AYLETH

They swept around the dancefloor, and though he didn't have Etan's power and grace, Trystan was a lovely dancer.

The problem was that he'd been so quiet since he'd seen her staring at Etan. Again. He hadn't said anything to her, but beyond waiting for the music to change and offering to dance, he'd been very, very quiet, his eyes distant.

She tried to think of something to begin their easy conversation, but it all sounded so forced. She did like his sunny nature and openness, but she couldn't risk putting Etan in the spotlight.

"Trystan," she said, finally.

He spoke as if they'd been having a conversation all along. "I wonder if you can relate to something I've been thinking about," he said quietly. He didn't smile as he scanned the room behind her, which for him, seemed odd.

"Oh?"

"Yes, you see, I do not come from the most powerful nation, though we are at least admired for our horseflesh," he said with a wry smile. "And given my size, you can imagine the jokes."

"I'm sorry, Trystan."

"Don't be. Most of the time it is quite fun. But I have noticed that because of my size, many think me uneducated, or oafish—they assume." Then he dropped his chin to meet her eyes, and his gaze was intense, and piercing. "They assume things about me that are not true, and do not look deeper to find out if they're wrong. Is that a feeling you have felt, Ayleth?"

She swallowed. Where was this going? "Yes, Trystan. I have."

He nodded. "So, I find myself in a strange situation here. Because I like you. I admire you. And I can see why so many others do. I'm glad the Zenithrans have a strong and capable ruler preparing to take the throne."

"Trystan, that… that's a very high compliment."

He shrugged and pulled her into a turn that was only slightly jerky. "I understand that my nation is not as powerful as yours, and the expectations set on me are not as high for the same reason. I understand that I am not seen as a catch," he said the words through his teeth. "I am fully prepared for that. But do you know what I struggle with, here at the Festival?"

"What?" she asked, her heart in her throat.

"I struggle that, when I see things, and understand things, no one thinks I have the intelligence to understand it, or the wit to play the game. Choosing not to become ensnared in politics is not the same as a lack of understanding, or appreciation. Do you know what I mean?"

"I… think so…" Even though she was nervous, Ayleth appreciated that he spoke from the heart. It was a rare thing in Royal circles.

"I think you do too, and I'll tell you something else," Trystan went on. "I do not expect to win your hand, Ayleth, for I see that it is already won. And surely my nation would not hold great attraction to you. But do not underestimate me as most of the others do, please. I see what is going on here, and I applaud it. And I am terrified for you. I am not too slow to understand the consequences of your choice, and, frankly, I'm surprised more haven't noticed."

Then he stopped speaking.

Ayleth gaped at him. "Trystan, I don't know what—" she scrambled to try to cover, but he just hissed.

"You do not need to fear, Ayleth. Like I said, I admire you. Your courage, the strength you've shown—and honestly, the nature you have cultivated, despite the environs in which you've grown up. You are a good heart, and I will always protect and encourage those."

"As are you, Trystan, I knew it from the moment we met," she said seriously.

He nodded, then looked down at her again. "We need to protect each other, Ayleth. Help each other. If we do not, these next few weeks could end us."

She blinked. "What do you need protection from?" she breathed.

He stared at her for a long moment, then turned away. "I find dancefloors so very crowded… would you join me for a horse ride tomorrow morning. We could… get to know each other better?"

The words were an invitation that would be understood in the marriage market, but she knew—she knew!—he just wanted to speak to her alone. And she knew he was worth trusting.

"I would be delighted, Trystan," she said.

"Very good. I will see you in the morning then. And for tonight, if you need a break from the vultures, just catch my eye. I'll come ask you to dance again."

"Thank you!" she said near tears with relief. "Thank you!"

"Do not lose heart, Ayleth. Not all of the heirs are assholes."

It broke the tension so perfectly, Ayleth dropped her head back and laughed, open mouthed.

And Trystan laughed with her.