“Because it doesn’t matter.”
“You’re going to rule the Auditory Court someday!”
“I have no interest in being a lord. I want to be a general.”
“Why does your father hate me?”
“He hates everyone.”
“That’s not a real answer, Damien.”
He stopped and met her gaze. “It’s not about you. He’s worried about his own reputation.”
“What do you mean?”
“Is his son courting a princess? Was his heir involved with the fire in the city? Will I improve his status or embarrass the family name? My father hates that he doesn’t know what’s really going on. He wants to be in control and I don’t allow him to do that. Not anymore.” Damien was obviously trying to keep his anger at bay.
“Why did your mother and sisters look afraid?” Evelyn asked.
Damien closed his eyes long enough to inhale and exhale a deep breath. “We will meet the Aromatic Court next.”
I have more questions, but Damien made it clear story time is over.
They started walking again. Evelyn glanced back at the dance floor. A man with sleek, light blond hair was dancing with Hannah. Leo was with a woman Evelyn didn’t recognize.
Damien caught Evelyn staring. “Do you listen to anything I say?”
“I was checking on my sister!”
He rolled his eyes. “Lovesick princesses will be the death of me.”
They went quiet as they approached two new men.
“Captain Fontaine!” the taller man called out. He had wavy chestnut hair and a big, friendly smile. “I hope you’re here to introduce us!”
“Of course, my lord,” Damien agreed, visibly more at ease with this interaction. “Princess, this is Lord Grégory Lafleur of the Aromatic Court.”
Lord Grégory gave her a deep, almost comically gentlemanly bow. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”
“And you as well, Lord Grégory.”
“This is my son and heir, Edmond.” He indicated the young man beside him.
Edmond bowed awkwardly, like he only recently learned how. He was practically a replica of his father but with duller features. His eyes weren’t as bright, his jaw not as sharp. He was handsome but forgettable.
“I’m glad to meet you, Princess,” Edmond said.
Gods, even his voice isn’t anything special.
“Are you enjoying the evening so far?” Lord Grégory asked Evelyn.
“Of course! Gryon certainly knows how to throw a party.”
Lord Grégory laughed much louder than necessary. “I suspect the Taste Court agrees with you on that!” He pointed to a rowdy group seated at a table.
“We haven’t made it over there yet,” Damien told him. “I thought I might wait to introduce Lord Robert until we’ve run out of wine.”
“Did you see all the bags packed on his horses? He brought his own supply of wine!” Lord Grégory cackled.
