We glance up. Iker is standing in the threshold, his back propped casually against the doorframe. His skin is tan from days spent on deck in the high sun, making his hair seem more bleached than usual. He absentmindedly rubs at the scruff blurring the cut of his strong jaw, something I’m sure Queen Charlotte will insist he shave. I hope he declines.
My heart is beating in my throat as he looks over at me and our eyes meet. He grins.
Don’t smile. Don’t get up.Hepromisedhe’d return days ago.Stay strong.
I cave. A small smile creeps up on my lips and, in turn, his grin blooms larger. He strides over, and suddenly I’m afraid he’s going to kiss me right there in front of everyone. In front of Nik. He pauses before me and bends down, his fingers grazing my chin as his face moves closer to mine.
Please don’t.
Gods, I wish he would.
His lips land softly on my forehead. I breathe out a sigh, whether it’s relief or disappointment, I don’t know.
“Hello, Evelyn,” he says, standing upright again. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
Before I can say anything, he strides over to Nik, stealing the sweet roll straight out of his fingertips. “Hello,Cousin. Glad to see you’re looking so well,” he says, then takes a bite of the roll.
Nik stands, and the two embrace. “Mother has been in a royal tizzy over your tardiness—I hope you found that king whale you were looking for.”
“I wish,” Iker replies, frustration echoing in his voice. It’s unlike him not to get what he wants. “We chased him past the tip of the Jutland, but he’s a slippery bastard.”
“I suppose that’s why he’s named ‘king,’ Cousin.”
Iker grins and claps Nik on the shoulder. “We are a slippery lot, aren’t we? Always running to and from the call of duty.”
“And you are forever running late in both directions.”
“Nothing that can’t be fixed with a grand entrance and a daring story.”
I raise a brow. “That certainly is your life’s motto.” The words come out harder than I’d planned, and his smile stiffens in answer.
“I’d say it’s worked well for me so far.”
“You would,” Nik says. He’s now standing next to Annemette’s chair, his hand grazing her shoulder. “But let it be, Cousin. I’d like you to meet Friherrinde Annemette.”
Annemette stands and steps toward Iker. She holds out her hand like she’s done this hundreds of times before. He takes her fingers in his and kisses them. “Lovely to meet you, Annemette. I daresay I would’ve remembered such a gorgeous girl from my travels in the Øresund. Tell me,where did you wash up from?”
My heart in my throat, I meet Annemette’s eyes. He’s just being kind, I know he is, but still.
“Odense,” she says, clearly comfortable despite my heart flaring out my nostrils. “Evie and I met yesterday, and she agreed to show me around. Nik was game enough to join us.”
“Who wouldn’t be?” he replies. “I’d say yes in an instant.” Iker smiles at her, but there’s suspicion in his eyes. It’s just a flash, but it’s there—he doesn’t even try to hide it. Nik and I both notice it before his cultivated manners return and he bows at Annemette. “I’ve traveled everywhere, and there are no two prettier girls in all the world than on this balcony.”
Both Annemette and I immediately flush scarlet, the compliment the perfect Iker level of grandness. And, when I glance over, Nik is fiercely blushing too—his eyes have never left Annemette.
Iker’s attention spins across the three of us.
“What?” I ask.
Then he shakes his head. “The lot of you won’t survive your youth if you don’t learn to take a compliment or ask for what you want.”
Iker turns to Nik. “Cousin, clearly you can’t keep your eyes off the girl. Why don’t you ask the fine friherrinde to accompany you as you explore today’s festivities? I’m sure there is plenty to learn about her.”
Annemette turns to him, a lock of blond hair twisted around her finger. Nik lets out a nervous laugh.
Iker, not paying attention, goes on. “While you’re doing that, Evie and I can walk through the gardens.”
“Really?” I say. “Don’t you think you should ask me first?”
