“Leave her be.I’m sure she’s fine.”
It was the strangest sound, the strangest admission given moments ago they were so close to tearing one another’s throats out.
“Okay,” I said as I led the sweet-smelling siren down the hall and to her quarters.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” she said once we arrived at her door.
“There is nothing to be sorry about,” I told her.I looked up at her bright teal eyes, remembering the siren who helped rescue me.Something in her gaze akin to confusion or discomfort called to me.
“Delaney is right, it is none of our business,” I said as I opened the door.“But...should you need someone to, er, talk to...”I cleared my throat, holding her gaze.“I believe that is what friends do.They talk.To one another.About...things.”
Wanda cracked a half smile.“Yes, that is what I hear, but—” She looked into the room, her natural cool air returning once more.“Some things are better kept to oneself, are they not?”she said, and with that, she entered her room and shut the door.
Well, I supposed I’d tried.I put the offer out there; it was up to her whether or not she would take it.
Upon leaving her quarters, I went in search of Delaney, but I did not find her, no.
Instead, my mother, the queen, found me and usurped me into her warm arms, guiding me further away from Bane and my friends.
“Do you have a moment, my dear?”she asked, and I was remiss to tell her no.
“Of course,” I said.
“Good, there are some things I would like to show you and then we can finalize the dinner plans for your welcome banquet.”
“My what?”I asked, stopping dead in my tracks.
She slid her hands in her pockets.One thing I did love about my mother—myrealmother—was her aversion to dresses.I did love a good skirt or dress, especially during the summer, but there was something inherently refreshing about a queen who wore fitted pants and blazers instead of long flowy gowns.
It made her look much more powerful in my opinion.
“Your friends are guests in our castle, are they not?”she asked with a smile.
“Uh, yes, but?—”
“No buts.They are guests and it is customary when we receive guests as royals, that we throw a dinner in their honor.It is only polite.”
“Well, I supposed I wouldn’t want to be rude,” I said, feeling on the spot.
“Perfect.Then we will meet with Sven and then finalize plans for tonight’s banquet.”She smiled, and it was genuine.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had a castle full of life, Violet.If I have not made myself clear, this isyourhome, and your friends are always welcome here.Whatever they need, please do not hesitate to let me know.”
“Of course,” I said, unsure of what else to say.
She hooked her arm in mine, squeezing tight.“Now come, we have much to discuss.”
CHAPTER4
Bane
WatchingFerguson Tamcroft IV prick his thick, swollen fingers on an array of forks should have been considered a form of torment.
Seriously, who touches the prongs of their silverware before eating?
That’s gross.
“Does it really matter?”I asked as he set thesaladfork down.He regarded me with a curious look.
