The pair noticed me, and with wide eyes, stood and left.
Dammit.
“Be sure to eat some food. It isn’t good to drink on an empty stomach,” Vega said through a counterfeit smile. She took the nearly-empty tankard from my hands, placing it on the table, only to have a diligent servant girl refill it.
“Those men were speaking of sirens.”
“It’s not polite to eavesdrop,” Vega dismissed swiftly, picking at her plate.
“They were speaking of them as if they were real.” I knew people believed in the mythical creatures, but surely not educated men at court. “They said they took ships and men because the queen’s son created some city on the sea. What does that even mean?”
“Some are more zealous than others and blame the Guardians and their children for everyday tragedies. And they speak of Sir Cedric Gyldford’s city on the sea, which is a very impressive feat. He spearheaded the creation of a rather large port off the coast of Gyldmare they call Whiterok.” Her soft green eyes widened in excitement. “Might I add, he’s here this evening, unwed, and reportedly very handsome, but a bit rakish.”
I didn’t even bother to ask how she already knew he was unwed.
“Why have I never heard of this place before?” I asked. It was an oddity that surely would have captured my attention: a man-made port out on open water. How did the ocean not eat it away?
“You mean why haven’t I kept you up on the latest ship and harbor news? Likely because you won’t take your head out of a book long enough to even discuss what dress you’ll wear for the day, Elowyn.” She gave me an impish smile. “Now, enough maritime talk. Let us discuss instead howwellthat went. How are you feeling?”
Worthless. Invisible. Angry.
“Did you know the queen was with child?” I asked, prodding the wound that the queen’s pregnant swell had cut.
“No. But they say that is why the king married her,” Vega said softly, her eyes looking me over compassionately, gauging my hurt as if I was a wounded dove that had flown into a glass window. “She has four sons from her previous husband, the Duke of Gyldmare.”
Soon she’d have a fifth. The king’s long-awaited heir. Rendering me even less than the nothing I already was.
“I wish to dance,” I exclaimed, shooting to my feet.
“What? You hate to dance.”
It was true. But if I sat there a moment longer watching Vega look sorry for me, I would go mad. So, I strode to the center of the feasting hall, weaving through the people who shuffled in and out of the crowded space.
I would dance, be happy, and pretend that my life was wonderful.
I would smile just as Vega said.
Even when it hurt.
Chapter 2
The music swelled, cuing the dance.
The women joined in the middle, our fingertips brushing each other as we spun opposite the men, our dresses rippling with the motion.
Eyes caught on my figure, the men smiling broadly while their counterparts sized me up. Laughter shot from my chest, gaining me a few dagger-sharp looks. But I didn’t care. This. This was what I needed. Whatever it was, the glances, the regard, it filled me with so muchpleasure.
The song slowed as we reached toward the outer circle for our fated matches. The tempo shifted and two men gripped my hand at once.
Confused by the fumble, I looked between them. One had grasped me, the other clenching my partner’s grip. The man who caught me first scowled back at the other, who reluctantly retreated and found another to dance with.
My partner’s hand fell firmly on my hip as we twirled. He was handsome with blond hair neatly tied behind his neck, but when he smiled he revealed uneven rows of rot-black teeth.
“My lady, I hope it is not inappropriate for me to say that you are the most beautiful woman here,” he said a little too close to my face, the words putrid from soured breath.
I tried not to inhale the scent. “Thank you, sir.”
Around and around we went as the music sped along, his strong hand too tight on me. Thankfully, we parted.
