“Stand here,” Nadyah instructed as she pushed Adelina onto the small platform in front of the angled mirrors. The closet was nearly the size of Adelina’s bedroom. Dresses lined the walls in various colors and styles. There were a few choice paintings, a vanity, and various cushioned seats to put on shoes. Everything was made to simplify what was required of her as a princess. Adelina would never admit it aloud, but she loved the feminine part of her life.

Moving this way and that as she followed Nadyah’s silent instructions, her reflection moved with her and Adelina studied it with a keen eye. It was nearly time for her coming-of-age party and she wanted to emerge as the lady she had become, not the shy trembling waif she had always been.

Nerves roiled in her stomach, strong enough to make her nauseous. Adelina knew no matter how confident she was on the outside; there would always be a part of her that doubted. This party would test her ability to manage the separate sides of herself and it would be a move in the right direction to combine them as one.

Adelina had been prepared to walk down those stairs alone, but at the last second, she’d listened to her instincts and asked Prince Nash to escort her. Now she regretted the decision. He had been right of course, the bastard. There was a risk to him escorting her that had nothing to do with Raena’s wrath. But if she wanted to get away with such a stunt, tonight was the only time she could. Each coming-of-age party waived certain rules and protocols to allow one twenty-four hour period for each Draga royal-born to know what it felt like to be a king or queen.

“Have you talked to him other than today?” Nadyah asked, far too nonchalant to be believable.

Adelina shook her head. “No, I have not as Raena has kept me busy any free moment I’ve had when I wasn’t planning the party. There was a brief moment I saw him when they presented the male who had shot him.” She tapped her nails along the arm of her chair. “Nash pardoned him. The shooter will not be executed, but he will serve five cycles on one of the mining colonies.”

Nadyah nodded, no doubt she’d heard through her Spider contacts already. “That was kind of Nash.”

It had been kind, especially when the method of execution had been…violent, for nearly destroying an alliance. In fact, the whole matter had melted her, breaking down her resolve to avoid him. Now she couldn’t stop thinking about him, thinking about how to see him and somehow circumvent Raena’s demand.

Her own desire was going to ruin her. Adelina feared the reaction her father would have once he saw the crown prince of the Khara galaxy leading her down the massive, sweeping staircase for her declaration to the Draga galaxy that she was now officially eligible to wed. The prince would be seen as a threat, or a claim.

“Should I send a cast and tell him I’ve changed my mind?” Adelina could barely speak the words aloud and they came out as a hushed whisper.

Nadyah glanced up and met her gaze in the mirror. Then she shrugged and continued lacing the corset. She yanked and Adelina braced against the force of it. Her courtesan was much stronger than she appeared. “If you wish, but I advise having him as an escort rather than no escort at all.”

“Why not?” Adelina snapped, irritated at the rules of her world. “I am fully capable of walking down those damned stairs myself even in six inch heels.” She’d picked the higher ones to lessen the height difference between herself and Prince Nash, but she kept that small bit of information to herself.

“At midnight, during the goddess’s sacred hour, you will turn twenty cycles old and will reach the age of majority. Those who do not believe they will be able to claim Raena’s hand in marriage, or even Giselle’s will be vying for your attentions. You will need the protection of an escort. He can keep them back if needed and manage their requests so you may enjoy yourself. Our cultures differ, but Nash knows our ways and the need to protect is ingrained in his people as it is in ours.”

The corset was tied off and Nadyah helped Adelina down to her vanity where she sat the princess in the cushioned chair. Adelina watched her work with the portable nila, arranging her dark curls in a way that pleased the eye.

“Even Prince Nash is better than no one at all. His silent claim might even inspire others to step up to the challenge. If you want them to.” The sly look Nadyah gave her made Adelina blush.

Her courtesan had stood guard while she spoke to Nash in the hospital only a few days ago. Adelina could hardly believe how little time had passed when each day felt like an eternity. Council meetings and plans for the Draga Royal Army occupied every waking part of her day when she wasn’t making the final preparations for her party or entertaining noble ladies as her mother required.

No, Nadyah knew exactly how Adelina felt about Prince Nash and the strength it took for her to avoid him when it seemed as though he waited around every corner. Raena watched Adelina too closely to take any risks. There simply had to be a way to see him after the party without anyone the wiser.

