Page 57 of Bonded Chaos

Before I could answer, he winked at the woman and breezed past her. I could feel her piercing glare at my back as we walked into the hall.

I almost gasped when I took in the lavish space before me.

The ballroom was a dazzling display of grandeur and opulence. Tall, arched windows lined the walls, and they were draped in heavy velvet curtains that were the color of midnight. Crystal chandeliers hung from the lofty, vaulted ceiling, casting a luminescent glow over the space as they caught and reflected the candlelight.

At the far end of the room, a raised dais held a grand throne made of the richest mahogany, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and adorned with plush, golden cushions. Around the throne, fresh bouquets of the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen stood in tall gold vases, and their enticing fragrance permeated the space.

Waiters drifted in and out, offering glasses of Fae wine and platters of exotic fruits, delicate pastries, and skewered meats that made my mouth water.

Before I could make my way toward the nearest waiter, a gong sounded, and the ballroom fell quiet.

“What’s going on?” I whispered to Riordan.

“The King has arrived.”

The guests parted, creating a path down the center of the enormous chamber, which led to the dais. A moment later, a man with dark, cropped hair wearing a silver crown atop his head strode down the aisle. He didn’t stop and acknowledge his son as he passed us.

“I’m guessing you and Ryker take after your mother,” I whispered.

“Something like that,” Riordan smirked.

The King ascended the platform and settled onto the throne. Once he had arranged his cloak around himself, he gave a curt nod of his head. “You may begin.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Cadence

The herald’s voice rang out loudly in the silence of the room.

“His Royal Highness, Ryker Ashborne, The Crown Prince of the Unseelie.”

Heads turned toward the entrance as Ryker strode inside. His face was handsome, but expressionless as he stared straight ahead at the dais. Tall and composed, he looked every inch the king in waiting, but I didn’t miss the slight tension around his jaw.

“Why is he just standing there?”

Before Riordan could answer my question, the herald continued.

“And introducing His Royal Highness’s betrothed, Lady Celeste of House Barrington.”

Applause broke out across the ballroom, and the rowdier attendees cheered and hollered for their future king and queen.

But I heard none of it as my vision swam in front of me.

My heart pounded against my ribcage as though it were trying to tear its way out of my chest. I inhaled a sharp breath, and I willed my feet to move, to flee this kingdom of lies, but my body remained rooted in place.

“Cadence,” Riordan murmured, concern lacing the single word. “Are you all right?”

“I… I…” My words died on my tongue.

“Fuck,” he groaned. “Please tell me that my brother did not let you loose among the wolves tonight, with no hint of what was coming.”

The woman in question, Lady Celeste, saved me from answering as she stepped forward and placed her hand on Ryker’s outstretched palm.

She wore a dazzling silk gown of soft violet that complemented her regal beauty. Her curly blond hair was styled in an elegant updo, and she wore a gold circlet across her forehead.

She looked every inch the queen she would someday become.

Celeste beamed at Ryker as she dipped into a practiced curtsy I could never perfect, and the pair started toward the dais hand in hand.

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