I’d grown distracted watching each of the nobles adding to the bonfire, I hadn’t noticed the person approaching me until they placed a firm hand on my shoulder. Jumping, my heart rate sped up. “Don’t let that smile falter,” the king said in a low, stern tone. “You wouldn’t want someone to think you’re unhappy here.” I heard the threat. Shifting my weight away from the king, I desperately searched for any excuse to get away. “Enjoy the night, daughter of Neroe,” he said, squeezing my shoulder before he strode away.
