Please tell me I wouldn’t be dealing with a tyrant like Ivenrail in my new home. “Are there issues at Evergorne?”
“Secrets. Always secrets. But that’s the way of every high court, isn’t it?”
“I suppose. Would you share some of the secrets?”
He paused, his eyes going . . . blank. There was no other way to describe it. Once his swallow had worked its torturous waydown his throat, his gaze jerked back to mine, and he clapped his hands. “We’re dallying.”
“Why did you pause like that after I asked you to share some of Evergorne’s secrets?”
“Every court has them. I don’t imagine ours are terribly exciting.”
“Then why mention them?”
His gaze blanked again before he shook his head and focused on me, sweeping across my frame with a polite, determined glance. “If I’m not too presumptuous to say so, we should make haste. You need considerable work.”
“Thanks.”
Color rose in his face that had continued to soften. “I didn’t mean that, not exactly. You have delightful features and a lovely figure. All you need is the right pampering to bring everything out, and I’m the perfect one to help. Then, you’ll be the jewel of Evergorne Court. The ladies are going to love you, and the men will be jealous of the king.”
I’d never been the kind of person who enjoyed attracting attention, something I should’ve thought of before I volunteered to marry a king.
“I’d love to hear all your suggestions for fitting in,” I said diplomatically.
Color rising into his sharp cheeks, he pressed his palms together in front of his chest. “I will cherish this role in your life, my lady. It’s a daunting task, but I believe I’m up for the challenge.” His hint of a smile told me he was teasing. When his pale blue eyes sparkled and he laughed, so did I.
It felt good to make a new friend.
10
MERRICK
Icouldn’t wait to meet my bride. Where should I speak with her for the first time? I straightened my too-formal tunic and studied myself in the mirror to make sure I didn’t have lint clinging to my dark pants or shirt. None that I could see. My tunic had just the right number of adornments, enough to show the world who I was but not so many that I came across foppish.
I didn’t have Lorant’s sharpness, his cutting wit, or his dangerous appeal, but I could offer kindness, caring, and, if my new bride wanted, love.
Please, love.
My parents had hated each other, though I’d heard that hadn’t always been the case. It was only after she’d settled into Evergorne Court with all its secrets that hatred for him sprouted in her heart.
I’d do my best to make sure my bride didn’t hate me. And if . . .
I took in my appearance as she might see me. Nearly black hair some would say was a touch too long, but I preferred it that way. A sharp jawline. In that, Lorant and I were much alike, though he bore the scars from when he was young, while my skin remained smooth. We had the same deep green eyes, but that was expected. Some things bred true.
The broadness of my shoulders and chest reflected my almost constant training, as did my narrow waist and hips. I had my father’s height, and I towered above most of the lords in my kingdom. I wasn’t sure what personality traits I’d received from my mother. Hatred for my father had burned whatever kindness she might’ve had when she was young away.
I smoothed my hair. Should I pull it back at my nape?
My gold diadem might add to my appearance or make me look pretentious, so I left it on the bureau.
It was time. Past time. Not enough time. My future rushed toward me in a blur, and there was nothing I could do but stretch out my arms and accept it.
With that, I left my suite and took the stairs two at a time to the deck, bursting out into the sunshine and a day full of promise. The crew called out in greeting when they saw me, and Captain Christoff bustled down from the wheelhouse and strode over to meet up with me, his shoes clicking on the oiled wooden surface.
“Good morning.” He bowed deeply. “Another wonderful day, my king.”
“It is.” I glanced around “Where is she?”
“She was here earlier but left. Lord Briscalar should have her on deck again soon. Would you like me to send one of the men down to collect her?”
