‘He’s not the first king to be controlled by his mother,’ Eda said pointedly. ‘But it’s definitely time he hauled her arse off his throne and got on with the job.’
Leigh coughed. More of a choke, really.
Thomas’s fork clanged on his plate. ‘That is no way for a lady to speak.’ He glared accusingly at Candace. ‘Where did she learn such things?’
Eda stiffened in her chair, having clearly forgotten herself. ‘Certainly not from Mother.’
Thomas’s eyes went to Blake, who raised her hands.
‘I taught her to sign it, not say it.’
Candace brought a hand to her forehead and closed her eyes.
‘It is my understanding that Prince Becket has turned away every man Queen Fayre has sent to collect him,’ Lady Victoria said, bringing the conversation back on course.
‘Then she’s clearly not sending the right people,’ Blake replied. ‘Perhaps she should send a woman.’
Thomas placed his knife and fork down. ‘This is not an appropriate discussion for ladies.’
Eda was staring hard at Blake, one foot bouncing under the table. Roul knew what she was thinking without her saying one word. She was thinking she could do it—better than any man.
Her eyes met his, and her foot stilled.
Busted.
Eda resumed eating. She had barely managed a few mouthfuls before Leigh leaned in close and said, ‘Shall we take a walk after dinner?’
She sat back in her chair, hesitating for some reason.
‘Perhaps now is a good time to share your news, Roul,’ Harlan said, picking up his cup.
Eda looked over at Harlan, head tilted and eyebrows pinched. ‘What news?’
‘He was made commander today. A much-deserved step up.’
Eda shot out of her chair. ‘Commander? Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘It’s not that big a deal,’ Roul replied.
A smile spread across her face. ‘Of course it’s a big deal.’ She threw her arms around his neck. ‘I’m so proud of you.’
He sat frozen, aware of the entire room watching them. Leigh looked down at his lap. Thomas’s face was etched with disapproval. Finally, Eda released him, still grinning. She was either oblivious to her audience or simply did not care. Likely the latter.
‘We’re all very proud of you,’ Blake said.
Lyndal nodded in agreement. ‘Hear, hear.’
Astin raised his cup. ‘To Commander Thornton.’
Everyone raised their cups in a toast, and then conversation resumed. Roul finished his drink, accepting everyone’s congratulations before announcing his departure.
‘I’ll walk you out,’ Eda said, rising.
Thomas exhaled loudly. ‘I am certain the commander is capable of fetching his own horse.’
‘We’ll both walk him out,’ Leigh said, stepping up beside Eda. ‘It’ll give us a chance to talk.’
‘Very well,’ Thomas said with a curt nod.
