Crescent (Book 1)

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The bed is still half-made when I open my eyes. Breakfast will be served soon, but I know that Ceth expects me to be early. I bathe and change into a silken slip dress that Moira and I chose for the occasion, though I layer a knit sweater overtop and a pair of heels to match. A strand of silver-set pearls hang from my ears and a matching necklace decorates my neck. Clipping my hair in a knot, I'm off before I let my nerves get the better of me.

Moira, Saren, and I already discussed how my days are scheduled. In the mornings, there will be a formal breakfast and then the ambassadors will meet in the library for the day's talk of trade. During their meetings is when I will meet with Saren to train. Dishes clank together as I make my way down, and I turn at the top of the grand stairs overlooking the hall only to run into Ceth.

He catches hold of me. "Good morning, love," he smiles as he pulls me against him. His voice dips, dropping low enough that I recognize the threat in it. "You look rather beautiful this morning. Being at court suits you." I move to speak, but he closes the distance between us. His lips are rough against mine, demanding, and before I get the chance to react, he pulls back enough to growl in my ear. "You're lucky that Gabriel Caldwell didn't take your offense to heart last night. I would've thought all of your preparation stayed with you."

I want to defend myself. I recited that list a thousand times, and I truly don't remember his name or face, but I know from the rise and fall of Ceth's chest that it doesn't matter. So, I bow my head. "I'll do better."

He roughly grasps my chin, forcing me to look into the bright green of his eyes. "You'll be better," he breathes. "Not just for your sake." This angle allows him to peck my lips before he takes my hand and tugs me down the steps after him.

I focus on straightening my dress and brushing the stray hairs away from my face as we make our way down the steps. Not just for your sake. A haunting reminder. A fire crackles in the grand fireplace, and morning light filters in through the hulking windows. I can spot a snowstorm coming in from the east, gray clouds looming over the forest. The ambassadors are already seated when we find our places at the table.

My smile is warm. "Good morning." Everyone stands to greet me, bowing as I take my seat. Ceth brushes a hand along the back of my neck, tugging a strand of my hair loose and forcing me to look at him. His green eyes still hold their warning in them, but he veils it behind another sweep of his hand along my jaw. The chatter picks up like usual, and servants appear to begin serving food from platters.

Audelia sits beside me today. She's traded her golden hoops for ones of silver, and rather than a dress, she wears a plain black tunic like the others with a sash of coral across her shoulders. I smile as a servant reaches across to serve me small portions of fruit and pastry. "Did you sleep well?"

Her eyes glitter with amusement- almost as if she can sense that my small-talk is forced. "I don't think there's enough sleep in the world for the day I'm about to have. Room full of brooding men and all."

I bite my lip to hide my grin, glancing around to see if anyone is listening. We are the only two women, and from what I understand about their meetings, it's rare enough that Ceth is allowing a female ambassador at all. I lean toward her. "Careful there. I'm sure they can get creative with ways to single you out."

She hides her own amusement behind a sip of coffee and brushes back her raven hair that's bluntly cut at the shoulders. "I think I like you."

"Don't make a decision so soon," I tell her, and I only glance up when another ambassador calls my name.

Ambassador Medina nods his greeting from across the table. "I'm sure you're rather busy planning for the gala, Lady Brenna. Will you be spending most of your time on it?"

"I will." It isn't a complete lie. "I'll be visiting Cold's Summit for preparations, and that coupled with wedding planning... I imagine I'll be quite busy. I hope to still dine together and get to know you." Two eyes burn into me, and it takes an effort not to look at Gabriel from across the table.

"I imagine it's all quite new to you." Medina's voice is far too inquisitive, and I raise a brow as he continues. "Our customs, our way of life."

Saren told me to expect curiosity- where I'm from, my upbringing, my sudden appearance at White Stag will all be questioned. It's political. They're feeling me out, testing my limits... and Ceth's. I lift my chin. "Not at all actually. I grew up in Vervale, and though being at court is new to me, I'm an avid learner."

Another envoy, Conroy, inserts: "What town did you grow up in?"

"Walden," I say quickly. "Have you ever been to the borderlands, Ambassador Conroy?"

"Never, m'lady. Though I've heard tales of humans wandering in. Getting caught up where they don't belong."

I grew up hearing those stories. They're the same stories my parents told me before bed. Something burns in my stomach, and next to me, Ceth holds his breath in anticipation of my answer. Conroy's comments are too specific to be waved off as polite conversation. And if I leave any question as to Vervale's strength... I meet his inquisitive stare head-on. "You must know how the tales end." His eyes widen a fraction, and for clarity's sake, I tack on: "I'm rather fond of stories. But, sometimes things get lost in translation. People who get caught in things they don't belong often don't have stories left to tell."

The underlying threat tastes bitter in my mouth, reeking of promise. Ceth will be the first to dish it out. Just like he had with Laura and the soldiers. Just like he will for anyone who defies him.

"Storytelling has always been a messy business," Medina gives a tight smile, easing the tension. "I agree- too much is lost in translation."

Conroy lets me off the hook for now, but I know this is only the beginning of the questions and prodding. Even with all my planning and preparation, I haven't accounted for it until now. Breakfast is mostly quiet for the remainder, only light jabber about day-to-day plans and such. Though I try my hardest to focus on succinct conversation with Audelia, my attention drifts toward Gabriel. His gray eyes are ever-assessing, slicing into me from across the table. Imposter.

I wonder if he can tell that's the part I seem to play best.