I nodded, too numb to speak. Ashlyn gave me an odd look, and I managed to pull myself together enough to say the proper goodbyes. As soon as they left, I sank onto one of the sofas, however. Only two members of the Mage Council were at court—four counting Duke Francis and General Haddon, but that still didn’t even make half. There was nothing Darius could do with six of their number missing. The whole trip had been for nothing.
I tried to remind myself it hadn’t entirely been wasted—I had still met up with the commonborn merchants. But it was hard to muster any enthusiasm for the thought in the face of such a disappointing end to my tense wait. Darius’s face filled my mind. He must be furious and far more bitterly disappointed than me. I wished I could see him, but I no longer had a door in my wall that would lead me straight to him. I had no idea where he might be hiding in this vast castle, and I wouldn’t dare go looking for him. He had made it clear that we couldn’t be seen to have any sort of friendship.
Thankfully, I was left in peace the next day. In Kallorway, as in Ardann, Midwinter day itself was for family. I spent the hours with Bryony and Layna, who were as good as family, although I missed my parents and brothers.
This year I had thought ahead and brought a gown from home. Last year I had worn red with gold embroidery, this year, my entire gown was a shimmering gold, splitting down the middle to reveal a red underskirt. Sometimes I dreamed of having the freedom to wear any colors I liked, but on this occasion the dress suited my frame of mind. I had no sense of anticipation for the evening’s event, and my black mood appreciated the bold, striking design of the dress. When I was young, I had hated that one of our family’s colors was red, like blood, but it perfectly suited my mood now.
King Cassius had tried to reach out his long arm and kill me in my own bed. But I had survived, and now I came unafraid into the heart of his kingdom. He might have avoided his downfall on this occasion, but it was still coming for him.
The vast ballroom was the most elegant room I had seen in the Kallorwegian castle. But privately I congratulated Zora because despite the disadvantages of the Academy dining hall, she had done an even more impressive job the year before. The green garlands everywhere were still beautiful, though, as were the enormous red and gold blooms that had clearly been created through the efforts of a group of mages.
Since the guest list was largely the same as the year before, I escaped yet another endless stream of introductions. I had just as many dance partners, however, so I had little opportunity to look for Darius. But after two complete circles of the room in the company of Duke Rennon, I concluded he had yet to make an appearance. The first stirrings of concern grew in the pit of my stomach. Where was Darius?
Duke Rennon had chosen to wear a formal version of his orange creator robe, and it looked striking against the brown skin that he shared with his two nephews. But although he looked both serious and important, I couldn’t keep my mind on his conversation. It insisted on racing, and with each new arrival my eyes jumped to the ballroom entrance. None of them were Darius, however.
Jareth caught me looking and came across the room in my direction. He cut in so elegantly that Duke Rennon gave way without protest, and much to my disgust, I found myself dancing with the younger Kallorwegian prince.
“Princess Verene, you look stunning.”
I managed to force myself to smile and murmur thanks.
“I feel as if we have hardly had the chance to speak this year. You haven’t resumed your experiments with your new ability?”
I stiffened. Although Jareth didn’t know the full extent of my ability, I still regretted that he knew anything about it at all.
“I rarely train with Bryony now,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “Her energy is in much demand among the discipline classes.”
“Ah, yes, of course. Your loss is our gain. I look forward to seeing the three of you join our Royal Guard class after Midwinter.”
“I’m not much assistance,” I said. “But I’m sure Bryony and Tyron will be welcome.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself, Verene. I’m sure you have much to contribute, with or without power.”
“You’re too kind,” I murmured, the words sticking in my throat.
We danced in silence for a moment until further words burst out of me. “Where is Darius? Have you seen him?”
“Ah.” Jareth’s easy smile didn’t falter. “I fear my brother is in a foul mood this trip and hardly fit for polite company. But he knows he cannot entirely miss the Midwinter Ball. I imagine he will be along at any moment.”
I met his eyes fully, trying to read whatever he wasn’t saying. I had known Darius would be disappointed, but it seemed unlike him to so openly display his discomfiture by hiding away. My skepticism must have shown in my face because Jareth continued, a chuckle in his voice.
“Don’t worry, neither our father nor our grandfather has had him chopped up and delivered to the river. He has been in various meetings since we arrived and has not had time for social functions, even if he had the inclination.”
I looked away, frustrated that my concern had been so evident on my face. Jareth spun me around as the dance dictated, once again facing toward the entrance himself.
“Here he is now,” he announced. “I told you he would be along soon.”
I twisted my head and caught sight of Darius, standing in the doorway and surveying the ballroom with a cold expression. He wore the same black as he had the year before, alleviated only by a gold circlet on his head and gold and purple sashes across his chest. My breath caught despite myself. He wore the exact color of the flower from our composition class.
The music continued, but everywhere heads turned and the rustle and whisper of an interested crowd sounded. Cassius might be king still in Kallmon, but his son knew how to command the attention of a ballroom—even one full of powerful and important people.
Across the distance our eyes met, and something crackled between us, filling me with an energy I had previously lacked.
“I see I won’t have any of your attention now.” Jareth smiled, but something in his eyes didn’t match the expression.
I looked again at Darius. He had moved from the door, but he watched us all the same. His expression looked dangerous and almost fierce, out of place in the elegant ballroom. I wished I knew what he thought of me dancing with his brother. I wished I could tell him I hadn’t wanted to do it.
Our movements took us to the edge of the dance floor, and a pointed throat clearing made us both pause. Tyron stepped forward and bowed.
“If I may?” He held out his hand to me, directing a look at Jareth that was half inquiring, half impudent.
Jareth chuckled and stepped away from me. “Caught by my own trick.”
I dipped the smallest curtsy in his direction and took Tyron’s hand with gratitude.
“Thank you,” I whispered as soon as we had rejoined the dancers.
He smiled down at me. “I never had the impression you liked him much, although I’m not sure why. He seems a decent enough sort.”
“He seems so, certainly.”
Tyron looked at me with a quizzical expression. “Do you know something about the prince the rest of us don’t?”
I sighed. “No. You’re right. I just don’t like his manner.” I only wished I had something definitive, since then Darius would believe me.