27
“Father is here!”
I had just finished my toilette when Maddox burst into my room, face flushed from the cold. Misty yowled and dove under the mattress.
“What? So soon?” I fished her out, attempting to calm her.
That was what Ulysses meant when he mentioned a big day. I had forgotten about the king’s impromptu visit. Did he ever tell Bennett?
Maddox bent over my vanity mirror, smoothing stray hairs back into his ponytail and straightening his uniform. His sword knocked against a stool, toppling it to the floor. “How do I look?” he asked, splaying his arms out. The bottles on the table rattled.
“Fine,” I said flatly, righting the stool. “What has you so nervous?”
“Didn’t I just tell you? Father is here.”
I let a disgruntled Misty onto the windowsill and put my hands on my hips. “You’ll be fine. You’re still a guard. And I said I’ll speak for you if he’s unsatisfied.”
Maddox nodded, but his posture was still stiff. “Let’s go then. I’m here to escort you outside to meet Fa—I mean His Majesty.”
“Oh.” Of course. Maddox wasn’t the only one who had reason to be nervous. I had to face King Maximus, who hopefully would be happy with how the tour had progressed. If not, I doubt Maddox could talk him out of his dissatisfaction.
I went over to the window to stroke Misty’s head. “Stay here for now. I’ll be back soon.”
I followed Maddox outside the opera house, where Lady Ruan was already present, along with Bennett, Ulysses, and Lord Frederick. King Maximus rode forth on his steed, a small procession behind him. Father was beside him in full uniform. A pang of homesickness hit me, taking me by surprise. Since when had I considered Greenwood Abbey home?
Maddox stopped behind me as I took my place beside Bennett. He wore a gray coat, a contrast to his usual rich colors.
“How are you feeling, Narcissa?” he asked softly.
“Fine, thank you.” I blushed at the memory of our interaction the other night, though a gust of icy wind cooled my cheeks instantly. The procession approached. “Did you know King Maximus was coming?”
Bennett shook his head. “I should have. He rarely lets me handle things myself,” he muttered. He furrowed his brow when I shivered at another gust of wind. “You’re cold.”
“I’m not,” I lied. I should have layered on an extra petticoat.
Something warm and heavy weighed down my shoulders. I looked up to see Bennett without his greatcoat, but there was no time to protest. King Maximus dismounted and strode toward us. Father followed him, the picture of a loyal guard.
“Bennett, Narcissa. Good to see you two alive and well,” His Majesty said.
I curtsied. Father’s beard had grown longer since I saw him last.
“Father.” Bennett dipped his head. “How was your trip?”
“No one attempted an assassination if that’s what you mean,” King Maximus said. He surveyed us beneath his heavy brow. “We have much to talk about. Maverick, you would like to reunite with your children, no doubt. We’ll meet inside.”
Ulysses and Bennett followed him up the steps.
Father’s formal demeanor seemed to melt in the king’s absence. He broke into a smile and pulled me into a hug that swept me off my feet. I let out a startled laugh.
“I’ve missed you, Cissa!” He put me down to clap Maddox on the shoulder. “And you as well, Maddox.”