But it wasn’t even safe to sneak out of the palace at midnight anymore, not until her sister was satisfied with her behavior and Adelina became invisible once more. Nash escorting Adelina to her coming-of-age party would certainly do the opposite of that, and the thought made her sigh.

Nash infuriated her. He constantly rubbed her the wrong way and she suspected it was on purpose. Other times he rubbed her the right way and that was almost worse. Adelina felt an inexplicable pull towards him and the strength of that pull made her hesitate. He was the reason she was in her current position of disfavor. She had made a promise and then paid dearly to keep it.

The two of them were magnets and no matter how hard Adelina tried to stay away she found herself right back where she started. Now she wasn’t even sure she wanted to try and fight against it. Adelina would rather see if there was something other than simple physical attraction between them, but anything more than a simple kiss would have to wait.

Nadyah arranged her hair, allowing Adelina’s curls to cascade down her back. Then she adjusted the nila to set them and hold the curls in place. Adelina watched her and realized she enjoyed having her courtesan as her lady-in-waiting. The extra assistance for events such as this eased her anxiety. Adelina always worried she didn’t look as perfect as she should. Living in her sisters’ shadows could be difficult.

Her courtesan set the makeup device over her face and Adelina trusted her completely. Nadyah knew exactly what Adelina wanted to look like for this night; what she needed to look like. There was a brief pressure against her skin. When the device was removed Adelina could hardly believe she was the woman looking back at her. Never would she have selected the dark kohl rimming her eyes or the deep red lip color that would match the color of her dress perfectly. But she had to admit it turned her into an entirely different person, or rather the darker side of what she was, underneath everything she’d thought she’d known.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered.

The smile her courtesan had confirmed how well she had come to know Adelina. It seemed there was nothing she could hide from this woman. Nadyah reached for the piece of jewelry commissioned for this day specifically. The circlet was exquisite in its simplicity. The bright yellow gold was pressed into leaves and looked like a vine that crowned Adelina’s black head in a glorious contrast. The diamonds glittering on the vine caught the light and created a halo around her.

Adelina began to feel less nervous about the coming events as Nadyah worked to create the vision they’d both discussed. “Let’s get you into that magnificent dress of yours,” her courtesan murmured, unable to take her eyes off the princess.

Adelina blushed under Nadyah’s obvious attraction. She turned to inspect the flowing garment. Gwendolyn had outdone herself. The dress on the mannequin practically beckoned her forward. Nadyah pulled the dress up and held it out, careful of the delicate spidersilk as Adelina stepped into it. She slipped her arms into the sheer, wrist-length sleeves and waited patiently as Nadyah did the line of buttons up her back. The courtesan’s eyes were fixated on her task.

“Princess, there is something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

Adelina shot a look at Nadyah. The use of her title claimed her attention completely. Silently she waited for her to speak.

“Elara showed me a secret alcove hidden behind a tapestry,” she said as she worked on the tiny buttons down Adelina’s back. “It’s situated where the Throne Room’s parlor is and we watched the meeting after Lord Lucas arrived.”

Adelina looked at her courtesan in alarm. Had she seen that fateful night when Raena had ripped her marriage rights from her? Had Nadyah witnessed her punishment? The courtesan still wouldn’t meet her eyes. “And?” Adelina prompted.

Nadyah shook her head. “No, we left before everything with Nash occurred. I’m glad I did otherwise I don’t think I could have stayed silent.” No longer able to remain still, Nadyah started to pace.

Adelina watched her closely through the mirrors. Nadyah was loyal. Adelina had made sure of that which is why she also knew the courtesan was a spy working for the Spider. The Spymistress also happened to be Mistress Jael of the House of Kismet, the best courtesan House on Draga Terra. Thank goodness the Spider worked for the royal family, because Mistress Jael terrified Adelina with her intensity and dominance.

Nadyah continued as she paced. “The reason I mention this is not for the reason you think. Elara told me there are records from King Beo’s reign that explain his dealings with the Neprijat and how he fought them back.” Nadyah turned to Adelina then and went back to buttoning her dress. “She says there is a royal library that only a true royal can access. Your genetics are the key to opening the secret library. Your mother would not be able to open the door, and I am not sure about Ian.”

