Page 39 of Witch’s Heart

I blew out a frustrated breath. “I spoke with Herrin, too. He’s… I can tell he’s taking her death hard, as expected. He doesn’t look like he’s brushed his hair in days.”

Rixon grunted again. Try as I might, I couldn’t get anything more out of him. He really was mad, wasn’t he?

“I’m sorry, all right?” I tried to hold his gaze but he refused to meet mine. I couldn’t begin to imagine the weight of the crown. How it was crushing him. He’d wanted one thing from me today, one thing. To come and find him. To offer a reprieve. I’d failed. “I lost track of time, all right? It won’t happen again.”

“Trouble in paradise?” Lord Holland eyed us from two places down. I hadn’t realized he’d stopped his conversation to listen in on ours.

I caught sight of Trudy watching us and quickly turned my gaze away. “Nothing you need concern yourself with, Lord Holland,” Rixon bit out. I shot him an apologetic glance. He lowered his voice, barely above a whisper, and said, “We’ll discuss this later.”

“All right.” I exhaled, then went back to eating.

The main course seemed to stretch on for an age. I ran through a million apologies and explanations, and hated every minute of it. I didn’t like messing up. We’d only just moved past everything. Now this?

I was nearly groaning with relief when dessert was served, along with warm drinks for those who wanted them. Rixon was a fast eater, thankfully. I appreciated his haste. I couldn’t blame him. I knew how little he liked to socialize, and could only imagine how painful these dinners were. I should have been inserting myself into the conversation for his sake, like I usually did. I just…couldn’t pull myself out of my sullen mood.

To think, he’d suffered through each of these meals, night after night, without my presence.

Guilt burrowed under my skin. If I hadn’t left like I had, perhaps I could have joined him for a few. Not that I’d had much choice. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if I’d just stayed here.

Would things have escalated at the Citadel? Would Skye have waited? Would Fiona still be alive?

The scrape of a chair had everyone jumping to their feet. Rixon bid everyone a rushed goodnight, then motioned for me. I quickly stood and wove my arm through his, creating the perfect picture of contentedness between us as we left the hall. As we walked, I stole glances up at him. His expression was hard and unyielding, making my stomach knot.

The corridors were empty. My voice was low as I said, “Are you angry because I failed to follow your orders, or because of the assassin?”

“Both,” he bit out.

I swallowed down the lump in my throat. Blowing out a breath I said, “I’m sorry, all right?”

“Sometimes an apology isn’t enough, Mina.”

His words made me falter, but we kept walking. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that you might have said sorry, but sorry doesn’t fix how I feel right now.”

I clicked my teeth together, contemplating what to say next as we reached his door. He pushed it open and strode inside, dropping my arm as soon as we were over the threshold, like he couldn’t wait to put space between us. My chest gave an uncomfortable squeeze⁠—

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite couple!” A familiar, jovial voice had me drawing up short.

Rixon was already gaping at the person who stood in the sitting area.

“Jessin!” I squealed, mastering my shock and racing forward to claim a hug. If there was anyone I could forgive for interrupting an argument, it was Rixon’s childhood friend. The sight of him diminished my frustration, replacing it with eagerness. Rixon appeared beside me, greeting Jessin with a clap on the back before pulling him into an embrace.

“How is it you’re here?!” I asked, smiling with delight.

“Our unit got relocated,” Jessin answered. “Though, I can’t imagine why.”

“I called you back,” said Rixon.

“Figured as much.” Jessin looked him up and down. “Look at you—a king! Seems your duty found you in the end, no matter how hard you tried to escape it.” Rixon’s happy expression melted away at the reminder. “I’m guessing that means you could use a drink.”

“I could use more than one,” Rixon growled. My stomach flipped, realizing that I was partly to blame for that.

“Well then!” Jessin’s expression brightened as he clapped Rixon on the back. “What are we waiting for? Let’s head into the city and have some fun.” Jessin threw me a questioning look.

I eyed the two of them, Rixon’s words from a few minutes ago coming back. “You two go on,” I managed, even though it hurt me to say it. “I’m sure you’ve got tons of catching up to do.”

“Boys night, then?” Jessin grinned even wider.