Chapter 9: Bad News

The throne room of Basharr Palace took Violet's breath away. The cracks from the fight between Eden and his assassin hadn't reached the throne room, leaving it intact with molten light. Waves of darkness began at the corners of the floor, reaching for the obsidian throne in threads of silken night. Golden rays and blackness melted together turning the chamber into a cauldron.

Violet stood behind Eden's obsidian throne paired with the cream throne Raegan graced. The two royals held court once a week to speak with their nobles and show their power. Eden had explained to Violet that he started the tradition after Petros' father was imprisoned. He'd been fourteen, on the precipice of losing his kingdom and his neck. This was how he'd reeled things back in: entombing the palace in cloud and fog every week for a permanent state of storm.

"Open the windows," Eden commanded.

Two guards dragged the glass open. Chill mountain air rushed in.

Eden reached for the open space, dragging clouds across the horizon. The sun retreated. Thunderheads broke upon each other. Dust devils raced down in the city streets. Mist clung on the outside of the glass walls, spreading ice crystals into snowy lace.

The nobles cheered, secure in the power of their Storm King. Musicians dissolved out of the shadows and began to play. The nobles paired off, filling the throne room with dance.

"Your turn, princess," Violet whispered in Raegan's ear.

She shook her head. "Only the king shows his magic."

"Shouldn't they see yours too?"

Raegan stared at her hands. She looked almost…ashamed. Violet didn't understand.

"Princess? What is it?"

Raegan shook herself out of her reverie. "I think I'm going to dance," she smiled, leaving the throne dais behind.

Violet started to follow but the throne room doors crashed open, stopping the music. A messenger robed in the colors of Parvara—deep blue and green—pushed through the crowd to Eden.

He held out a scroll. "King Eden, news from the war. Curzon has taken Eilon and King Kasimir. Queen Chione calls for aid."

Eden grabbed the paper and scanned the lines. "Get this man food and drink," he ordered for the messenger. "My advisors, council chamber. Now."

His face was calm as ever, but Violet had begun to recognize the movements that gave Eden away. His posture always turned impossibly perfect when he was anxious. He only slouched when things were peaceful. No sign of that now—his back was rod-straight as he marched through the nobles, advisors in tow.

Violet followed but Eden stopped her. "Stay with Raegan, please. I need to be sure she's safe."

Violet nodded and watched him leave.

***

Raegan insisted they wait outside the council chamber. Violet paced up and down the hall. Raegan tried to listen in by pressing her ear against the blackened glass door.

"Stupid magic glass," she grumbled when she met nothing but silence.

Finally, the doors opened and the advisors walked past them.

Petros emerged last. "Go in. He needs to talk to you both."

Raegan scurried ahead, already peppering Eden with questions. Violet hung back, noting his immaculate posture even seated.

"Is Eilon truly conquered, brother? Where will we get our silk? Who will take our citrus? What will Curzon do with King Kasimir? Will Queen Chione return to court?"

Violet's ears pricked up at Raegan's last question. There used to be a Princess Chione who lived in Basharr for a few years as a child. Violet remembered celebrations reaching all the way to the borderlands when an engagement between Prince Eden and this Parvara princess. But that all fell apart when the old king and queen were murdered.

Violet stepped forward. "What will you do, my king?"

"Eilon is lost to the Blood Monarchs. I've sent Petros and his crew of rogues to assess the situation, but I don't have much hope. Curzon will drain Kasimir of his magic to add to his own. If Curzon keeps this up, the dead will roam every kingdom."

"There's nothing we can do?" Violet asked.

"We have to stop Curzon, brother! You know I can help," Raegan added.

Eden gave her a weary smile. "I know you're eager to prove yourself but I have other things I need from you." He spoke to them both. "I need to organize the High Monarchs. We have to come together as allies before Curzon pick us off one by one. But if he finds out we're hosting a war gathering, every Monarch's life will be in danger. So, we're going to send out invitations to a masquerade ball here in Basharr."

"A ball?" Raegan questioned.

"Everyone will be in disguise, even the Monarchs," Violet realized. "They'll be protected and you can have your war summit."

Eden nodded. "It won't be easy. I'll have other things to focus on so Raegan, I need you to handle making this look like the most extravagant party we've had in years. Make sure you install the guards as guests to mix in with the revelers. I have no idea who may want to sabotage this, even among our own allies."

Raegan grinned. "You won't be disappointed."

"Good. Go get started. That document on the table bears my seal. Show it to any member of court and they will be at your disposal."

Raegan stifled a squeal, snatching the paper. "Wait 'til Governess Luna sees this."

She hurried out of the chamber, taking all the cheer with her. Gloom settled around Eden, setting him at the center of storm he had no control over.

"What are you holding back?" Violet asked.

"The guest list was decided on by my advisors," Eden said. "To keep their support of such an expensive idea, I had to let them have their way."

"That doesn't sound too bad. Unless they made you leave me off."

"No, you're invited."

"Good. I'll keep an eye on you, my king, don't worry. Will I need a disguise to blend into the crowd, too? Maybe we can match," she joked, trying to lighten his mood.

He didn't move. "My sister was right. Queen Chione of Parvara is returning to Basharr. The advisors insisted on it. She and I will be the hosts to show unity and ensure every High Monarch attends with peace in mind."

"I thought only spouses and fiances received the privilege of hosting royal events?"

"She is my fiancé," Eden replied. "If she still wants to be."

"Oh."

Violet's chest tightened. She didn't understand.

"Our parents arranged it when we were children and I thought the contract was voided by my parents' deaths, but my advisors have informed me it's still viable. They claim that's why they thought I hadn't married yet," Eden said, removing his crown and setting it on the table as if it had become an enemy. "With her magic controlling silver and gold, the wealth she could bring to Basharr is all they can think about. To be honest, I'll need her and her golden warriors if we're going to win this war."

"I see."

The chamber walls were getting smaller. Violet struggled to draw a deep breath. She turned blindly. All she knew was she needed to get out of there before she said something she regretted.

"Violet, wait!" he called.

She felt his grip around her wrist, but she pulled free turning to face him. "I have high hopes you'll convince the other Monarchs to join you, but a bodyguard has no place at a war summit."

"We've been over this, Violet. You are not beneath me or any of the royals. I told you I'd keep reminding you of this even if you forget every day."

"You will have wealth and golden warriors soon," Violet replied. "You can hire as many bodyguards as you wish."

"Violet, I want you at the masquerade. I don't know how to make myself clearer."

She sighed with frustration. She wanted to say the exact same thing! "I told you we are not equals but I am by your side. Now there's not even that. You have no need for me." She looked him straight in the eyes. "I won't be at your masquerade, Eden."

She saw the hurt flash across his face. She'd finally used his name, free of titles, but it was to claw at his trust in her. She instantly regretted it. However, she stood by her choice. She couldn't be at that ball all alone while she watched him mingle with people she could never be.

Violet left him in the council chamber, striding down the hall, a death-grip on the feather fletching of the arrows strapped to her thigh. It gave her something to focus on besides the emotions whirling within her. Including the gnawing suspicion she might be jealous.

She shook her head. No. Because that would mean she had feelings for a king. Violet wasn't that stupid. Especially when that king was already engaged.