Page 60 of Witch’s Heart

“What did you find?” Lola sat forward. She was usually soft-spoken and rarely showed any kind of emotion. That she was eager surprised me. Then again, I suppose all of us were, given the state of things.

“One of the bar maids said that she’d heard of someone going by the name of Santos frequenting The Simple Spoon down the road from here. We were just about to head that way.”

“Won’t you be late for dinner?” Lola looked at me. I jolted, looking for the nearest clock, then cursed under my breath. “No matter. Why don’t you let Julian and I look into it. I promise we won’t do anything risky.”

Blowing out a breath, I nodded. “Thank you. If you could just ask around, nothing too suspicious. I want to catch Santos alive. He’s our only lead.”

“Nothing suspicious, I swear it,” Lola said, nodding.

“Good, thank you. Eli?”

“Yes, let’s get going. Thank you Lola, Julian, see you later.”

We rushed back through the city.

Rixon was waiting for me in our chambers. “Well, don’t you look a sight for sore eyes,” I said, taking in the expert cut of his tunic and the way his baldric accentuated the lines of his chest.

“You should have been back an hour ago,” he said, striding over as he took in the state of my clothes. “Dinner is in fifteen minutes and you cannot appear dressed like that.”

“Since when are you the authority on attire?” I put my hands on my hips, regarding him with a raised brow. “Maybe it’s better if I just skip tonight.”

I dreaded showing my face after what had happened in the throne room. The last thing I wanted were distrustful looks. Whispers behind my back. Scorn. Disgust.

“No. That is precisely why you will be there.” His eyes bored into me. “There’s a cream and gold gown in the wardrobe, put it on. I’ll help.”

“Oh, you will, will you?” I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth.

His eyes heated, “Later,” he growled.

Sighing, I gave in and retrieved the gown. The fabric was buttery soft to the touch. I shivered, eager for the feel of it against my skin. Discarding my homespun dress, I slid the other over my head. Rixon appeared behind me to help with the ties. He brushed a kiss against my shoulder. “How did today go?”

I blew out a breath. “Okay, I suppose. We got a lead.”

I told him about our last tavern and the bar maid’s suggestion. There was no way to know for sure if Santos really did frequent The Simple Spoon, but if he did, Lola and Julian would find out. I also told him about our visit with Cora and how excited she was about overseeing our wedding plans.

Rixon turned me by the hips, taking me in as I quickly combed my fingers through my hair. “It’s a shame you didn’t get here sooner. I suppose I’ll have to wait until after dinner.”

“You are insatiable—” I cried, the words dying on my lips as he pulled me in for a kiss.

Moments later, he was dragging me out the door.

We looked a vision in color-coordinated clothing. The dining hall’s doors were open, the buzz of conversation seeping out into the corridor. As we entered, I held my breath.

Quiet fell as every pair of eyes settled on us.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Before we sit down to dinner, I have an announcement to make.”

My eyes bulged, head snapping to the side. “Rixon,” I hissed under my breath, but he ignored me.

“I have asked my lady witch to marry me.” Gasps rang out but Rixon continued. “We are already bonded, and I trust her with my life. It only makes sense that I seal our fate. I am confident that she will make an exceptional mother, wife, and queen.”

His words were met with silence and then⁠—

General Ralston was the first to take up a slow clap. I wanted to murder the male, but at least he’d gotten the others to quickly follow suit. Rixon pulled me forward as cries of congratulations followed us. The courtiers parted as he led me to my seat. I blew out a breath. “Did you really have to do that now?”

“I did, and you know why.”

Yes, I suppose it had to happen sooner rather than later. Everything just felt like it was happening so fast. There wasn’t a single moment to breathe.