Chapter 66

　　Present Day

　　Sylvin and Cerilius left the table as the evening passed, and Yelena saw them greet a handsome dark-haired Fae man, the three moving to stand in one of the alcoves with their drinks, their laughter ringing out above that of the gathering’s revelry.

　　They looked like a tableau in a tapestry or painting, Yelena thought, three men, each handsome in his own way, all dressed in their finery. They drew the eye of many of the tables around them, the faces of those who looked at them raw with desire, envy, and greed.

　　“I know what you received today, Lady Yelena,” Auralyn murmured, leaning a little towards Yelena. The princess was dressed in elaborately patterned pink dress that ended at her elbows with a fall of lace to reveal arms that had never been exposed to sunlight, they were so milky pale. Diamonds and pink sapphires encircled her wrists and ringed her fingers at each knuckle. “A diaphanous gown of cream silk, and a golden velvet cloak, with matching slippers.”