Serena looked up. Gavriel Sterling was lounging in the corner, glass in hand.
For a man never short on words, Gavriel had gone remarkably silent.
She was stunning, and for once, even he knew better than to interrupt the moment too quickly.
"Great to see you as well, Gav," Serena said at last, offering him a warm, easy smile meant to break the tension before it snapped.
It worked. Mostly.
He stood slowly and poured her a glass of whiskey. His grin was impossible to hide now. "Lovely gown."
"Yes." Her fingers brushed his briefly as she took the glass. "I owe you much thanks. And for the earrings and shoes. They are lovely."
His eyes flicked deliberately to the earrings, then the shoes, then returned to her face.
"I am surprised you agreed to wear it," he said, his voice lowering with amused approval. "It is bold. But then again," his smile sharpened, "so are you."
Serena lifted a brow, taking a slow sip. "Bold of you to gift the nicest gown in Drakenfell, complete with shoes and earrings, and not expect me to wear it."
"She is not exaggerating. You did well," Elara added, clearly enjoying this interaction. "One might think you were trying to start a political incident."
"I absolutely was," Gavriel said without hesitation. His gaze lingered on Serena, unapologetic. "I just did not expect the weapon to be this devastating."
Serena flushed, warmth creeping into her cheeks. "You both are being ridiculous."
"Objectively false," Gavriel said easily. "If you walk into that ballroom like this, someone is going to spill wine, insult royalty, or propose on the spot."
Elara laughed. "Place your bets. I am leaning toward all three."
Serena shook her head, trying to hide her smile behind her glass. "You are incorrigible."
"And yet," Gavriel said, lifting his own glass toward her, "you are wearing the dress. And drinking whiskey."
She met his eyes over the rim of her drink. "Living dangerously."
"You say that," he said, eyes slow on hers, "but you are enjoying every second of it."
Gavriel's grin faltered.
Just for a heartbeat.
His eyes caught on the faint shadow along Serena's cheek and slight swelling of her lower lip. Things most people would miss. Things no one bothered to look for.
He had looked at her face too many times not to notice.
Something cold flickered behind his eyes.
Serena noticed his stare.
He schooled his expression instantly, smile snapping back into place, easy and bright, as if nothing had shifted at all.
"Well," he drawled, tilting his head, "I was going to ask which poor soul you knocked out in the sparring ring. Or maybe you finally took up underground boxing. I hear you would be terrifying."
Serena laughed, shaking her head. "No. Just a very upset princess."
Elara snorted. "She accused Serena of trying to seduce Dexmon and bonding with his dragon. Like it was intentional."
Gavriel's brows lifted, amusement sharpening with something darker beneath his expression.
"I tried to tell her she was mistaken," Serena continued, voice calm, honest. "I have only spoken to him a handful of times."
"We did not want to seek her out," Elara added. "We were not sure she would recognize either of us."
"I did not realize he was betrothed to her and I absolutely would have spoken to her if I had known she felt that way," Serena said.
Gavriel took a slow sip of his whiskey.
"Hm," he said thoughtfully. "Well. That is unfortunate for her."
Elara glanced at him. "For her?"
Hale cut in, arms folded, expression calm but edged. "Her antics are going to end that betrothal if she is not careful. The amount of rumors she and Queen Bellatrix have been spreading is ridiculous."
Elara scoffed. "Rumors, slaps, sabotage."
"Sabotage?" Hale asked.
"She cut the back of Serena's dress too. Just reached over and sliced it like a deranged tailor with a vendetta. Honestly, I half expected her to hiss and crawl backwards."
Gavriel barked a laugh. "Ah. So that is why you are wearing this dress."
His eyes swept her again, unmistakably satisfied. "I thought it would take me at least three more balls and a mild scandal to convince you."
"You saved the day," Serena said with a soft smile.
"Yes, you did," Elara added. "Do not let that go to your head."
"High praise," Gavriel said, lifting his glass. "I intend to be insufferable about this."
Serena shook her head, her smile widening despite herself. "You are already insufferable."
"Yes," he agreed cheerfully, offering a wicked grin. "And you keep pretending you do not like it."
Hale glanced between them, then laughed under his breath. Elara was watching him closely.
"If she walks into that ballroom looking like that," he said to Elara, shaking his head, "Agnes is going to lose her mind."
Serena glanced in his direction, exhaling slowly. "Hopefully she will be too focused on Dexmon to notice," she said. "I would prefer at least one evening without theatrics."
Gavriel's grin turned dangerous. "Wager anyone? She makes a scene before midnight."
"I will take that," Hale said at once. "She will hold it together just long enough to believe she is in control. Then she will snap after midnight. Probably during a dance. Or a toast. Something meant to be dignified."
Elara laughed under her breath. "You sound very confident."
Gavriel set his glass down. "Stakes?"
Elara considered, then smiled sweetly. "Loser has to escort Queen Bellatrix for an entire dance. No excuses. No sudden injuries."
Hale groaned. "You are vicious."
"And," Elara added, clearly enjoying herself, "kiss her hand. With enthusiasm."
Serena winced. "That is excessive."
"Necessary," Elara corrected.
Hale sighed like a man preparing for execution. "Agreed."
Gavriel grinned. "Done."
Elara clapped once, sharp and pleased. "Excellent. I will be judging."
Serena shook her head, lips curving.
Gavriel lifted his glass, eyes gleaming. "Tonight, we are going to be very entertained."