The grand hall buzzed with voices for hours following the ceremony. I did my best to keep to myself and steer clear of anything resembling a political debate.

  The chamber had been carved into a massive space near the chapel with vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate stonework that I couldn't help but admire. A sweeping balcony encircled the main floor, accommodating hundreds of guests who socialized and laughed around us. Outside, an elaborate garden flourished with flowers of every imaginable color. Crimson roses, violet bellflowers, and golden marigolds intermingled with plants I couldn't name. The scent of jasmine and honeysuckle wafted through the air, not nearly strong enough to mask the perfumes of the nobility who drifted past me.

  My feet ached from standing so long in formal boots. I'd been forced to abandon my boots of fast travel and instead stood in something so stiff they crushed my toes painfully together. But, stand I did, and look like I knew what I was doing, I tried. During my circuit through the crowd, I nursed a glass of pale wine, gradually sampling it while I navigated among the numerous attendees, virtually all strangers to me.

  Seraphina was pulled into a conversation with an older elf who seemed to know my girlfriend quite well, though Seraphina sent me a look that said, “Help.” As I was attempting to make my way to extract her, a short, round man with an elaborate mustache and robes embroidered with what I assumed was his nation's crest approached me, a glass of wine swirling in his pudgy fingers.

  "Ah, Master Vel'Naris! What a pleasure. I am Ambassador Dorin of the Western Isles." He bowed slightly. "What do you think of the tariff situation affecting our spice imports through your district? Perhaps you could exert some influence on the council? A man in your position must have connections."

  A man in my position may have influence, and he might even know what the council entailed and who was on it. I had none of that knowledge, reminding me again how out of my league this situation had left me. I smiled politely. I knew more about mixing drinks than the politics of Mythralon.

  "Ambassador, you honor me with your confidence," I replied, channeling the diplomatic tone I'd learned from dealing with orcs. "However, I'm afraid I would need to look into the matter more closely once I am more acquainted with my position. I am new to it, and frankly, don't know much outside of running a tavern."

  The ambassador's face fell slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Ah, I misunderstood your standing. A tavern owner, you say? How... quaint. Perhaps another time, then."

  He wandered off, leaving me both relieved and slightly insulted. Being dismissed as insignificant had its advantages, though the sting to my pride remained. I took the opportunity to shift my weight to my other foot, grateful for the momentary reprieve.

  Seraphina's eyes met mine as I again headed in her direction.

  A few well-dressed wedding attendees wandered by. Some waved, while others kept their heads straight ahead. They sipped drinks, ate appetizers, nibbled on cheese, fruit, or just stood together in clusters, chatting in low voices punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter.

  Above us, a shadow darkened the ground for a moment, but when I looked up, whatever had caused it was gone. Frostfire's dragon cry told me she was up there somewhere. Once I got close to Seraphina, I mentioned a little too loudly that the princess needed her assistance.

  "Oh, yes. By all means, attend the princess," the older woman said. "Which one, if I may be so bold?"

  "Let's not spoil anything," I said smoothly, taking Seraphina's elbow in hand and guiding her away.

  "Thank you," she whispered as we moved out of sight of the woman.

  We slipped between clusters of guests and made our way toward a side exit that led to the gardens. The palace grounds opened before us. Stone paths wound through perfectly trimmed hedges and flower beds that were rich with color. The smell of fresh tilled earth was all around. Fountains threw water in the air in the late afternoon sun. Rose trellises formed archways over benches where, in other circumstances, lovers might whisper secrets.

  Once in the quieter area, I sighed with relief. "I need to get something from our room and take it to the king."

  Seraphina turned to me with raised brows. "You realize he's probably not exactly available right now? Wedding night, and all that."

  "That's a fair point." I rubbed my chin. "I think I know someone who can get the gift to him, though. Maybe the cook."

  "What gift?" Seraphina asked, curiosity plain on her face.

  I glanced around to ensure no one lurked nearby. "My unseen friends led me to a hidden wine cellar beneath the tavern. There was a bottle there—an extremely rare vintage. Perfect wedding gift for the king. There are actually a lot of bottles. I need to hire a wine guy or something."

  Seraphina's mouth fell open, and then she lightly chuckled. "How old is this wine? Are you sure it's not gone to vinegar?"

  "Ophelia told me they were well protected. According to Elixander, the bottle I brought him was perfectly preserved. A spell had been placed on them."

  "That is incredible. So he was pleased?"

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  "Very."

  "What made you want to give my father such a generous gift? You could have sold it off."

  I thought about this for a moment and then carefully chose my words. "When I met Elixander, I thought he disliked me. More so when he learned that you and I were seeing each other. I quickly realized that he did not. In fact, he is a very wise elf who has selflessly offered his help and advice, not just to me, but to everyone he runs into. He's an incredible person, Seraphina. You are lucky to have him in your life."

  She lowered her voice to a near whisper and leaned in. "I thought he would disown me when he found out who I really am."

  I shook my head. "That's not his style.

  She pressed her lips together and nodded. "Speaking of my father, he asked me to find a particular flower in the garden, an obscure one, at that. It's a curious request as it's normally used in healing."

