So went her day, and Kit wondered at how long it took for the first dozen Representatives and their delegations to arrive and come through the line. She knew she wouldn’t see any of the Representatives again for a few days because she would be spending her time here, and while they did have two more weeks to arrive, her mother said she didn’t believe it would take any of them that long. She thought they would all be there within the first week, which would leave the second week for entertaining the Representatives before the Choosing itself would begin, assuming the queen didn’t alter the timeline of activities, which she could at her own discretion.The setting sun ended the welcoming for the first day, and Kit returned to her chambers to freshen herself before dinner. She wouldn’t dine with any of the Representatives this first week as that might give them an unfair advantage. Their quarters were on a hall near her own, and there was a small possibil

“Did you see anyone of interest today?” Queen Rona asked from Kit’s right, at the head of the dinner table. Her voice was low so that the other council members who were dining with them would struggle to hear, but Kit noticed everyone else grew silent in anticipation of her answer, as if they’d all been longing to ask the same question.Giving a shy smile, Kit replied. “I did. I am interested in getting to know all of the Representatives better.”“Some of them were quite handsome,” the Queen Mother, Junno, noted. Kit smiled at her grandmother, glad that her health had permitted her to attend the first day of arrivals. She was only in her mid-sixties, but poor eyesight and an illness she’d suffered from for years limited her health and had caused her to abdicate the throne to her daughter, Rona, when she was only in her forties. Rona had inherited the queendom right after her own Choosing. Of course, she had been eag

Jaterius of Rockdale was presented to her a moment later. She didn’t catch his family name as she’d been distracted, but he had lovely hazel eyes and a kindness about him Kit had yet to encounter in any of the other Representatives. “It’s lovely to meet you, my Princess,” he said, bowing low to her. His smile was warm and affectionate but there was something unassuming about him, as if he were unsure of himself.“You as well,” Kit replied, offering her hand, which he took and planted a soft kiss near her knuckles. “I trust your trip was comfortable enough?” She felt as if she was always asking the same question, but then, none of the delegates would know that unless they had a discussion about her later, something she doubted would be happening just yet.“Comfortable enough, my Princess,” he replied with a nod. He wasn’t much taller than she was, which also struck her as different. Most of the Repr

The rest of the line of people came by, but Jecobian’s dazzling smile stayed in Kit’s mind’s eye, and once the next delegation came into view, down the road quite a ways, Kit thought she might not make it through another meeting such as that one. She needed a fan, some water, and a place to lie down.“You liked that one, didn’t you, darling daughter?” her mother asked, a hint of excitement in her tone.“I did,” Kit admitted. “He has been one of my favorites thus far.”“Good,” was all her mother said in response, and Kit wondered what it was about Jecobian that made her mother so pleased. She doubted she’d ever find out. Questions about what really happened in the attack lingered, but she knew she’d not get answers from her mother whose lips were sealed tight on that matter—and most others.It took an hour for the next delegation, presenting Owin from the province Ald

Two more guards opened the doors to the queen’s private throne room. Her essence filled the space, even though she was seated a great distance from the door. Something about her presence overpowered the other dozen or so women who sat near her, as if their authorities combined couldn’t begin to compare with that of the queen, but Eli was glad they were here. At least, if Queen Rona tried to send him to his own execution for no reason, he’d have witnesses to the injustice, not that anyone would likely dare to interfere.He bowed low, and she offered her ring, which he kissed, though he was certain the idea of his lips anywhere near her was almost as repulsive to her as it was to him. Nevertheless, that was custom, and she left him staring at the red and gold carpet for much longer than necessary before she finally gave him the command to rise, likely just to show him she was still in charge. He hadn’t forgotten.When he met her eyes, he noted she