Verity's pov

The week leading to the ball passed in a blur of straight backs, laughter, and bruised toes.

Caleb had taken it upon himself to be my… teacher, of sorts. Etiquette, posture, the silent nuances of royal games I had never played. Cassian was too busy with the burdens of hosting, barking orders and overseeing preparations. Kin was everywhere at once, and so it was Caleb who stayed close to me. Always Caleb.

“First rule,” he said one morning, standing tall with arms folded, ...