Adalyn bit her bottom lip.“Is it jewelry?”
“It is,” he confirmed.
“I don’t need it,” she stressed.
“And I say your lovely neck does, indeed, need this.”
She sighed.“Gareth, you’ve already given me the greatest gift in the world.I’ve spent my whole life searching for a family.I thought I had found it with Marilisa, but Lori took her away from me.And then you came into my life and gave me another family.A home I love with people I love.I don’t need anything else.”
“I know,” he murmured.“Indulge me, please.At least while we’re in residence here.”
She searched his face, nodding slowly.“Okay.While we’re here.”
He smiled and kissed her lightly on the mouth.“Good girl.Now, turn around.”
Adalyn did as he instructed and the cool diamond necklace nestled elegantly on her chest.As she examined herself in the mirror, she had to admit, the necklace was gorgeous.
“Come, let’s go to dinner.”
They strolled arm in arm through the capitol, making their way down to the banquet hall.Along the way, he greeted others and it was the first time he introduced her as his thrall.That made her very proud.
“Lord Huntley,” came a deep voice and they both turned.A man and woman greeted them and the crowns on their heads immediately told her who this was.“I hear congratulations are in order.”
Gareth bowed.“King Zadicus.Queen Marceline.Thank you.May I introduce my thrall, Adalyn.”
Adalyn curtsied like Marm Scarlet had taught her.
“You’re quite lovely, my dear,” the queen said.
Adalyn felt her cheeks heat.“Have you looked in the mirror?You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”
Queen Marceline chuckled.“Flattery will get you everywhere.”
“Quite so,” King Zadicus said.He leaned close.“I happen to agree with you.Ready to start sessions tomorrow, Lord Huntley?”
“I am,” Gareth replied.“I’m concerned that the gangs in metropolitan cities are gaining too much power.Adalyn had a run in with such a sect.”
“It’s how we met,” Adalyn added.“They killed my friend, who was more like the mother I never had.”
“Oh, my dear,” the queen said, taking Adalyn’s hand.“I’m truly sorry for your loss.”
Unexpected tears choked her voice, rendering her unable to talk, so she gave a wobbly smile in appreciation.
“I promise,” King Zadicus said softly.“We will work on getting gangs contained.”
“Thank you.”
Dinner consisted of steak, lamb, or fish.A feast fit for a king.Literally.It was hard to remember that not that long ago, this world was completely foreign to her.How close she came to never being by Gareth’s side.Now, she couldn’t imagine her life or future without him in it.
After dinner, she excused herself to find the restroom.When she stepped from the stall, she once again came face to face with Elgene.
“You have to stop following me into the ladies’ room,” Adalyn muttered.
“Did your hands hurt when you fell down?”
“So, it was you.”
“Too bad you didn’t plummet to your death.”
