Page 49 of Rook of Ruin
“The queen sent her away to heal. She was feeling quite ill.” Nora leaves me at the grand entryway, confused as to why I wasn’t asked to heal Patsy.
Dismissing the thought and stepping through the doorway, I drift through the ballroom. Decorated tastefully in blue and ivory, the bright ballroom gleams with gold accents, signifying the great wealth of Acros. Perfumes, lush flowers, and alcohol mingle, creating a smell that only a ball would have. A man dressed in a puffy overcoat announces my name, and heads turn, including the queen’s, who tilts her head in approval. As if a scene taken from a book, the crowd parts, and murmursare heard over the clicks of shoes dancing to the orchestra’s soft tune.
The line for the queen is short. As I approach her, she stands, causing the orchestra to stop abruptly. I curtsy low as ivory skirts come into my vision and a soft, wrinkled hand gently touches my chin to pull it up. I gaze at the queen as she proclaims, “The future queen’s sister, Rook, and Champion of Death. She has the love of our people, represents our power, and will give her husband the prosperity of future generations. The Ruby of Acros, Lady Verlan!”
Clapping and hurrahs surround me. If it had been anyone other than the queen, I would have told them to fuck off, but this a show, so I smile bashfully.
The queen notices, and it delights her. “Please continue the celebration.” Queen Inara flicks her hand, and music begins to play once again. She leans closer to me. “I have someone I would like you to meet.” She leads me over to a hulking bronzed bald man with a brown mustache that curves up. His suit is black except for the gold lapel . . . actual gold. He seems to be in his late fifties, and his green eyes show a kind softness that I like.
“Lady Verlan, may I introduce Baron Kyre.”
I offer him my hand, and he bows, kissing it gently.
The queen continues, “The Baron is from Tynan and is the first emissary in a very long time.”
“The Ruby of Acros.” He grins, and it reaches his eyes in genuine interest. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I reply.
“Would you care to dance?” he asks kindly. The twinkle in his green eyes reminds me of Simon’s disarming smile. I will watch out for this man.
“Of course.” I take his hand, and he leads me out onto the floor. We dance two sessions as we speak about his favorite pastime, gardening. He keeps a respectable distance, his handremaining on my upper back, never straying, like two old friends dancing, and when the song ends, he leads me off the dance floor.
Baron Kyre laughs while wiping his brow with a handkerchief. “Thank you for dancing with me. If my wife were here now, there would be relentless teasing. She is quite a dancer, one of the best in Tynan.”
I smile easily. “Is your wife not here?”
Something briefly flashes across his eyes, sadness. “No, she stayed behind.” He shakes his head, blotting sweat off his forehead. “She decided that a few months without me would make our hearts grow fonder.” He laughs. “Really, it’s because of our growing family.” He gives me a soft smile. “My son and his soul mate are expecting their fourth child.”
“Congratulations to all of you. I hope one day your wife will join you in visiting.” I’m struggling for small talk, and I shouldn’t be. I should be playing the game.
“I think she would enjoy meeting you, Lady Verlan, Ruby of Acros. Thank you for giving an old man a spin about the room.” He bows and takes his leave.
A few dances later with ogling men, and I grab a glass of bubbly wine. The crisp taste puts me at ease until someone touches my elbow, and I turn to see dimples and a wide grin. Simon is dressed in Bethal’s white-and-silver warrior uniforms, the medals on his chest gleaming in the bright light of the ballroom. His striking muscular figure looks all the more regal in uniform, and his curly hair is smoothed back. Many women and a few men glance our way with envy.
“Care for a dance?”
I gulp down the rest of my champagne and give him a fake sweet smile. “Why not.”
I take his elbow, and Simon leads us onto the dance floor. He puts his arm around my waist to the small of my back, showingfamiliarity, and I place my arm on his shoulder as we clasp hands. I notice people whispering and pointing. I clench my jaw but smile up at him.
“O, you are breathtaking.”
“Yes, I’ve taken a man’s last breath many times before.” I mean it in a threatening manner, but he kicks his head back and laughs. More murmurs from the crowd.
“How’s the Rook?” He smiles down at me.
“Alec woke up last night,” I say flatly.
I can’t do this. This isn’t the Locker. This is just a tiring game I really want no part of.
“I’m sure it’s because of you. You worked so hard to heal him. Your kindness in taking care of him, I’m sure it’s how he survived. I’m glad you’re both alive.”
I shrug, and he takes that as,I would rather not talk about itrather than,You lost my trust and I would rather be anywhere than in your arms.
He continues to swirl me around. “Did you receive my letter?” he asks, moving us closer.
“I did.” My tone is still flat.