  I sputtered on my drink.

  "Are you okay?"

  "I am." I laughed. "Sorry. The baron's wife is terribly sick. I told Bertram I would help her. He gave me a list of her ailments, and Elixander promised to help find a cure."

  "You and the baron have actually spoken?"

  Since I returned, I'd had precious little time to fill Seraphina in on what had occurred back home. "We talked. I understand why he did what he did. Swiftwood has called off the guild. It's a lot to get into. I'll tell you more when we have a few moments away from all this."

  "I look forward to it." Seraphina smiled brightly. "I'll go look for that flower. You should see about getting the gift to the king."

  "I'll see you soon," I said and kissed her on the cheek.

  We parted ways, and I quietly took my leave and headed for our room, picked up the bottle, and took the secret passageway toward the kitchen. The clatter of pots and pans grew louder with each step.

  Warren Stonekettle was knee-deep in cooking for the evening feast. I was happy to see that the rest of his staff had arrived in time to assist. Warren's flour-dusted apron had been replaced with a cleaner one, though his beard still held traces of the day's work.

  "Warren," I called. "Do you have a moment?"

  The dwarf turned. "Ah, Varix, my friend. You were such a help today. I can't thank you enough. As you can see, the rest of the cooks are here, and I don't think I can use ya." He laughed. "Imagine a lord commander assisting in the kitchen. It would be a scandal if it got out. My lips are sealed."

  I chuckled along with him.

  "So, what brings you back to my domain?"

  I pulled him aside and lowered my voice. "I need someone to deliver this to King Alister and his new bride." I produced the bottle wrapped in cloth.

  Warren took it carefully and unwrapped the cloth I'd put over it.

  "By the forge eternal!" he exclaimed. "How in the world did you find such a thing? Are you sure it's even real?"

  "It's real," I assured him. "Found it in a hidden cellar. A spell protected it, but I've been assured the wine is just as fresh as it was when it was created."

  The dwarf studied the label with reverence. "This is from the Sunfire Vineyards. Has to be over five hundred years old. How…?"

  "Can you make sure it gets to the king?" I asked, not wanting to go into a lot of detail. "And let's just say I went through considerable effort to get it."

  "Very well." Warren nodded vigorously. "Consider it done."

  I gave him a questioning look.

  He laughed heartily. "Don't worry! I have no interest in drinking this wine. I'm a dwarf who prefers ales and brews." He patted his round belly. "Wine is for elves and humans with delicate constitutions. And for cooking. I could make a lovely stew with this."

  "I'm sure you could."

  Warren shook his head. "Maybe the king will allow me a nip. I might even like it."

  "The next time I return, I'll bring you a worthy bottle to do with as you please."

  "Truly?"

  I nodded and said, "Thank you," with a relieved smile.

  After I had wandered back to the wedding and chatted with more guests, they wanted to know more about me. Which kingdom was I from? How did the king know me? What had I done to earn such a high honor? I made my polite excuses and pardoned myself. Seraphina was nowhere to be found, so I returned to our room, pushed open the door, and stopped short.

  Seraphina had already escaped and now stood by the washbasin in only her shift. Her elaborate dress hung on a hook nearby. Her raven hair tumbled down her back, parts of it dipped in the water bowl as she scrubbed makeup from her face.

  She looked up in surprise. Water dripped down her cheeks, makeup running in dark streaks. Her hair stuck to her face in wet strands. She sputtered and spit out water.

  I laughed.

  "You startled me," she said, wiping her face with a cloth. "I must look like such a mess. I couldn't wait to get out of that party. There are far too many people I'm supposed to remember, and I can only make so many excuses."

  I crossed the room and pulled her tight against me. "You have never looked more beautiful."

  She laughed against my chest. "Liar."

  "Did you find the flower?"

  "I did, and I absconded with a few. I'm sure they won't miss them," she said with a mischievous smile, pulling away just enough to reach into a small pouch at her waist. She produced a delicate bloom with silvery-blue petals that seemed to shimmer even in the room's dim light. "Moonshadow lilies. The healers use them in poultices for burns and fevers, though I've heard rumors they can do much more when prepared properly. It was in a pond near the end of the flower garden—such a beautiful specimen.”

  "It is a lovely flower. "

  She sniffed the flower. "I know gems and their properties, not alchemy. That's a different art altogether. But I couldn't resist taking a few. They're quite rare, you know. I hope I don't get in trouble."

  "I doubt anyone blinked an eye."

  Seraphina moved to me, and I enveloped her in my arms. We stood together, her head on my shoulder, and I with my cheek on the side of her head. She looked up, and we kissed. She nodded at the bed. "I'm so ready for bed."

  "Me too." I sighed. "Today was exhausting."

  I released her and moved to the second washbasin. I poured water from the pitcher and washed away the day's sweat and formality. If today was any example, I wasn't sure I wanted anything to do with politics.

  Seraphina watched me from the corner of her vision. "How tired are you, exactly?"

  I raised an eyebrow. "Not that tired."

  A slow smile spread across her face. "Good."

  She reached for the lamp and dimmed it to a soft glow.