A prequel novella to Heirs of Magic
Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn't especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. First of all, it's literally freezing there, an uncomfortable change from the tropical paradise of his home. Secondly, it's a mossback castle which means thick walls and too many rules. Thirdly, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there. Not exactly a cause for celebration.
Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung with her parents, but her mother put her foot down declaring that, since everyone who ever mattered to her was going to be there to celebrate the 25th year of High Queen Ursula's reign, Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Of course, "everyone" includes the sons and daughters of her parents' friends, and it also means that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will attend.
But on this special anniversary year, Moranu's sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there's more than a bit of magic in the air.
