The day of the party came, and Skylar was on her feet long before dawn, making sure everything was ready for the incoming flood of the nobles. So many things could go wrong that she nearly regretted she'd ever agreed to go forth with this idea.

"No, no, no! You can't serve all main courses with meat!" she said sternly to the cook. "I asked precisely for three different varieties of dishes that don't contain any meat. I don't care you don't have the ingredients you were expecting. Come up with something! Or I let the army of starved vegetarian nobles raid your kitchen!"

The cook bowed hastily and retreated to the kitchen, giving her a wary glance over his arm. Skylar ran a hand through her hair, pulling at the strands nervously and scanning the main reception room for any other faults. She spotted two servants that were carrying a life-size marble statue that was supposed to depict the Queen.

"Oh, gods! What is this thing?" Skylar gasped, her voice high-pitched.

The servants put the sculpture in the middle of the room and looked at Skylar nervously.

"It's a gift from Ronan Ravenbeak, my lady. You agreed to accept it and put it in the house for everyone to see at the party," the man said timidly.

"Well, yeah, I did, but this is...." Skylar failed to find the right words to express her feelings. The statue was not only bad. The sculptor gifted his statue so generously that it looks more like a caricature than a person, especially in the chest area. "I don't think the Queen will appreciate it. We can't leave it here. Put it somewhere where not many people will see it. And make sure Ravenbeak's name is visible on that thing!"

"Skylar," someone called her, but she ignored it as she spotted that the garlands of flowers adorning the wall over the tables hung askew. She hastened that way. But before she made three steps, someone grabbed her by the shoulders and turned around.

"What are you doing?" Gawyn asked, looking at her with a frown.

"I have to check everything before everyone arrives. We can't afford any mistakes. And everything keeps turning out wrong! The decorations..." Skylar was talking so fast that she was almost out of breath.

"Decorations are fine," the General interrupted her. "Everything is fine. You're acting like a crazy person."

"I am not!" she protested, trying to shake off his hands, but his grip was tight. "What if I mess up again? What if I made you look bad?"

"With a wrong flower in decorations?" Gawyn asked with a smirk. "Calm down. Deep breaths now, all right?"

Skylar closed her eyes and forced herself to steady her breathing.

"Good," Gawyn said. "How big is the unit patrolling the border with the Blighted Lands?

"What?" Sky frowned and opened her eyes.

"How many soldiers?"

"Six."

"What are the roles?"

"Two scouts, two armoured shield men, and two archers. Why are you...."

"How long is one shift?"

"Six hours. That's enough to make sure all the passages are secure and just short enough to keep the soldiers focused."

"Why not include heavily armoured knights?"

Skylar scoffed. "They are too loud. You can't put knights in scouting parties! Plus, try running around mountain passages in full armour. See if it's fun!"

"And you're back," Gawyn said with a smirk.

"Oh." Skylar realised that she no longer felt the anxiety that had been burdening her for the last few days. Talking about things familiar to her, the important things, helped her brain to clear the fever of party planning. Suddenly, the askew decoration seemed a trivial little detail. She smiled at her husband. "Thank you. I got a little carried away, didn't I?"

"Yes, and you were scaring the servants. Now, why don't you go and prepare yourself, hm? I make sure everything else is in order here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Now go. There's not much time left now till the first guests arrive." Gawyn pushed her gently towards the stairs leading to the private part of the mansion.

***

When the party finally started, Skylar quickly forgot to stress about every little detail. She was too busy keeping a plastered smile on her face while they were greeting all the guests. Instead of wearing the usual Gryphonheart's black and red, Master Bailey prepared their clothes in white and red. According to him, it was supposed to highlight their significance as today's hosts. Skylar wasn't sure if she liked her dress in light tones. She was afraid she would ruin it the moment she sat at the table. But that was a worry for later.

"How's your face?" she asked Gawyn in half-whisper when another noble couple strolled inside, giving them a breather. "Mine is already itching from keeping that smile all the time."

"Mine too," Gawyn said and looked at her with a smirk. "Hopefully, not much greeting left."

A commotion erupted in the courtyard, where all the carriages were stopping. Skylar and Gawyn could hear the exasperated gasps and laughter erupting from the incoming mass of people.

