Gratitude swept through her. “He is.”
The smile Torin gave her was thin. But she could sense how much he was trying, and that made all the difference.
“Do you think Rix will ever forgive me?” she asked softly.
“Of course,” Torin said instantly. “Especially when he realizes there’s nothing to forgive.” A ripple of old sorrow rolled through him. “You can’t help who you fall in love with.” The melancholy in his voice assured her that Torin had painful experience with this.
Curiosity rose. Amryn knew that many of the nobles in Torin’s court had attempted to catch his eye over the years. While he had always been polite, Amryn couldn’t remember him ever showing favor toward one woman in particular.
“Rix may need some time,” Torin said gently, breaking into her thoughts. “Webothwill.” His grip on her tightened. “In so many ways, you’re still the little girl who used to cheat at cards whenever we played together.”
She snorted. “Youtaughtme to cheat.”
A grin broke free. “I wanted Rix to think he was utterly terrible.”
She chuckled. Torin spun her once, and as she came back around, she caught the unexpected shadows in his eyes.
“Torin?” she questioned.
Seriousness gripped him, along with a pulse of sorrow and regret. “Rix told me about what happened in Esperance. I’m so sorry you were put in such danger.” He swallowed hard. “We made a mistake,” he said, his voice so low it was almost hoarse. “We never should have sent you to that temple.”
“You didn’t send me. I made the choice to go.”
Torin did not look convinced.
“Did Rix tell you about Bram?” Amryn asked, choosing to change the subject.
Torin’s gaze sharpened. “Yes.”
“There’s something I didn’t get a chance to tell Rix, but . . .” She chose her words with care. “Bram told me that you and Rix never intended for me to remain married to Carver. But I don’t want him harmed.” She searched his face. “I need you to swear to me that you won’t hurt him. That you won’t let Bram or Rix hurt him, either.”
Torin’s emotions whirled, shifting too quickly to fully track. But he swallowed hard as he dipped his chin. “I give you my word.”
Sensing his determination, relief swept through her. “Thank you.”
The dance concluded. Couples parted and applauded the musicians.
Carver appeared at her side. “May I have your next dance?” he asked her.
She smiled. “Of course.”
Torin’s grip tightened for the briefest moment before he released her. As he stepped back, he met Carver’s gaze. “Take care of her,” he said, the words carrying weight.
“I will,” Carver said, his words a clear vow.
Something flickered in Torin’s eyes. He looked at Amryn and gave her a last, slightly strained smile before he walked away.
The first notes of a new song began as Carver shifted in front of her. He slid a gloved hand around her waist, pulling her closer as he guided her into position. Her heart beat a little faster as he leaned down, his warm breath teasing her ear. “I hope it’s all right that I interrupted.”
“Always,” she whispered.
She caught the flash of his dimple before he began to lead her through the sweeping steps of the waltz, his motions effortless. She’d danced with him before, in Esperance at the Feast of Remembrance. She’d been amazed by his skill then, and she was just as amazed now. He moved with far greater ease than she did, but his gentle guidance as he led her through the steps made her feel eminently graceful.
It felt like a perfect, suspended moment. Stars glittered above them, jasmine scented the air around them, and because of the bloodstone in her pocket, Amryn was able to mostly ignore the crowd surrounding them. Being in Carver’s arms was bliss, and she got a thrill every time the bracelet on her wrist caught the light from one of the garden’s many torches. Her beautiful skirt swirled around her legs as he spun her, the gold accents glittering in the firelight.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Ivan spinning Elowen in an elegant circle. The two made a striking pair—her, with her beauty and vivaciousness, and him, with his stoic but handsome features. He said something to Elowen, and she laughed.
Carver made a disgruntled sound in his throat.
