DAMIEN
When we arrive at the castle, a footman meets us at the door and informs us that we are expected at evening meal. It is the traditional time of night. No doubt, my brother has been stewing over where I’ve been and who I’ve spoken to all day. I have no doubt that if I’d given him any inclination of where I was going, he’d have kept me from seeing the truth. The cryptic note I left the housekeeper to relay to him would have only served to ignite his curiosity all the more.
Eloise is dressed appropriately for dinner in her new ensemble, but I use shadow magic to transform into formal wear as I follow the servant into the dining room. A long, low whistle comes from Eloise when she sees me in the finery, her previously thoughtful expression morphing to one alight with mischief. “Daaaamn. Hi, handsome. How you doin’?”
I smile over my shoulder at her and send her a wink. “Just thinking about what I’d like to do to you once we’re on the other side of this dinner.”
She sighs. “Right. Dinner with the tyrants. This should be interesting.”
I flash her a silencing glare. “We’ve just seen what the king and queen are capable of, little bird. Be careful.”
She looks as if she has more to say, but we both school our features as we enter the tension-filled dining room. Brahm scowls at us from the center of the table. Beside him, the glare from tight-faced Nevina makes my skin prickle.
“It’s about time, brother,” Brahm says, his red tunic perfectly in style for harvest season. “You’ve dined with us regularly. By now, I’d expect you’d have gleaned the customary time for evening meal?”
I look out the window at the setting moon, its last light just now sinking over the horizon. “I am aware. It is moonset, is it not? It appears we’re right on time.”
Nevina sneers, lifting her chin to stare down her thin, sharp nose at us. “Moonset is when the meal is served. We gather before then for drinks and to discuss the goings-on of the kingdom. Considering how new you are to your role, I think it’s important you attend until we can bring you up to speed.”
I give her a nod of acquiescence, although I fail to see how the role of stable manager requires a daily update from the king and queen themselves. “How careless of me. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Eloises’s hand grows tense within my own. I give it a squeeze.
“It’s just that we had no idea where you’d run off to,” she persists. “We would have provided a royal carriage if you’d requested?—”
“I don’t mind riding,” Eloise says. “I enjoyed seeing the kingdom at my own pace.”
Nevina’s mouth bends into a frown. “That may be so, but you must be more concerned with your safe—” Her eyes sweep over Eloise, pink rising in her cheeks. “Where did you get that dress?” She snaps out the words, spitting them toward my mate like razor-sharp tacks.
I answer before Eloise has a chance. “I took Eloise to my mother’s dressmaker in Bolvet. Ariadne was able to provide her this one on short notice. More are coming.”
“This is unacceptable. Cancel the order.” By the displeasure she casts on the garment, one would think it was plastered with animal excrement.
“I find it lovely,” I say calmly. I want her or Brahm to say it. I want them to admit exactly what they’re doing to Bolvet. “What about it is displeasing to you?”
Nevina’s lips draw back from her teeth. She flips a hand toward my mate. “You, as a male, might not have noticed, but this is no longer the style popular among the royal court. She’ll be an embarrassment.”
“No more embarrassing than wearing a dress that does not fit. Besides, it’s not so different from the one you’re wearing,” Eloise says. “Other than the color.”
In fact, the dresses the women are wearing are remarkably similar in style, although Eloise’s is more finely crafted and a more flattering hue.
Nevina’s back straightens like she takes offense. “Considerably different to those with a discerning eye.”
At the edge of my field of vision, I notice Eloise’s expression turn icy. It’s subtle. Her smile tightens and no longer reaches her eyes. “Hmm, it must be because you are relying on sight and not your other senses. This material is far superior when it comes to softness, comfort, and drape. See how it picks up the light?” She extends the cloth and turns slowly. “Honestly, if it’s not the style yet, I predict it will be once the women of the kingdom experience it.” She runs her hand over the bodice. “Thank you for warning me about the potential for judgment from the other royals, though. It’s better I’m prepared for it.”
Now, Nevina’s face is positively swollen with fury. Her lips part, but it’s Brahm who speaks, and his words fall heavy from his lips. “It’s more than the material, Eloise. Doing business with Bolvet Village is prohibited. Ariadne should have informed you.”
I act surprised, and Eloise plays along, forming a large O with her lips. “Prohibited. For what reason?”
Brahm darts a glance at his queen before answering. “They have refused to acknowledge our rule of New Stygarde. They did not attend Nevina’s coronation and have not paid their taxes. Technically, you’ve broken the law by doing business there.”
“Taxes?” Eloise says. “They didn’t look like they could afford to feed themselves, let alone pay any taxes.”
Brahm shrugs. “They’ll find a way, when they’re hungry enough. And if they want to earn my mercy. They know what they need to do.”
Before Eloise can say another word, I tug her to my side. “Unfortunately, we weren’t aware of the tensions between the kingdom and Bolvet, and we’ve already purchased the dresses. Is there a fine we must pay, or will you accept an apology from your brother? How much in taxes does the village owe? Perhaps I can settle up for them and make it right.”
Nevina sniffs. “That would not do. They must bend the knee. But since what’s done is done, consider it your duty, Damien, and your penance to encourage their compliance. And I trust you will not make the same mistake twice.”
