Free The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows Page A

acknowledge the accompanying whispers of gossip as the meal progressed into the second and third and fourth courses.
    I had to stop myself from eating everything, or risk revealing my real life as an orphan, but I hated myself for wasting food. While I ate more than my fill in here, children in the Flags went hungry tonight. Knowing that, how could I enjoy the meal?
    The music stopped a little while later; the players took their instruments and quit the room, which seemed to be a signal.
    At the head of the table, Lady Chey stood again and tapped her glass. Everyone quieted. She and several others delivered speeches congratulating Tobiah and Meredith, wishing the best for the Indigo Kingdom, and hinting there should be no fewer than a dozen children after the wedding. Even the king managed to say something, though he remained seated for his part.
    â€œThe night is not over,” Lady Chey said. “If you’ll proceed into the Crystal Room, the orchestra should be finished preparing for dancing.”
    Several people clapped and began rising. My companions all finished their glasses of wine before standing. James offered his arm. “Allow me to escort a beautiful lady?”
    I reminded myself he was too young to have been part of the One-Night War.
    â€œThank you.” I placed my gloved hand on his forearm. Now that dinner was over and the men were tipsy, Melanie and I would separate and begin asking more probing questions.
    â€œMay I beg the first dance?” James guided me from the dining hall, after the others.
    â€œI’d be honored. I should warn you, though: I’m a terrible dancer.”
    â€œI don’t believe it. Surely, you’re too modest.”
    There was no modesty about it. I’d learned a few dances as a child, and every Osprey had received instruction over the last several years, but we’d had little opportunity to practice. But I just smiled at James and allowed him to lead me onto the dance floor where several other couples were already arranged.
    As its name implied, the Crystal Room glittered from floor to ceiling, though most of the crystals were actually just glass and mirrors. There was plenty of space for all of us, but the reflections made the room seem bigger. The orchestra had set up in a small balcony overhead, so when the music began, it soared above the crowd.
    â€œIf you’re as terrible a dancer as you claim”—James drew me into the line of flushed-faced nobles—“then please just followmy lead. I’m a fantastic dancer.”
    â€œIf that’s true, it seems I’m doomed to embarrass myself.” But in the first few measures of music, he proved himself correct. James held his frame tall, but relaxed and comfortable with the movements. The music carried us along as we spun through the room.
    â€œSo.” James held my gaze as we stepped close, then far. His eyes were brown, as warm as his smile, but sharp with wariness. Readiness. Though it was true he wasn’t old enough to have been part of the One-Night War, he’d seen other battles.
    â€œYes?” I’d have to be careful around this one.
    â€œWhat do you want to know about Prince Tobiah?”
    I lifted an eyebrow. “I didn’t ask about him.”
    â€œNot aloud. But I saw you looking yesterday.”
    â€œOh.” He thought I was interested in Tobiah? A sour boy with a perfect life he couldn’t even see? Well, as long as the prince’s bodyguard thought I liked the prince it was better than knowing I’d been imagining punching that sullen prince in his sullen face. “I wasn’t well yesterday. I was exhausted and dizzy from the journey here, and His Highness just looked so familiar. It was rude to stare. Forgive me.”
    â€œAh.” James stepped closer, his palm slipping over my upper arm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tease you.”
    I let my expression turn soft, forgiving. “I’d rather