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Holy fuck! The bitch knew how to cut.
June mentally wrapped up the wound. She’d deal with the scar later. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll try to leave him intact when I’m done with him.”
Edel coughed lightly, but June wondered if it was to cover a laugh.
Leanora glided to the pastry carts, eyeing the offerings with distaste, then glanced back over at June. “It’s curious that Tristan hasn’t provided you with a better wardrobe. He utterly pampered me when I last visited.”
“You don’t like my dress?” asked June, glancing down at the studded gown. The slit exposed her crossed legs and stilettos like a straight-up boss. June knew she had great legs, and now her rival did too.
“Oh, no, it’s perfect for you. Simple. Basic.”
She did not just call me basic.“Though it’s a bit wet from the storm Tristan and I got caught in while we were enjoying a romantic picnic that he’d planned for us”—Have fun with that image—“I thought this dress was divine when Lady Edel picked it out for me. Nothing basic about it.” She faced Edel. “It’s from your personal collection, isn’t that right, Your Highness?”
Edel’s expression was unreadable but for the slightest curl of her lips. “It is.”
Leanora blanched and quickly backtracked. “Oh, well, I’m sure it looks amazing on you, Your Majesty.”
“I would never wear this gown now that I’m an old woman,” said Edel. “It’s a gown meant for youth. I always thought I’d have a daughter to pass my treasures to, but fate gave me three boys instead. It warms my heart to see it worn again.”
A lump thickened in June’s throat and she wasn’t sure how to respond.
Leanora didn’t have that problem. She crossed to sit by Edel’s side and patted her hand. “Soon enough, you may have a daughter to dote on. One who would appreciate your affection.”
Edel patted her hand in return. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” But she was looking at June as she said it.
A knock sounded on the door. “Come in!” June called automatically. Disdain covered Leanora’s features and June remembered it wasn’t classy to just holler at the door, but Thaddeus was still cuddled in her lap and she didn’t want to move him unless she had to.
Same as earlier, a stream of servants filed in, each with a trolley of food. Without a word, they began setting it up buffet-style.
“Well,” said Leanora. “Isn’t this extravagant. All this is for you, Jen? You have quite an appetite.”
“Actually, most if it is for Thaddeus here. I wasn’t sure what he would like. Also, the name is June. I feel like you know that, but you just don’t want to say it. Or are you really that obtuse?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You’re excused.”
“Why you insolent little—”
Someone cleared their throat. All but one server had gone. “Will there be anything else, my ladies?”
Edel replied, “My favorite wine will do, Leopold, thank you. And some of those little tarts I like. You know the ones.”
“Of course. Coming right up.” Then he was gone.
Thaddeus sniffed the now fragrant air. His little tummy growled and he sat up and glanced around.
“Are you hungry for dinner?” June asked, and then walked with him to check out the spread. She hadn’t been specific in her order, but they’d provided a good variety. There were dishes that resembled meat, fruit, vegetables, and pasta. Thaddeus went for the pasta, but June encouraged him to take some vegetables as well. “They will make you big and strong like King Tristan.”
Excitement lit in his eyes and she didn’t have to cajole him further. After Thaddeus was seated, June fixed a plate for herself, though she wasn’t the least bit hungry. It was more to make Thaddeus feel at ease.
Edel joined her. “I wasn’t hungry before, but now I am. This does smell good.”
Like a weird little family, they sat at the dining table. Leanora remained on the couch. Edel’s tarts and wine were brought and a glass was poured for each of them but Thaddeus. June took a sip and nearly died from pleasure. “This is excellent,” she commended.
“Nothing but the best,” Edel replied. “You must try a tart. No other treat will ever suffice.”
Well, she was already ruined for other men, might as well risk her love of goodies as well. She took a small bite and groaned as the decadence of it melted in her mouth. “This is too good not to be evil.”
