Lord Gordot said, “Even if it isn’t your intent, lady, I would still entertain a conversation with you about my boy.”
Murmurs of agreement from the other couples mademyears turn red.
Nisien winked and smiled at me with a shrug that was meant to reassure me. That helped a little.
I unequivocally shut down all talk of marriage, and the rest of the dinner passed in cautious chatter. Conversation trickled then dried altogether. I answered a few more questions, but my thoughts stayed with Emrys, with the heat his eyes had burned through me when Lord Rydic named him.
When it was finally over, and I stepped out into the hallway, I prepared myself to give Catrin an earful. I desperately hoped that tomorrow’s open court would go better than tonight’s noble circus, where I had been the main attraction.
Chapter 28
Isca
I’d seen Catrin after last night’s hair fiasco, but I’d been too upset to talk about it without a good night of sleep first. Now, on the morning of the open court, she fluttered about indecisively, carrying a cloud of apprehension with her.
She’d changed her mind about which gown I’d wear several times before settling on the fancy pink one with hundreds of tiny freshwater pearls sewn into the collar and waist. It was feminine but demure—perfect for a setting where I’d be on display for many people.
It was time to talk. We had to reach an understanding so there would be no repeat of last night’s mistake.
The mirror rattled as I placed Papa’s comb on the dressing table with a bit too much force.
Catrin jumped where she stood by the hearth. “Ready to talk about last night?” she asked at last, voice falsely bright.
“It was mortifying, Catrin.”
She flinched, her freckled cheeks immediately turning a fiery red. “You looked beautiful,” she offered.
“Beautiful andavailable, apparently.”
Guilt crept out of her like a wave of noxious fog. Then the remorse hit like cold water splashing at my feet.
“You knew what the hair meant,” I said quietly.
She hesitated then nodded, small and stubborn. “Aye. I did.”
“Why?”
Her breath hitched. She was holding back tears. “Because you deserve happiness, Isca. And you’d never reach for it yourself. You’d bury it under duty and guilt and whatever else you think you owe the world. I thought if I made you look…open, maybe they would see you properly.”
“Catrin…” I sank onto the bed, rubbing at my temples. “I stood in that room surrounded by nobles who could buy and sell me with a word. I thought I’d managed to play their game until two of them tried to get me to marry their sons.”
She winced. “That part…I didn’tquiteforesee happening so fast. I was just trying to give Fate a little nudge.”
“Fate?” I snorted. “Fate already upended my life once by sending me here.”
More guilt from her. “Isca, I swear, I wasn’t trying to make a fool of you.”
“I know,” I replied quietly.
For a moment, the only sound was the hearth crackling. Then she brightened and said, “If it helps, Lord Elid’s son is quite handsome. You could do worse. Though Gordot’s son…I wouldn’t have wishedthatunhappiness on you. I’m sorry, Lady Isca, please forgive me.”
“Small mercies.” I smiled. “And don’t worry, I already have.”
How could I not? Catrin was already the dearest friend I’d ever had outside my bloodline. The only thing in question was her timing, never her loyalty.
Catrin straightened her dress and grinned. “Good. Because it’s time for the audience.”
Even from down the corridor, I could hear the hustle and bustle coming from the great hall. Just like I could feel the hundreds of emotions bubbling from hundreds of chests all crammed together in one space. It was like walking into the market all over again after more than a month of peace. It was enough to make me sweat.
