Moments later,

Aria

The invitation had arrived on gilt-edged parchment, sealed with the royal crest of the Central Kingdom.

"Prince Julian Arthur Mayers requested the pleasure of Aria Blackwood's company at the Moon Goddess Banquet, to be held in the Crystal Hall of the Royal Palace."

The wording was formal, the penmanship impeccable, and the subtext screamed louder than any declaration of war.

He wanted her back in his orbit. He wanted to remind the court that she was still, in some sense, his. He wanted to parade his new attachment to Chloe Evans in front of her and watch her crumble.

Aria almost declined. She had better things to...