I’m grateful for Rehan, standing in front of me to take the brunt of Daithi’s blistering gaze. Actually, he doesn’t even bend under the heat. Rehan poses with one hand on the hip. In my world, he’d likely be gobbled up by every modeling agency imaginable. He is brimming with poised confidence.

When Daithi stops in front of us, we all bow, Rehan with an exaggerated flourish. “Your Majesty,” he taunts with a smile. “As depressing as ever, I see.”

Daithi dismounts, landing with dignified grace. I half expect to witness a beheading. That definitely doesn’t happen. Instead, he grips Rehan’s arm up to the elbow with Rehan doing the same. Daithi returns the greeting with an almost lazy undertone, “Rehan, as annoying as ever, I see. I already regret bringing you along.”

“You cannot lie, I know that you missed this so-called annoyance.” Rehan pats Daithi’s shoulder, an action that would lead most to a dungeon at best. But the emperor doesn’t so much as raise a brow.

How are these two so close but Rehan was never mentioned in the novel? Did I miss something?

“Finally, the time has come.” He drops his arm to stand proudly. “We’ve all waited for this moment. I am honored to accompany you, Your Majesty.”

“Enough flattery. I know you’re only tagging along in hopes to have your name written into history.”

Rehan snaps his fingers with a grin. “You know me so well!” Then he pouts. “I’m hurt you didn’t greet me upon my arrival though. Too busy, even for me?”

“We will catch up another time. For now—”

Both suddenly turn their gazes to me. I stiffen at the attention; one warm golden light and the other a threatening inferno. Crossing my arms, I act like the attention doesn’t faze me.

Unlike Rehan, Daithi’s stare is a silent threat. Even the words that follow, although technically not a threat, sure sound like one; “She sticks close to me. We have much to discuss.”

Rehan’s raised brow points to Daithi keeping our deal a secret. Understandable. If others know, he may be seen as weak. That is one thing he can not be seen as.

“Your Majesty,” calls a new, melodic voice that draws the eye.

Without another word, I know the woman that is heading our way; Amelie Vatore, Daithi’s fiance. She is the picture perfect specimen of rich, elegant beauty with hair dancing to her waist in a sea of gold. Wide, doll-like eyes soft lilac in color, and skin fair as freshly fallen snow. Pale blue sleeves dangle from thin wrists and sheer silk rests over a snug underdress. She wears heavy gems around her neck, bringing focus to her bare shoulders.

I suddenly want to melt into the floor. Her beauty is almost blinding.

She gives a curtsy, her servants do the same. One stands at her side with a parasol to block the sun’s rays. Another stands a few steps behind, waiting to be ordered. There are also three silent guards.

Wow, she has her own entourage. I feel smothered with these two so I can’t imagine what it’s like to be her with five people following her all day. Then again, two do whatever she asks. The life of a celebrity is rough, huh?

“What are you doing here?” Daithi asks. I shouldn’t be shocked that he doesn’t even properly greet her.

I pity her. She and her family are spared in the book, but they have their lands and titles stripped from them in exchange for helping Daithi. Although it’s not clear what her fate is, if she and her family find happiness without their riches, it’s obvious that her life is ruined by no fault of her own. She’s just a girl born into power expected to marry into more power and then have children to continue that power.

Amelie handles her fate with grace though. Her voice is affectionate, as is her kind smile when she responds, “I hear the journey will be long and arduous. I worry about what awaits you along the way so I only wished to bid you and the soldiers a safe farewell.” She rests her hands over her heart. “I have prayed to the Gods, and will continue to do so, that you retrieve Arlador and return safely so you may take your rightful place on the true throne.”

Daithi glances briefly at me when he replies, “There is no need to worry. I will not fail.”

Amelie looks at me. Her quiet gaze suddenly becomes as chilling as a winter storm. She must have caught his glance, or maybe she’s only curious of why I’m here. I’m not sure, but I look away, hoping for someone to break the silence.

Daithi doesn’t say more than that. I’m kind of angry for her. Shouldn’t he give a thanks or, I don’t know, actually reassure her? Sure it’s an arranged marriage, but be a little respectful!

Rehan comes to the rescue by saying, “We certainly thank you for your prayers, Lady Vatore. And I’m sure His Majesty is overjoyed knowing that his loving fiance is waiting for his safe return.”

Amelie gives a soft giggle. “With you at his side, I think I have even more to worry about, Lord Rehan.”

He snorts.

“Please, return safely, Your Majesty.” She curtsies then smiles to the rest of us. “All of you, good luck.”

With that, Amelie leaves. I think I catch Rehan pinching Daithi’s side, but maybe I’m hallucinating.