Adelina contemplated this as she waited for Nadyah to finish. She had never heard of a secret library, but that was no surprise. It could be reserved until a royal came of age. There was also the possibility it wasn’t meant for anyone but the ruler and their heir. Part of the secret could be the genetics, but another was most likely the seal.

Her right palm was bare and Adelina stared at it. Within a few days she would have her seal tattooed with gold onto her palm for her official documents and signatures. It prevented forgery and if her hand was cut off the seal would disappear. The tattoo was only bonded to living flesh. Nothing and no one could steal her identity.

It would be problematic to hide if she ever left the palace again to walk the streets and mingle with her people as Lina. She would need to tweak her disguise program. “I don’t even know where this royal library is,” Adelina admitted. “I’ve never heard of it. I’m not even sure as third-born that I’m allowed to enter.”

Nadyah tapped a shoulder to let her know she was finished and then bent to pick up the skirts trailing on the ground; they would brush against Adelina’s toes once her shoes were on. The courtesan led her to the comfortable cushion in the center of the closet and helped Adelina to sit. “I can ask the Spider if she knows of its location from her little spiderlings,” her courtesan offered.

Adelina watched Nadyah rush over to where the black stilettos sat under the mannequin and considered it. Giselle might not know, and she was not comfortable asking Raena. Her father might tell her its location. King Orion had bent the rules for Adelina more times than she could count, but occasionally he would put his foot down and once that had been decided he was immovable. If the king refused to let her in the secret library, sneaking into it would be treason.

“Yes, speak to the Spider first,” Adelina said. “I will ask Giselle if she knows of it. King Orion will be the last resort to stay on the safe side.”

Nadyah slid her heels on and they were sinfully comfortable despite how they looked. They were sharp and tall, and Adelina loved how they clicked against the marble floor. The stilettos were an utter indulgence.

Slowly Adelina walked to the dais and stood before her mirrors as though she had dressed for battle, and in a way, she had.

The dress was extremely form-fitting and flattered her tiny waist. The slip and corset underneath gave her modesty, but the deep sweetheart neckline allowed the sheer layer to show more than she had ever dared before. The embroidery covered her nipples, but the curve of her breast was obvious even in dim light. The sheer material went all the way up to her throat and clasped at the back of her neck with the last of a hundred tiny buttons. Gwendolyn had somehow found a lace-like design woven with spidersilk. It was one Adelina was determined to find the designer of. The black kohl around her eyes glittered ever so slightly under the light and the skirts just barely brushed the floor.

She was ready.

A sweet chime from the floating time-keeper warned Adelina. Not even a second later there was a polite knock on her door. Butterflies instantly beat against her stomach hard enough she felt the echo in her chest. Adelina felt panicky. Not for her party, but for Nash to see her. To see how he would act as escort, and the reaction she knew she would get from her family. She looked at Nadyah pleadingly.

Instantly her courtesan placed her hands on Adelina’s shoulders and gave her a brief kiss on the lips for courage. “This is not a mistake.” Her words had so much conviction some of the butterflies eased and Adelina took a long, slow breath.

Her courtesan disappeared into her sitting room and Adelina looked at herself one last time. She would never wear armor like Giselle, or a crown to rule like Raena, but she had something all her own. Adelina murmured a prayer to the god of science. She only asked for more time. More time for what, she still needed to figure out. If Kienz heard her there was no sign of it.

Adelina pulled her shoulders back, walked through her bedchamber, and into her sitting room.

Prince Nash was at the threshold to her balcony with his back to her. His broad shoulders begged to be touched in that jacket. When he heard the sound of her heels on the marble floor Nash turned. His eyes widened as he took her in and his lips parted ever so slightly. Adelina didn’t think she would have noticed if she hadn’t been looking for it. His reaction pleased her and more of those butterflies settled. “Thank you for being so prompt.”

He crossed the room with a prowl that made her heart leap into her throat. Just barely did she resist taking a step back. Nash stopped only a foot from her and then bowed too low for his rank or dominance. One hand held out a small, carved black box. Carefully Adelina took it. How had he managed this so far from his home with so few resources?

“What is this?” she asked, turning the small box in her hands.

Nash straightened and slipped his hands into his pockets. It went against protocol but Adelina didn’t mind. She liked his quirks and the reminder he was from a completely different galaxy.

“It is a present for your birthday.”

“Birthday?” she asked, opening the lid of the wooden box.

“That is what we call it in Khara.” His foot shifted.

