How had I been so blind? How did I not notice what simmered beneath warm smiles and gentle words?
I believed the glamour then, but my eyes were wide open now that I had experienced his true nature. I could sense the cruelty lurking beneath, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
Everyone waited quietly for the king to reach his chair, the empty one beside mine at the head of the long table. Only at his nod did we all sit again.
He was too close.
My nerves were in overdrive, panic surging as I tried my best to push it down. Eleanor. Think of Eleanor. I didn’t look his way, but his eyes were on me, burning into my skin and leaving pulsing blisters in their wake.
Breathe. Just breathe.
I repeated the mantra over and over again as we waited for the king to speak.
“Let us eat and celebrate!” Terym boomed, and the room flooded with servants. Dishes were placed on the table, a wide array of meats and vegetables and other dishes, the mouthwatering scents wafting from them did nothing but churn nausea in my stomach. I wouldn’t enjoy this meal.
Noise rose, cutlery scraped plates, and merriment began. Echoing laughs and high giggles had me jumping out of my skin. With Eleanor occupied by conversation with Harkin, I had nothing to focus on but the proximity of the king to my right.
Too close.
I picked at the food on my plate, moving it around to make it seem like I was eating, and gathering the courage to ask what I wanted from him.
Terym’s hand brushed mine, and my breath froze in my throat. Phantom pains assaulted me, those cold eyes staring down as he straightened his jacket. He leaned in, his hot, bitter breath brushed my neck, and spots danced before my eyes.
I couldn’t breathe.
My eyes darted around the room, searching for a way out. I caught Wista’s gaze, where she lined the wall with other personal servants. She raised her hand slightly, then pushed it down, recreating the rhythm she used when I lost it in the hall.
Follow it.
I matched my breathing to her movements.
In. Out. In. Out.
My mind had almost cleared when Terym spoke. “Are you feeling better, my dear?”
I couldn’t stop my flinch. Spoken too close, the loud words reverberated in my eardrums. If Terym intended to capture the rooms attention, it worked. Talking ceased, and everyone stopped to watch our interaction.
I turned to face him, those cold blue eyes bore into mine, then they flicked ever so slightly to Eleanor at my side, the warning clear. Play along, or she would pay the price. I swallowed back the bile surging at his implication.Play the game.
“Yes, my king.” I tried to smile, but I’m sure it was something closer to a grimace.
He hummed lightly, then addressed the room. “As many of you know, we have come together today to celebrate a joyous occasion. My dear Adelia has graciously agreed to be my wife.”
Eleanor’s gasp was drowned out by polite applause and boomed congratulations. I couldn’t look at her, couldn’t bear to face the confusion and disappointment surely splayed across her face.
“Unfortunately, we had to delay the announcement due to my dear betrothed falling ill after our long journey. Such is the way of fragile females.” Chuckles rose around us, and Terym rested his hand on my shoulder. My muscles spasmed under the tight grip. I blinked rapidly through the pain, determined not to show how much it hurt as I willed the moisture rising in my eyes away. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
“Now she is feeling better, we will be wed within the month, then work tirelessly to give you the heir you all crave.” His words were met with snickers from the men at the table, and Terym’s lip curled into a salacious grin. He enjoyed my mortification, the thought of forcing himself on me.
Anger, hot and curling roiled through me, and I pressed my lips into a thin line when the sudden urge to explode on the king consumed me. I couldn’t risk an outburst in front of so many people, but Gods, would it be satisfying to lash the king with harsh words, allow every injustice and sacrifice I endured to bubble over and consume the people laughing at my torment.
With Terym’s announcement over, talk moved to the war. Once everyone’s attention diverted, Eleanor pinched my arm, forcing me to finally face her. The question in her eyes clear, but what could I tell her? Certainly not the truth. She would be suspicious of my motives since she knew me better than anyone, knew I didn’t want to get married, though not the real reason.
Every time I’d considered taking that step, an insistent tug in my chest had pulled me back. Besides, a husband was adistraction I couldn’t afford, with my promise hanging over my head.
“Engaged?” she hissed, and my eyes flicked to the king, who, thankfully, was still in deep discussion with General Lenek. We couldn’t have this conversation with an audience.
“Not here,” I hissed in a tone she knew not to argue with.
