AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Edel preened in the most elegant way imaginable. “Oh, aren’t you sweet.”
Orik snorted. No one but her seemed to have heard.
Then Edel glided forward and began circling her with a discerning eye, taking in her lovingly worn hiking boots and simple tan pants and white blouse she’d found in the fully fitted closet. “Have we no’ provided you with a wardrobe, dearling?”
“I believe the closet is full.” When she had checked out the closet upon her unceremonious return, she found it stuffed to the brim with some wildly impressive gowns and outfits. Honestly, it was a bit overkill. How long did they think she would be staying? Moreover, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d dressed in anything but a miniskirt (for the club) or tailored slacks (for work). Otherwise she could be found wearing combat boots, a tank top, and whatever pants felt most comfortable at the moment. “But this is what I’m comfortable in.”
“Oh, I see.” Edel turned to June with a look of bewilderment. “Is this a human predilection? Thiscasualdressing? I recall you requesting something calledyogapants. Appalling to look at—”
Tristan made a sound of disagreement.
“—though amazingly comfortable,” Edel allowed with a thoughtful look.
Jessie struggled to imagine Edel in yoga pants.
June held out her hand to Jessie. “Come with me. I’ll help you dress for dinner. They tend to like things a little fancier around here.”
“Oh,” Edel moaned. “First you take my crown. Now you want to take my only joy in life?”
As June led Jessie into the bedroom, Orik trailed behind, obviously uneasy about leaving her alone with his beloved queen. She felt a little guilty for causing his anxiety.
At the bedroom door, June whirled around and held palm out, causing Orik to trip to a halt. “Ladies only,” she declared.
“I doona think that’s a—”
Edel pushed past him and then shooed him away. “Go on. We’ll be out in a moment.”
Jessie noticed a twinge of panic flash in his eyes. He was protective of these two. She could appreciate that. “If you don’t mind, I actually need a quick word with him,” she told the women. “Give us a second?”
Needing no more prompting, Edel floated into the closet. Before following, June warned, “You’re going to want to manage her choices. She’s a fashionista on steroids.”
“I heard that,” Edel called. “If Jessie is anything like my June, she’s going to need as much help as she can get.”
One of Jessie’s phobias? Being forced to dress up like a cast member ofThe Real Housewivesof Whatever. She saluted June. “Duly noted.”
When she and Orik were alone, she rushed out, “Sounds like I don’t have much time to avert a disaster. First, I want to thank you for not freaking out in front of everyone. That was very mature of you.”
He quirked a brow.
“Second, I want to assure you that you can trust me. I’m not some crazy wackadoodle. And if it makes you feel any better, my knife’s not even in here. Third, I think you look very handsome in that vest.”
His jaw went slack. The shocked expression that took over his face was priceless. “Okay. Bye-eee.” Then she shut the door on him.
* * *
What the fuck just happened?
Jessie was alone with the young queen and his adoptive mother. She could have a weapon hidden within…though he did believe her when she said she didn’t.
She thinks I look handsome?
What was this plume of warmth forming in his chest?
Tristan slapped him hard on the back. “They’ll be in there for hours, I recon. Shall I call down for a pint?”
“Make it a tankard.”
Moments later they were relaxing on the sofas—well,Tristanwas relaxing. Orik was a ball of nerves trying to look relaxed. Every now and again, peals of laughter filtered in from the other room.
