Fire & Metal, #1
Metal Slinger
by Rachel Schneider
Contents
Chapter 55
Overview
Jovie readies for a hostile court dinner, buoyed by Beau’s counsel and Hallis’s gift of Cadence’s pearls from Acker. Acker defies the king’s orders by publicly escorting and honoring Jovie, seizing the room’s allegiance. Irina arrives to find herself displaced and retreats with her parents, signaling a blow to the Strou alliance.
Summary
Jovie is dressed for a royal dinner in Beau’s green gown, opting to forgo a silver belt. Beau encourages Jovie to prioritize her own comfort amid a court that treats her as invisible. Hallis arrives in formal black and gifts Jovie a necklace of Cadence’s threaded pearls from Acker, lifting Jovie’s resolve for the coming confrontation.
On the way to the dining hall, Hallis hints the king has summoned Acker away, but Acker appears, dismisses his father’s command, and declares Jovie his match. Despite Hallis’s warning, Acker commits to entering together, intent on forcing the court to accept their bond.
Jovie steps into the hall with Acker a breath behind, enduring the court’s scrutiny and the king’s anger. At the dais, Jovie offers respectful greeting, while Acker pointedly refuses, seats her at his right, and kisses her cheek. He raises a toast to “the lost princess of Maile,” and Jovie answers with “All hail the prince of Kenta,” prompting the hall to rally behind him and undercut the king’s authority.
Irina enters in Strou red to find no seat beside Acker and freezes under the public slight. Acker remains unfazed, calling for the meal, and Irina retreats; soon after, her parents abandon their places as well. The service proceeds, signaling Acker’s successful public alignment with Jovie and a visible fracture in the proposed Strou alliance.
Who Appears
- JovieProtagonist; prepares for court, receives Cadence’s pearls, and is publicly seated and honored by Acker.
- AckerPrince of Kenta; defies the king, seats and toasts Jovie, winning the court’s acclaim and challenging the Strou alliance.
- HallisAcker’s friend and adviser; delivers Cadence’s pearls, warns caution, observes Acker’s public stand.
- BeauAcker’s half-sister; encourages Jovie to own the moment and skip the belt; barred from dinner.
- IrinaStrou princess; arrives expecting a seat by Acker, finds Jovie there, and retreats humiliated.
- The King of KentaAcker’s father; furious at Acker’s insubordination and powerless before the court’s support.
- SassiaMaidservant; assists dressing Jovie and agrees the belt is unnecessary.
- HenryPalace cook; praises their appearance and serves a notable sprouts dish during the dinner.
- Irina’s parentsStrou nobles; leave the dais after Irina’s slight, signaling strain in the alliance.