Page 208 of The Throne Seeker
Tristan glared at Harriet before guilt pulled his eyes to the floor, staring at it as his jaw locked until he found the courage to lift his eyes to meet Rose’s.
It was all the confirmation she needed.
A bubbling underground river of jealousy threatened to burst from the depths of Vallor, but she reined it in, aware everyone’s eyes were on her.
“Congratulations,” Rose finally managed to get out, blinking furiously, her voice nowhere near as strong as she intended it to be.
“I don’t want nor need your congratulations,” Satin replied.
Tristan grabbed Satin’s arm, spinning her away from Rose. “Satin,” he scolded in a harsh whisper.
Her mother stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Rose’s back. “You have it, nonetheless. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to excuse us. I’m just exhausted, and Roman was about to escort us to our chambers. Good to see you, Princess Satin,” she finished with a strained smile that faded quickly, leaving no room for a reply.
Her mother guided her down the corridor, with Roman at their heels.
Rose tossed her hood back on, not having the strength to look at Tristan again as she followed her mother.
She should have anticipated this. It was inevitable. This was what the treaty was for—to mix royal blood with royal blood. To intertwine the fates of their provinces forever.
But to happen so soon?
To have a child bonded Satin and Tristan in a sacred way Rose would never have with him.
Her siren lashed out in a fury, screeching an internal cry as her world quaked with rage. But she bottled the fury. Contained the scream that clawed to escape her lips.
She concentrated on her steps to keep her mind from dwelling on things it shouldn’t.
They arrived at her mother’s chambers first. Just as they reached the door, Rose asked in a low, dangerous voice, “Did you know?”
Her mother’s expression fell. She nodded in admittance. “Yes. I knew.”
Rose’s nails dug into her palms. “And you didn’t think to warn me? Is there anything else you haven’t told me? Any more secrets?” she asked icily.
Her mother’s lips tightened into a thin line. “I was going to tell you, but I’d only just told you about your father. I wanted to give you a little time to breathe before another bomb was thrown at you. I’m so sorry.”
Rose knew she was. Her siren could feel guilt streaming out of her mother like a waterfall. It made her feel worse for trying to blame her.
She didn’t want to say something she’d regret, so she settled on, “Good night, Mum,” then dismissed herself without waiting for a reply.
With her mind in a far-off place, muscle memory took over, leading her to her own room. Roman followed, feeling him staring at her back as she strode through the halls.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly.
She forced herself to nod as exhaustion finally hit her, drained by the emotions that forced themselves on her. “I’m fine.”
He cursed. “What can I do?”
“Nothing. I’m okay.”
With a few large strides, he caught up with her, taking her hand and rotating her to face him. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault you had to come back.”
Of course he’d look to blame himself for nothing he’d done.
“You don’t need to be sorry. I chose to come,” she reminded him, still not regretting her decision. “It just… caught me off guard, is all.”
More like knocked her right on her ass.
Tears threatened to rise.
