrass herself, she’d rather it be on purpose. “Please.”

Hazel poured information into Ahnna’s ears until her headspun and the water began to cool. Stepping out of the bath, she toweled herself off and donned the velvet dressing gown Hazel held out for her before following the woman into the other room.

“I’ve been working on garments that matched your instructions, my lady,” the young woman said. “Garments in the style of Ithicana but with Harendellian fabrics. I hope they are as you envisioned.”

“May I see them?” Ahnna plucked the garments from Hazel’s hands, the fabric incredibly smooth. The trousers were the same cut she usually wore, but of the finest dove-gray silk with delicate silver embroidery running up the sides. The tunic was of a darker gray that verged on blue with embroidery to match, the cuffs bearing silver buttons. “These are beautiful. So much better than I imagined.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

Swiftly donning the undergarments that Hazel handed her, Ahnna then put on the clothing, which fit like a glove, the silk rich and cool against her skin. New black boots polished so that she could see her reflection in the leather came next, then a belt made of silver-wrapped leather, on which was sheathed one of her longer knives. Ahnna sat while Hazel wove her hair into elaborate braids and then applied a hint of cosmetics before giving a nod of approval. “You are beautiful, my lady.”

Moving in front of the mirror, Ahnna’s breath caught, for not in all her life had she looked like this. Like a princess in truth, not just in name, and she did not see how the Harendellians could laugh at her now. Even James would have to bite his tongue. “Thank you, Hazel.”

A rare smile formed on the young woman’s face, and she said, “If you will not join them, then you shall beat them, yes?”

“Yes.”

A knock sounded at the door, and when Hazel opened it, Jor and Taryn stood outside, her cousin dressed in her usual clothes but armed to the teeth. Bronwyn was nowhere to be seen. “They say it’s time. His Highness is waiting for you at the grand staircase,” Jor said, looking her up and down. “Delia would be proud, girl. She fought hard for this moment.”

Ahnna’s cheeks flushed, warmth filling her chest at the idea of making her mother proud, only for the sentiment to fade. That pride would have nothing to do with Ahnna herself and everything to do with achieving the dream her mother had of opening Ithicana to the world. A dream Aren had shared, the pair of them spending hours discussing how it might come to pass while Ahnna had stood on the outskirts, praying to every higher power that the day would never come to pass.

But it was here.

You have what you wanted, Mother. I hope it is all you dreamed of.

Striding down the corridor, Ahnna squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Let the Harendellians do their worst. She was Princess Ahnna Kertell of Ithicana, and she’d faced down warriors from every kingdom north and south and come out victorious. If they thought to break her with laughter and snide comments, they had another thing coming.

Yet for all her brave words, her palms felt like ice, because Jor had said that it wasHis Highnesswho was waiting for her. Which meant that finally, she was going to meet the man she was supposed to marry. Dread pooled in her stomach, any anticipation she might have felt in meeting William long since burned away by what she’d been told about him.

It doesn’t matter if you like him,she reminded herself.It doesn’t matter if he likes you. This is a political alliance, nothing more.

Yet the words meant little, for unlike every other politicalalliance she’d made, this one would begin and end in a bedchamber.

The artwork on the walls to either side was a blur, her heels making soft thumps against the thick carpets as she strode. The end of the curved hallway appeared ahead, the top of the grand staircase visible. Just before she reached it, Ahnna sucked in a deep breath, praying that Hazel’s efforts would pay off.

Then she stepped out into the open, her gaze going down the grand staircase to where a uniformed figure stood with his back to her, tall and broad of shoulder. He slowly turned, and Ahnna’s breath caught as her eyes fixed on his face.

James’s first thought as hisgaze landed on her face was that no woman ever born was as beautiful as Ahnna Kertell. The second was that constantly being in her presence was going to be very much a problem.

They stared each other down, and then she said, “You again.”

“I’m afraid so.”

Ahnna sighed. “Let me guess. Your brother couldn’t be bothered to find his way out of his wine long enough to greet me properly?”

“He’s likely been apprised of the nature of your acid tongue and needs more fortitude.”

“How many drinks didyouneed to bolster the courage to escort me?”

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