Summoned
Evelyn was summoned to dinner, apparently not trusted to show up without being told to do so. Which, to be honest, was a fair assessment of her mood.
There were flowers downstairs to brighten up the palace now that the funeral was over. Or maybe someone thought they could dazzle Councilor Moeller with bouquets.
I doubt that man could name a single type of flower that doesn’t have magical properties.
Everyone gathered in the dining room, standing and chatting about the events of the day. Evelyn stood off to the side and listened. Moeller had been shown the site where King Gerard was impaled, as well as the king’s bedroom. He didn’t have any initial findings and would continue the investigation tomorrow.
“Let’s eat!” King Tristan announced.
“Is there room for one more?”
Haydn Ritter strode confidently into the room. But instead of greeting either of the kings, he went directly to Evelyn and bowed. “Hello again, Princess.”
“You came,” Evelyn said. It was more of a question than a statement.
Haydn lifted her left hand, managing to hide the tattoo, and kissed it. “You asked me to.”
“I only wrote to you this morning.”
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get here.”
Is it really that easy with him? I don’t have to fight for his attention? Leo wouldn’t hold my hand if anyone could see us, but Haydn will cross an ocean at a moment’s notice to be at my side?
Evelyn could feel the whole room staring at them.
“What a pleasant surprise!” King Tristan interrupted. “We weren’t expecting you, Councilor Ritter.”
Haydn pivoted to stand beside Evelyn and put a hand on her back. “I couldn’t stay away. I hope you don’t mind.”
Nicolas shot a glance at Damien, who shook his head.
“Of course not,” King Tristan said. “Although it’s notmypalace.”
Leo offered Haydn a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Welcome back, Councilor.”
“King Alexander,” Haydn said without bowing. “Congratulations on your ascension.”
Evelyn winced. Everyone was visibly uncomfortable.
Leo’s expression darkened. “It hasn’t exactly been a celebration.”
“I suppose not,” Haydn said, unfazed. “Certainly not with Councilor Moeller around.”
Moeller approached and Evelyn stiffened. A quick glance from Haydn told her that he noticed.
“Hello, Ritter,” Moeller said dryly. “Can’t say I’m surprised to see you.”
“I couldn’t let you have all the fun, now could I?” Haydn said.
Moeller sighed with the disappointment and acceptance of someone who had finally given up yelling at a dog for digging holes in the yard.
Leo’s gaze practically burned Evelyn’s skin, but she refused to look at him. Instead, she focused on the warmth of Haydn’s hand on her back.
He’s here because I asked him to be. All I asked Leo to do was not lie to me, and he couldn’t even do that.
Damien whispered something to Rory and Simon before leaving the dining room.
