“Yes, I do.”
He leaned in and lowered his voice. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t get married. Butpleasethink about it. You and Leo say you love each other, but the two of you weren’t even on speaking terms when he proposed. If this is really what you want, I will be the first to congratulate you tomorrow.”
“And if it’s not?” She didn’t dare speak above a whisper, like the question itself was a betrayal.
“Do you remember the options I gave you at the ball?”
“Stay until the end or leave with you.”
Damien nodded. “I can take you home. I can take youanywhere.”
“Why? What do you want from me?”
“I want your life to be about more than crying over Leo!”
“That’s not—” Evelyn pulled at her hair. “Leo is your friend!”
“And what has he done for you? What has he given you?”
“He loves me!”
“Then where has he been?” Damien pointed at his own chest. “I was at your side during the ball and the funeral. I protected you from Ritter and my father and that disgusting guard. I took you to the Healer and kept your secrets and held you while you cried. Where was Leo for all of that?”
He’s right. It was always Damien.
Evelyn’s defenses started to break, like a crack appearing in ice. “Leo was figuring out how to be a king!”
“You don’t trust him, Evelyn.”
“We’re working through some things.”
“You’re getting marriedtomorrow!” he shouted.
“Yes, we are,” she said calmly. “He wants to marry me and I want to marry him.”
Damien stepped back and took a deep breath. “Okay. Promise me one thing, and then I won’t bring it up anymore.”
“What is it?”
“Tell meif you change your mind. I don’t care if you’re in the white dress and already halfway down the aisle. Tell me, and I’ll help you.”
Evelyn blinked away tears. “I promise.”
47
Sisters
Evelyn and Damien, still standing by the river, were distracted by the arrival of a carriage from the eastern road. A golden music note was emblazoned on the side wall.
The Auditory Court.
“Is that your family?” Evelyn asked.
“My mother and sisters,” Damien confirmed.
The carriage stopped in front of the palace. Damien jogged over to meet them, and Evelyn followed.
Lady Nadine stepped out first. She wore a high-neck, long-sleeved, dark blue gown. Her brown hair was braided and her hazel eyes were tired.
