He said he would be here.
Kira stepped down from the stage into the dimmer wings, the moment the applause began to thin, moving quickly before anyone could stop her for conversation. Her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress.
He promised.
Connor stood just offstage in his usual dark suit, arms loosely at his sides, scanning the hall even now. When he saw her coming, his stern expression softened a little.
"Connor," she said quietly, stopping beside him. Her voice came out smaller than she wanted.
He turned fully toward her. "Your Highness."
"He's not here."
Connor's gaze flicked toward the entrance doors at the back of the auditorium, then back to her face. "He'll come."
Kira shook her head and looked past him at the royal booth sitting empty and glaring under the lights. "Look at the seats, Connor. Where is Nana? Where is everyone?"
