Page 124 of Journey to the Elderoak
“It’s a lot,” she said. “Casimir’s father and brother are horrible.”
“They’re awful. If you haven’t noticed, they treat women differently there. It causes a lot of problems between them and the other kingdoms.”
“You don’t say,” Ava deadpanned.
“Where did you get that necklace?” she asked, noticing the jewelry she bore. “It’s gorgeous.”
“Cas bought it for me.” She touched the gemstone hanging at the center. “That's why we ran into him at Ghorza’s shop.”
“Well,thatis romantic.”
“Where’s Pax?” Ava asked her. “Has he seen how stunning you look yet?”
Fanya giggled. “Oh yes. I’ve been waltzing by him all evening, taunting him. It’s great fun.”
Ava laughed as they walked along the edge of the ballroom and ran into Kai.
He gave her a big hug. “You look fantastic.”
“Thanks. So do you.”
The three of them continued to visit and fortunately, Ava didn’t have to mingle with any of the other royals. She was too intimidated to do so, unsure what she would talk about with them. Guests’ curious eyes landed on her as they walked by. Ava fidgeted, trying to ignore the stares.
Vivienne approached, Desmond at her heels. “Good evening, Your Highness,” she said.
Though Ava hadn’t interacted with the advisors often—much too busy with the Elderoak preparations—she had instantly warmed to Vivienne. She gave off a motherly aura and Ava felt drawn to her.
“Hi Vivienne,” Ava said. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“As do you. How are you feeling now that you’re fae?”
“It’s an adjustment.”
“Your Highness,” said Desmond, ready to talk business. “Now that you’ve completed the Elderoak journey, will you be joining our war council meetings?”
“That’s a good question. We haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet, but I’ll talk to Thorne about it,” Ava answered.
Desmond grumbled. “I don’t know what you’ll bring to the table, but I suppose you should, since you’re the princess.”
Vivienne gave Desmond a pointed look. “She was right there in Deidamia’s camp, Desmond. She has more knowledge about that than we do. She should attend.”
“Right. Well, I’m going to go find some more wine,” he said before disappearing again.
“What a grouch,” Vivienne said as she scanned the crowd. “Oh! I need to go speak to the chef about the dinner timing. Enjoy your evening.”
They bid Vivienne farewell as she headed in the direction of the kitchens. Turning back to Kai and Fanya, her gaze caught on Casimir. He had moved positions, now standing near a wall, observing her with intensity. When she met his eyes, he jerked his head, gesturing for her to come speak to him.
“I’ll be right back,” she said to her friends, pushing her way through the guests.
Stopping before him, Ava raised a brow. Casimir’s lips brushed her ear as he whispered, “Meet me in the north hallway in five minutes.”
He walked away.
What? The north hallway? She remained frozen to her spot, confused, when she noticed Astrid eyeing her. Ava smiled and Astrid gave her a knowing wink, walking off to visit with the others.
Five minutes later, she made her way across the ballroom to the north hallway, slipping through an open door. It was quiet. No guests had wandered this way.
“Cas?” she whispered, searching the corridors.
