‘She’s beautiful, isn’t she?’I prompted.‘The queen?’I tried again, tipping my head curiously at him as he stared at me.
‘Yes, exceedingly beautiful,’ he replied, not taking his eyes from me.
I pretended to explore the rest of the room, hoping the blush I could feel heating my face would go away.
Bethel was to have the grandest chamber I had ever seen.It had been her mother’s before she died.The room connected to it was just as ostentatious but had more masculine decor with darker and moodier fabrics.This was Lord Warwick’s room, but as it was the closest to Bethel, I would use it until he arrived at the end of the week.There were three more rooms – though they were much less grand – which Torgrin and the remaining soldiers would sleep in when they weren’t on guard duty.Torgrin had already ordered two soldiers to be stationed outside the main living area, and two more were to guard the main corridor leading to the Warwick family rooms.Tonight we would join King Hared and his son Goodwin for a court banquet, welcoming Bethel back to Capita.
‘You will ask permission to see your aunt, Queen Yaris,’ said Torgrin as Bethel approached.
‘Why do I have to do that?’Bethel asked, pointing her nose in the air.
‘Because your father wishes to know of her wellbeing, and he has asked me to give her a message.’
‘I don’t think we should visit a woman who’s accused of being Cursed by the king himself,’ she said, pursing her lips.
‘She’s your aunt!’I said in disbelief.Bethel’s lack of empathy made me dislike her more.
‘So?’she sneered.
‘Leave us, Caris.I wish to talk with Bethel alone.’
I hated how the Darkness roused at Torgrin’s demand to be left alone with Bethel.
As I left them alone in her bedchamber, I pushed the Darkness back behind my mental door.Did the jealousy and rage belong to me or the shadowy power in my head?
There was a warm bath waiting for me in my bedchamber.Ignoring the two people next door who had become silent, I proceeded to wash away the dirt from our travels and prepare for the banquet.
I dressed in the evening gown that Ania had designed for me.There was a lot more fabric to a ballgown than a travelling dress.Ania had chosen a stunning shade of deep-blue cloth, with long elegant trumpet sleeves and a woven belt that accentuated my waist above the full skirt.The seamstress had cut the front low, exposing the pale tops of my breasts – Ania had assured me this was acceptable and that it would be a relatively modest neckline for a royal dinner, despite my protests.I replaced my rabbit necklace with the pendant Ania had lent me to wear with the dress.It was a silver oak tree with tiny acorns.Each acorn had a small blue diamond that caught the light as I moved.When I retrieved it from my pack, I found something else in the jewellery pouch that had not been there when I packed it.
It was an arm cuff, just like my mother used to wear, but it was made with the finest silver, not bronze.My sight blurred as I touched the familiar work of my big, romantic blacksmith.The band elegantly wrapped around my forearm, showcasing the lustrous sheen of the silver.I wished Cillian could see me wearing it and know how happy his gift had made me.
I pulled on tall leather boots, tucking the dagger into my right boot.I wasn’t sure what to expect at a royal banquet, but if anything threatened Bethel’s safety, I wanted to be prepared.
It wasn’t Torgrin who came to get me, but one of his soldiers.Bethel was waiting for me in the living area with several servants.They had dressed her in a gown of a similar style to the one I wore but in green.Her hair was perfectly curled, and she wore a tiara encrusted with emeralds, making her look as regal as her mother in the painting over the mantel.
We entered a large dining hall to see nobles clad in rich garments gathered around long ornate tables covered in succulent roasted meats, spiced pies and colourful fruits.The air was filled with lively chatter as minstrels played stirring melodies.
The Capita nobles began greeting Bethel the moment we entered, congratulating the future bride.Bethel preened and smiled prettily, playing the role of modest princess to perfection.
The king and his son sat at a table on a raised dais.King Hared was different than I had expected.He lounged in a high-backed chair, a bejewelled goblet forgotten in his hand as he spoke to someone just out of my line of sight.I caught a glint of gold on the king’s head – a simple circlet worn over his thick chestnut locks.With a strong jaw and neatly trimmed beard, it was only the slight presence of grey at his temples that showed his age.
The ex-general exuded an air of authority, his every move deliberate and refined.
His son, Goodwin, was a softer, blurred version of his father.His expression revealed his boredom at the conversation happening next to him.I didn’t like how his eyes shifted between different women in the room as if he were picking out a coat to wear for the night.
I could see the nobles were watching us with calculating eyes as we approached the king’s table, but I failed to locate Torgrin among the diners.King Hared unfolded himself from his seat to tower over his son, who also stood to greet us.
Bethel curtsied, and I did my best to do the same beside her.I could only hope I didn’t look as awkward as I felt.
‘Welcome, Lady Bethel.I hope your journey wasn’t too taxing.’The king spoke with a strong accent that I now knew was unique to those born in Capita.
‘Our journey was arduous, Your Majesty, so I’m glad to be home in Capita again.’
‘And who is this you have brought with you?’
I had stepped behind Bethel, attempting to remain unnoticed, but it was a lost cause – I was taller than every woman in the room.
‘Lady Caris is an orphan my generous father has taken in.’Bethel flicked her hand at me like she was swatting an annoying fly.‘They sent her to help me prepare for my much-anticipated wedding day,’ she said.
