Book 2: The Eve of the Future

Estrella

“At last.” I smile across the table at Anwen. “We’re alone.”

He kisses the back of my hand. “Tonight, but probably not again until this is over. The other kingdoms’ delegations arrive tomorrow.”

“And a week still separates us from the wedding.” I groan in a very un-queenlike way and slump slightly over my steaming bowl of stew. “Your customs are barbaric. Why can you not just sleep in my room?”

He laughs. “And scandalize all the fine court ladies showing up to celebrate us? I barely recognize you.”

“We don’t bother with this false modesty in Sundrop Gem,” I grumble. “A mated couple is understood to be just that: a couple. Wedded or not.”

“Soon.” His smile sparkles in the low light. “But we have tonight, and I got you a little surprise. Two, actually.”

I glance around. The small dining room attached to my chambers looks the same as always. “What is it?”

“First, take a bite.” He gestures at the stew.

I gat