Page 30 of Elemental Becoming

Thane raises a brow, looking far too composed. “I’m telling you now.”

I throw my hands up. “Oh, well, that’s great. So glad I got such advance notice. We have to work on our communication.”

“I don’t see the problem,” he says.

I want to throw something at him.

I gape at him. “You don’t see the problem? Thane, I fight and plant vegetables. I don’t dance at royal functions!”

His lips move into a full, knowing, aggravating you’re-not-getting-out-of-this curl of his mouth. And somehow, that infuriates me more than the ball itself.

“You’re enjoying this,” I say, narrowing my eyes.

“A little bit.”

I shove at his chest, but all that does is make him grab my wrist, holding me still.

“You have to go,” he says, his voice calm, unbothered. “This isfor you.”

“Oh, I’m aware,” I snap. “That’s what makes it worse!”

“You’re the Spiritborn.”

“You’re not taking this seriously,” I say, accusing.

“Oh, I am.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I am,” he repeats, calm, composed, enjoying this far too much. His lips twitch again. Gods help me.

“You think this is funny.”

“A little.”

“You—” I shove at his chest again, but it’s like trying to move a stone wall. He doesn’t even budge.

“Amara, darling, it’s just a ball.”

“Yes, exactly! A ball. A royal ball. Do you know what that means?”

“I do,” he says, still completely unfazed.

“Speeches,” I list.

“Yes.”

“Formalities.”

“Correct.”

“Dresses.”

“I assume so.”

“Dancing.”

“Definitely.”