"Has something happened down there?" Skylar asked, frowning.

"I'm afraid I know exactly who has just arrived."  Gawyn sighed.

Before Skylar could inquire more, a crowd gathered in front of the mansion parted, leaving a clear space for the woman that was confidently walking toward them. She looked unlike anyone Skylar had ever seen. Her long wavy hair was dyed bright blue, and her dress, contrary to the court fashion, didn't have a wide skirt but closely embraced her long, lean legs, with a cut exposing one of them up to her tight. If Skylar dresses were outrageously bold for the court, this one was out of this world. With the fabric in vivid orange, she resembled a marvellous exotic bird.

"See what I meant now?" the General said sternly.

"That's your sister, I presume?" Skylar asked, trying to suppress a laugh. She couldn't believe that this amazing young woman was from a family of stiff traditionalists.

"Gawyn! Good to finally see you!" the woman said, not wasting any time and giving the General a big tight hug.

"Blue hair? Really?" Gawyn groaned, patting her gently at the back, clearly uncomfortable with lavish public affection.

"Don't you just love it, dear brother? I thought a bit of colour would bring some life to this, no doubt, dreadfully boring party."

"What are you wearing?"

"It's the latest fashion in Torringland. You really should come and visit me sometime. It's a wonderful kingdom. People are so much more relaxed there."

"I don't doubt that," Gawyn said sternly. "Late introductions. Aliyah, this is my wife, Skylar. Skylar, my younger sister Aliyah."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Skylar said with a genuine smile. 

"Oh, look at you! Isn't my brother a lucky guy? I was sure you would die alone in your strategy room." Aliyah walked around Skylar, looking her up and down.

Skylar followed her with her eyes. Her face flushed red. "Ehm... what are you doing?"

"Checking out if you are a real person. Still can't believe my antisocial brother married such a fine-looking woman."

"Aliyah, that's enough," Gawyn growled. "Stop making a spectacle and move inside. We'll talk later."

"Oh, fine, fine." The woman scoffed and winked at Skylar. "We will talk at length. I know all your dirty little secrets, dear brother." She grinned and walked inside.

Skylar laughed. "I can't believe she is your sister."

"Shut it!"

***

The banquet was proceeding surprisingly well. The King and Queen arrived in a splendid mood, and every noble tried their best to enter their inner circle, which didn't leave them much time for scheming on how to sabotage the party. Axel Ironhand steered clear from Skylar after exchanging greetings, and she was happy with that. 

Lucinda accompanied another nobleman today. Skylar caught her a few times while looking at her with a mocking smile and talking in half whispers to her companions. Sky had no doubt they spoke of her, but she knew better than getting pulled into her games today. She only smiled politely and moved away.

"Lady Skylar!" The King strolled toward her with a genuine smile on his handsome face. "Would you do me an honour and grant me this dance?"

"Dance?" she asked, caught off guard and looking dumbly at his extended hand. "Oh, of course! I have to warn you, Your Majesty, I'm not the best dancer," she added nervously.

Alarat laughed, taking her hand. "And neither am I. But no one ever said it to my face. Perks of being a king, I guess."

Skylar laughed. She liked the man. She used to feel very nervous around him at first, but he always emanated a friendly and welcoming aura that made everyone relaxed in his company.

They reached the dancefloor and started moving with the song. Sky quickly found out Alarat was right. He was not a good dancer either. But neither of them seemed to care.

"It's a splendid party, my dear," the King said. "I'm glad to see you've come such a long way since you arrived at the court. If I didn't know any better, I would think you were born and raised here."

"That is an obvious exaggeration." Skylar laughed. "But thank you, all the same, Your Highness. I'm glad to hear the banquet is to your liking."

"You know, I first felt guilty for pushing this marriage on you and Gawyn. But now I can say it was a great idea."

"And what makes you think that?" Skylar asked with a raised brow. "We still didn't make much progress with convincing all of the nobles to unite."

"Not yet, but I knew it would take time. But Gawyn seemed happier now."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't put the finger on it. But he seems more relaxed now. He is a serious workaholic, but at least he has a reason to get back home earlier now. And he smiles more than before. I know he can be a real prick, but his heart is in a good place," Alarat added with a grin.

