Takeo’s heart sluggishly resumed beating as King Ozora strode forward and took Azura’s hand, kissing it over a roguish bow. She smiled politely, but when she turned to Takeo to be introduced, her smile faltered. She covered her shock quickly, moving on to meet the other sunburners. As he moved to take his seat, Takeo saw Princess Airi watching him with a frown on her face.

The king and his four sunburners were seated with the royal family at the head table: Ozora between the Queen and Azura, Takeo next to Airi. The feast began as servants poured them sake and brought out the first course. A trio of musicians to the left of the dais began playing an elegant arrangement, and the buzz of voices and conversation filled the room once again.

Takeo struggled to rein in his racing thoughts, taking a gulp of sake. He held back a gag as the warm sweetness of the liquid slid down his throat. His stomach churned. Wilea was Azura. Azura was Wilea. He had kissed the king’s future bride. He had daydreamed about stealing her away and marrying her. Why had she hidden who she was? Lied to him? She must have known she would see him again tonight. What game was she playing? He felt his confusion give way to anger. Was this some sort of moonburner plot to divide them?

“Are you all right?” a cool voice asked him. He started and looked to Airi, who watched him closely.

“Of course,” he said, taking a deep breath to still himself.

“You seem…agitated,” she said, cocking her head. Long dark lashes framed her arresting blue eyes. How old could she be, fourteen? Fifteen? She would be quite striking when she was grown.

“I’m fine,” he said, avoiding her scrutiny by filling his plate with succulent sliced meat and a ladle-full of spiced rice. “Just taking it all in.”

Though he began eating, her eyes didn’t leave him. She didn’t even try to disguise her observation.

“So…” he turned back to her awkwardly. “Tell me about life here at the citadel. Are you studying anything interesting?”

“No,” Airi sighed. “It’s all history, politics, burning lessons. Azura gets to take the exciting lessons.”

“I believe history and politics can be quite interesting,” he said. “It’s what brings us to where we are today, and informs us of where we are going tomorrow.”

“I suppose so,” she said. “But I wish they would let me leave the citadel more often. I’m not going to be queen, so I want to see the world. Have adventures. But they say it isn’t safe.”

“That’s sensible advice. There are many dangers in this world for a young woman.”

“I’m fifteen,” she hissed. “And a burner. I can take care of myself.”

“I’m sure you can,” he held up his hands in a placating motion. “Perhaps once the peace treaty is signed between our people, you will have more freedom to travel.”

“I could come visit Kistana…visit you,” she said, her voice sultry all of a sudden. She looked at him from under a curtain of shining black and silver hair.

“That would be up to your mother,” he said, trying not to show his alarm at her comment. “But I’m sure she would be interested in sending delegates to Kistana to improve relations. There is much our people could learn about each other.”

“I would be excellent at improving relations,” she said, drawing her finger across the back of his hand, which rested on the table. He shivered, but not from desire. He slowly reclaimed his hand, reaching for his sake glass and draining the thing. Taiyo help him, this girl was coming on to him! She wasn’t old enough for such things. He glanced at Azura, chatting with Ozora down the table. She caught his eyes for a moment and then looked away. Even if Airi had been of age, there was only one woman for him. And now it seemed his king would have her.

Dinner concluded and the trio of musicians in the corner struck up a livelier tune. Guests rose from the tables and moved to the open area at the front of the room to dance. Ozora, ever the charmer, stood and gallantly offered his hand to Queen Isia. She smiled and joined him. That meant Azura was unaccounted for. If Takeo asked her to dance, he could speak to her. Get some answers. Before Takeo could stand, Airi grabbed his hand.

“Dance with me,” she commanded. He wracked his brain for a way out, and found none. He let her lead him onto the floor.

The dance was a quick step with two lines of dancers moving between each other, trading partners down the line. It was similar to a folk dance they had back home, so he picked the steps up without much trouble. When Airi joined with him for their turn together she pressed her young body assertively to his. He sighed with relief when he moved on to other partners who respected his space.

When the song ended the queen inclined her head to Ozora in thanks, and waved Azura over to take her place. It was another dance that traded partners, this time, circles of four and then two whirled and wove through each other.

He waited with bated breath until it was time to hold Azura in his arms.

“I’m sorry I lied,” she whispered as they met, twining one hand and spinning. His anger deflated.

“Why?” was the only word he could muster. Holding her in his arms again, smelling her orange-blossom scent, was intoxicating. He wanted to stroke her silky hair, run his fingers down her cheek, and pull her body against his own.

“I...just wanted to have what other people have for a day.”

“What’s that?”

“Freedom,” she said, and then was pulled from his arms to join with her next partner.

Takeo found himself facing Airi, a black look on her face. She had seen the exchange between him and her sister, and was displeased.

He flashed her his best smile and spun her around in double time, whirling her around in a blur. Her ire passed and she giggled. The uneasiness in the pit of his stomach did not.

The dancing and festivities continued until late in the day. Finally, the queen stood, begging their leave, and Azura and Airi went with her.

Ozora’s face was flushed with drink and excitement as they walked back to their quarters.

“This peace accord will be even better than I had hoped,” he said, grabbing a nearby column and swinging around it. “These moonburners know how to entertain!”

“Think of all we can do for the kingdom without a war to drain our resources,” Takeo said, trying to force down the beginnings of a headache. Airi had been forward all night and he had drank too much sake to drown his discomfort.

“Yes, yes,” Ozora waved dismissively. “There will be time for all of that. After I marry!” He rounded on Takeo, gripping his shoulders, eyes wide. “She is a beauty, isn’t she! I never thought I’d find a bride so lovely. And with such grace, and charm!”

“Truly your highness, you are a lucky man,” Takeo said, trying to keep the pain from his voice.