Page 115 of Rook of Ruin
In a very low voice, Isle explains this is a guest room; Simon did not want the queen’s stylists in our bedroom. “Be vigilant here. You are the Ruin of monsters, and many live within this castle. You will be watched and weighed for every decision or lack thereof.”
I smirk. “So just another day at court.”
“Perhaps.” Isle shrugs. “But remember the Bethalian court is different from the Acrosi court. The Acrosi are required to serveregardless of station. In Bethal, it is not a requirement. Do not allow yourself to be anything other than the woman we know you are.”
Considering her words, I begin to peel off my leathers. “I understand.”
“Good.”
She moves to go, but I stop her. “Isle, thank you.”
“The honor is mine. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” She quirks her head, and for a moment, I see a flash of a small smile as she leaves. “Ruin of Bethal.”
I roll my eyes and quickly shower. Exhaustion hits me hard as I scrub off the black blood until my skin is pink and my hair is clean. The only thing left for me to do is pull on the lingerie someone left out.
Opening the door, I’m greeted with a cup of coffee. “Thank you,” I groan out to Isle, holding on to the warmth of the delicate cup.
Bitterness fills my mouth while I take small sips of the dark liquid. One stylist cuts my hair while the other cakes my face with powders and rouge. I bat my eyes from the goop, and the women fix my hair and hold out a soft ivory gown, silver beads dripping down the bodice. I slip into it, and Isle nods her approval as they set a small crown of white gold and pearls onto my head. Isle hands me the earrings I wore on our wedding with a wink. They were Simon’s mother’s earrings—and she was the king’s mistress.
Hells.I already made a poor impression on the queen, I doubt she will appreciate it if I wear these. I sigh, clipping them onto my ears anyway, and we follow Isle back out of the room and down the stairs.
Bow stands by the doors, waiting. His eyes light up when he sees me without my leathers for the first time
I laugh. “I clean up nice.”
“More than that.” Bow grins in a brotherly way. “You look like a true princess.”
“She is.” Isle rolls her eyes. “Let’s go.”
We stroll into the ballroom casually without further notice, and my stomach becomes a tangled mess of butterflies when I don’t see Simon.
“You look lovely.” I turn to see Callan smiling down at me, his large muscular frame taking up more space than Simon would. He has showered, the smell of vanilla and something smoky rolling off him. His white Bethalian uniform is impeccable. Callan’s smile disappears for a moment as he moves to the side. “May I introduce my wife, Princess Anna Caddel.”
His wife is a younger version of the queen, terribly unhappy, and she is clearly annoyed by my appearance. Her sapphire gown fits nicely on her thin body, and she clutches her stomach.
“Are you feeling unwell?” I ask after I curtsy.
“Of course I am.” She frowns. “I am with child. Instead of sleeping, I’m here.” Anna rolls her eyes at me.
How the hells does Simon expect me to keep my patience with her and the queen?
“Anna, you have fulfilled your obligation. I’m sure my mother will understand,” Callan says smoothly, but his eyes show annoyance.
Anna sighs. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired and cranky.”
I try to make my voice sound soothing. “I understand. I’m sure I will feel the same way one day.”
“I doubt it.” Anna glances at Callan and scowls. “Simon doesn’t show his face here much, a bit neglectful for a prince, I think. He shouldn’t disregard duty to go gallivanting around looking for a fight, but at least he isn’t a coward, I guess.”
Any sympathy I had for her diminishes.
I open my mouth but quickly shut it as the queen marches over. “You look radiant.” She hugs me, and I’m taken aback by her sudden change in attitude.
Callan shifts his feet, embarrassed by both his wife’s and his mother’s behaviors.
The queen pulls back and frowns. “Anna, why are you here? You should be resting. Quite selfish of you to be out this late in your condition. And blue is not your color; I’ve told you before, pink is.”
Fuck.The queen is trying to pit us against each other. That is her move. I plaster a smile onto my face, realizing I won’t ever escape women like Clairene and Mable. I close my eyes, saying a silent prayer that I don’t stab the queen tonight. When I open them, Callan is watching me with interest and Anna has disappeared. Isle and Bow have also made themselves scarce.
