“That sounds like him. He’s an interesting one.”
“How so?”
Lord Nicolas hummed. “Damien is a battle-worn officer in the Royal Army. But he uses his wages to buy his mother her favorite perfume and new dresses for his sisters. People who are that lethal are not usually that benevolent.”
Evelyn tucked those details away to consider later. “So where do you fit into his story?”
Lord Nicolas grinned again. “We were friends… and sometimes a bit more than that.”
Evelyn’s eyes went wide. “A lord and an officer?”
She pictured Damien and Nicolas together. The captain was muscular, with black hair, so different than the lean, blond lord.
I didn’t know Damien was also interested in men. I guess not even a lord can resist his green eyes.
“Am I to be executed for scandalizing a princess?” Nicolas joked.
“No!” Evelyn said quickly. “Please forgive my surprise.”
“I haven’t actually seen Damien in a long time,” he continued. “We had averypleasurable evening together a few years ago. But then Prince Christopher died, and my father became ill, and everything changed.”
“He’s here tonight,” Evelyn suggested. “And, despite any rumors, won’t be inmyroom later.”
“That’s good to know.” The song ended, and Lord Nicolas bowed. “It was lovely to meet you, Princess Evelyn.”
I think I made another ally in Gryon.
18
Wine
“How are you doing, sweetheart?” King Tristan asked.
“This is the best night of my life,” Evelyn said sarcastically.
“I hope you have been friendlier than that with the lords.”
“I’m always friendly!”
Evelyn chanced another glance at Leo. He was with a different woman, talking and smiling at her.
I’m wearing a dress and tiara that match his eyes, and Leo is dancing with everyone but me. How fantastic.
King Tristan followed Evelyn’s gaze but got the angle wrong. “I know you don’t like King Gerard, but you shouldn’t make faces at him.”
“What? I’m not!” She looked again and saw King Gerard and Queen Camille were dancing near Leo and Miss Purple Dress.
Her father tsked. “You haven’t been very pleasant to each other.”
“Hehas been rude tomesince we arrived,” Evelyn argued. “All I’ve done is return the favor.”
“Gerard isn’t that bad. His kingdom has been through two tragedies in a week, and he is trying to secure his son’s future.”
“He hates me for no reason!”
“King Gerard is not out to get you. He isn’t a monster.”
“He’s always yelling like one!”