Adelina glanced up. Was he just as nervous as she? For some reason that comforted her. She lifted up the scrap of silk and gasped. There was a small circlet just big enough to fit over her wrist. It was made of black-wood, darker than a full solar eclipse. Adelina picked up the piece and studied it. There were miniscule carvings around the entire bracelet, roses if she wasn’t mistaken. “Did you make this?” she asked.

Nash stepped forward and took the bracelet from her hand. “I had some spare time.” The joke fell flat but she couldn’t look away as he took her hand and slipped the rosanera bracelet over her wrist to settle perfectly against her gold one.

Adelina looked up and was pleased to see the difference in their height was far less than before. The top of her head almost reached his chin now. The red and gold of Nash’s eyes flashed at her when he realized it as well.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she breathed, unable to look away from the intensity of his eyes. “Thank you so much for such an amazing gift.”

There was so much she wanted to say, that she wanted to ask, but they didn’t have much time. Adelina inspected the way he stood, held his shoulders back, and then stared at where he’d been shot as if she could see it through the fabric of his coat. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

The way he stared at her, into her – held such intensity. Her hands tingled in anticipation of his touch.

“I’m much better, thank you Princess.” The sun had started to set and the twilight made Nash look dark and mysterious. He offered her his arm. “I am not going to stand in the dominant position,” he said roughly. “This is your party, and I want there to be no threat viewed from me.”

Adelina didn’t know what to say. He knew their ways as Nadyah had said. She glanced at her courtesan who nodded that the prince was correct. Adelina felt awkward in the dominant position with such a delicious predator at her side, but somehow, they managed.

They walked to her doors and Nash paused for a moment. She looked sideways at him and saw the determination on his face. This wasn’t easy for him either. Adelina followed her instinct and leaned over to kiss his cheek. The surprise lightened his scowl.

Her shrug was brief. “You looked nervous. I wanted to reassure you.”

The green flared in his eyes and there was hunger. “If we didn’t have to be somewhere on time I would return the favor.” Nash pushed open her doors before either of them could think too much about the meaning of his words.

Adelina glanced over her shoulder at Nadyah. Her courtesan gave her a reassuring smile. Knowing she would be down in the ballroom soon eased some of the tension between Adelina’s shoulders. She was not looking forward to being the center of attention for the night-long celebration.

Alpha gave her a nod as she passed with Nash and then she heard Nadyah murmur her thanks as her guard offered her his arm. The two of them looked exquisite in gold and black as they trailed behind her, their reflections on the plas-glass in the twilight.

Nash led Adelina through the halls of the east wing to the main palace. The center dome, the atrium connecting all wings and buildings was a magnificent twelve stories tall and ensured the royal family’s wing could only be entered from the safety of the fifth floor. Adelina stared straight ahead as they took the hall towards the attached ballroom. The mountains loomed and blocked out any remaining sunlight. Not even the glittering stars could distract her.

She stopped outside the royal lift that would take them two stories below. Once they reached the platform above the sweeping staircase there would be no going back. The recorders would be right on her and follow her for most of the night. The party was in her honor after all.

Mala hung heavy in the sky, full and round. The purple of the moon cast a different glow on the palace than normal and Adelina sent a silent prayer to the mother for guidance and strength. With a wave of her hand the lift noted her genetics and opened silently. Prince Nash stepped in and she followed, hesitating only briefly as she crossed the threshold.

Both Nadyah and Alpha gave her a nod as the lift doors closed. They would go a different route to the ballroom and be there with her family as she descended the sweeping staircase for her grand entrance.

As they descended, Adelina shook out her hands. The nerves were back in full force and she began to pace. Nash gave her a curious look but the tic helped ease the butterflies roaring back to life.

Suddenly he grabbed her and pulled her towards him. His mouth was on hers before she could protest. By the time he had her pressed against the door of the lift she didn’t want him to stop. Nash was pure, crackling fire; spicy and hot. She took everything he gave her and more. As the lift slowed he stepped back and she smoothed her hair. The hunger in his eyes pleased her and Adelina felt settled inside, confident once more.

When the lift doors slid open, Nash was back on her left and she faced forward with her mask in place. The music swelled up the sweeping staircase from the ballroom. “Please don’t let me fall,” Adelina murmured.

Nash’s hand tightened on her waist. “Never.”