Cassian’s POV

The evening air was thick with tension, almost as if the palace itself could sense what was coming.

My chamber buzzed with faint noises coming from the ball room like the clinking of goblets, the distant hum of the orchestra rehearsing, and the low chatter of servants preparing for the ball. I stood before the tall mirror, adjusting the lapel of my coat, staring at the reflection of a man who was supposed to look composed — regal, even — but my eyes betrayed me.

They were ...