"I know."  Skylar smiled.

"I hope he treats you well. If you have any complaints, just let me know, and I'll scold him for you."

Skylar laughed again. "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I must say I'm pretty good at scolding myself, so I don't need assistance in that matter."

"I'm glad. Please take care of him for me. I know he seems like a capable person, but sometimes he can be pretty helpless."

"I might have noticed." Skylar grinned. "I'll do my best. I promise."

"Glad to hear it. But there is another reason why I asked you for this dance," Alarat said, his expression turning solemn.

"What is it then?"

"I had another dream yesterday. The darkness is spreading faster every time. I've seen the dark tendrils reaching far inside Lamyria already."

"That's a bad sign."

"I know. We must act swiftly. I need to meet with you, preferably alone. You know that Elinora and Gawyn don't even want to hear a word about dark magic. But I need you to tell me everything you know so that I can plan accordingly for every possibility."

"I don't see why not." Skylar nodded. "I'll be back at the palace tomorrow to accompany the Queen, so you know where to find me."

"Good. We'll talk soon then."

The song ended, and when the musicians were preparing for the next one, Gawyn appeared right next to them.

"I believe it's time to change partners," he said with a cold reservation that was present in his voice throughout the whole party.

"But of course. I wouldn't dare to steal your lovely wife for more than one dance, dear brother."  Alarat kissed her hand gallantly. "Always a pleasure, my dear."

Skylar nodded to him with a smile. When Gawyn put his hand on the small of her back and they started dancing, the difference was astounding. The General was a much better dancer than his brother. His steps were confident and his grip on Skylar firm, so she didn't have to think about the steps, just let him lead her. The thought just hit her that she didn't feel nervous or awkward anymore whenever she was with him.

"You are always laughing a lot when you are with him," Gawyn grumbled.

"Because he's funny." Skylar shrugged.

"Of course, he is."

There was something in his voice that caught Skylar's attention. She looked up at him with a frown. His mouth was drawn in a thin line, and there was a wrinkle between his brows.

"Gawyn? Are you... jealous?"

"Maybe. Should I be?"

"Of course not. He's the King. It's not like I can refuse if he asks me to dance."

"Doesn't mean I have to be happy about it."

"But... he's your brother. Don't you trust him?" Skylar asked, confused.

"When it comes to women? Not at all. Alarat loves women way too much. Always did."

"Did something happen between you two?" Sky implored gently.

"No. Nothing could ever happen, as I never stood a chance comparing to him. He was always a better son, the one who was more attractive and socially eloquent."

"But he doesn't stand a chance against you when it comes to strategy and tactical planning, does he?" Skylar pointed out.

Gawyn smirked. "You're right. But that's the only thing. I know it doesn't make sense, but seeing you dancing with him and laughing at his jokes... It's just bothering me for some reason."

"I can try not to laugh next time," Skylar teased.

The General sighed. "Forget I said anything."

"Just for the record. You are a much better dancer than him," Sky said. "And if I'd ever got to choose who to marry, I would still choose you." She felt her face burning, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. But Gawyn so rarely showed her any affection that she felt as if walking on clouds. And now he was looking at her with a smile. Not his usual mocking smirk, but a genuine smile, as if what she said brought him joy.

They didn't talk more, just danced in silence, but it was a good, companionable silence. Sometimes words fail to convey as much meaning as shared quietude. Every time Skylar was close to him, she felt at peace as if he were the only constant in the ever-changing dynamic life of the royal court. He was her safe harbour, and she was grateful for that.

But their tranquil moment ended when the music stopped, and people started to move back to the tables. It quickly got pretty crowded when all the nobles tried to squeeze through a narrow door separating the dining room from the main foyer, where the dancefloor was erected. As a result, they got stranded for a moment, waiting for the crowd to move forward.

Suddenly, a gleam of light caught Skylar's eye. She instinctively looked over her shoulder and a breath caught in her throat. 

A man was standing right behind them.

With a knife raised, ready to strike.

Skylar screamed, but she knew it was too late, as the assailant was already in motion.

There was no way Gawyn would react in time to avoid being stabbed.