Verity’s POV

The air was thick enough to choke on. The faint sound of violins and laughter dimmed as the royal families looked at each other, exchanging smiles that didn’t quite reach their eyes.

I kept my head low, focusing on the gleam of the marble beneath my feet and the shimmer of my gown. I could feel their stares on me heavy, curious, piercing. Every muscle in my body screamed to flee, but Caleb’s steady hand around mine grounded me.

“Your Majesty,” Cassian said smoothly, ...