AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nothing to worry your lovely head over, brother.”
The mocking vibe came on cue, running in Winter’s senses. She tapped on Nicola’s amusement, too, then was interrupted when a small entourage entered with clacking boots, a deliberate sound to announce another arrival. They all stood up at the king’s and queen’s entrance, surreal in how they seemed so in sync and looked like two ethereal creatures ready to bask everyone with their greatness. Awed, she could only bow and follow the others as they waited for the heads to be seated before they sat down, too.
Servants rushed in and food was served, tray after tray of colorful, delicious-smelling cuisine that had her mouth watering. She noted the vibe of disgust and glanced at Nicholas, who wrinkled his nose and scowled again briefly but didn’t comment on it. She took a bit of what was in front of her, too nervous to eat as the disgust bubbled over. Another glance at Nicholas ensured he was eyeing her, this time with a smile on his face. She smiled back.
Under the table, Nate’s hand rested on hers, as if sensing her nervousness. She squeezed it, then let go to make use of the utensils before her. Silence coursed over the dinner until Nicola leaned forward.
“Are we ever going to address what this dinner is for?”
“Because I want to see all my children together again after a long time of excuses and excursions.” Helena gave Nicola a pointed look, emphasizing the latter. Amusement rang from both with a touch of sheepishness from Nicola.
“It was a very rewarding excursion, mother. The scholars will have loads of books with new information stocked in the library soon.”
Nicholas grinned. “Funny, but I never took you for a very scholarly person, Nicola. You are all about going against what everyone tells you to do, and writing books to help us with our boring lives doesn’t sound rebellious.”
“Did I ever say that I write the books?” Nicola shot back. “Or that I care about what you think?”
Unlike the earlier amusement, there was only tension now and hints of negative energy that swelled and retreated. The two went on until someone cleared their throat. A hush promptly went over the table as the king drank his wine and wiped his mouth.
“So, this engagement. Are we sure she isn’t a gold digger or a spy from another family?”
“I’m not—”
“Son?”
Winter closed her mouth, remembering Hilda’s instructions with mortification. Nate’s hand went to her knee.
“She is not. She is loyal to me and will always be. That is all I can say.”
“And that is all you need to say,” Nicola agreed. “It’s not like Nate will get engaged to someone just to spite you guys.”
“Are you sure that you don’t want a daughter from a close house? Or someone with more breeding?”
Glee came and went, matching the smile Nicholas hid. Nate lifted his chin, expression stern.
“Breeding and an allied house will do me nothing when all the woman is after is the position. I’m uniting with someone with integrity, independence, and an open mind—and someone with enough compassion to even out what we lack with our very callous actions.”
He didn’t specify their house, but the message was clear. Winter noted Nicola beaming with pride, relieved to find support from at least one party. Then something odd happened: more emotions gushing into the mix, each one clearer than the last, and she didn’t know who it was coming from.
The pride remained. In came disbelief and reluctance, as well as hints of stupefaction and what felt like relief. Then a hate so putrid grabbed her by the throat until she was stiffening, the negative energy bright and sickening. Death and violence washed over her until she was dizzy from the intensity. That it came from Nate’s direction, too, startled her, and she clasped a knife tightly, instinct demanding that she defend herself—
Nate’s hand grasped hers, lowering it under the table and slowly, gently removing the knife from her hand. She looked up at his concerned expression, common sense returning to ground her.Not Nate,her mind supplied. But it surrounded her like an attack.
“Who are you calling callous, son?” Hathor asked, frowning. Before he could pose more aggressive questions, Helena’s hand was on his shoulder, rubbing gently until the man loosened up. She patted his hand next.
“Us and a lot of houses, I presume,” Helena said lightly. “But he’s right. We have grown lenient with some rules, and I suppose bringing someone independent and loyal into our house works in our favor…even if she’s human.”
There was more soothing, then the hate vibe coming from someone who wanted to kill her. Nate continued calming her down with his hand on her palm, fingers drawing circles until she could ease out of her tension. She took a quick peek at everyone and glimpsed the two men still frowning but the two women eyeing her with curiosity.
“Thank you for your kind words,” she said.
Helena gave her a brief smile and returned to soothing her husband. Nicholas lifted a brow.
“I suppose this means babies in the future, brother? Future contenders to the crown?”
“Is that what you are taking from this, Nick?” Nate challenged.
“The crown will be passed on to the eldest child of the next king as tradition dictates,” Helena said firmly, then patted Nicholas’s hand. “There is no need to grill your brother and his fiancé on such a joyous occasion for them…for us.”
