Page 114 of Rook of Ruin
My brother-in-law considers her answer, and I watch his mind work. “I will speak to our cook, and we will find you a position in the castle kitchens. It is hard work, but I will ensure that you and your daughter are cared for.”
She kneels before Callan and sobs, “Thank you. Thank you. Your Royal Highness is too kind.” She reaches for her child, and I gently give her back.
Callan turns to me and bows low. “It is Princess Caddel who you should thank. It is only through her generosity that you have a position.”
I flush from his theatrics. “Truly it is not. You have—”
“Thank you, Princess Caddel. We will spread word of your kindness.” She lowers her eyes.
Callan walks with me over to Sal. “You are precisely what Bethal needs.”
I say nothing to Callan but smile at Simon. He does not return the smile, and my face falls. His jaw is tight, concerned.
Callan leads us through the gates, empty and dark streets greeting us all the way to the castle’s main gate. It’s hard to make out the details of the buildings and homes, but I do notice there are the same wood and stone carvings as the rest of the villages we’ve seen. Reaching the main castle gate, I gaze up at the white stone, similar to Acros’s, but instead of gold veins, I notice silver.
“I love you. Trust me when I say that,” Simon says quietly and then rides ahead with Callan. Isle rides next to me, shifting her body as if ready to take a hit for me.
“Isle?” I wait for her to explain, but she doesn’t answer as bright lights come forth. Servants carrying large lanterns walk down a long staircase, and a man who looks exactly like Simon greets us. Dimples push into his face. I like the Great Warrior King of Bethal instantly.
The woman with him is no beauty. She is heavily draped in jewels, and her thin frame makes me wonder if the wind will blow her away. Her brown eyes take in the state of Callan, and then she turns, whispering in the king’s ear. He pats her shoulder, and then, with wide arms, greets Callan and Simon.
I wait for Simon’s signal before I dismount. King William Caddel, the Great Warrior King of Bethal, laughs heartily, and I find myself grinning like a fool. Simon will look exactly like his handsome father when he is older.
King Caddel takes in my appearance. “This is the great Ruin? You look more like a beautiful Warrior of Old.” He holds out his hands, and I take them, then he pulls me into a large hug before releasing me. “I am happy to welcome you to our family.”
“The honor is mine.” I bow low, and Queen Ffion clucks her tongue.
“Did you smear blood on your face to impress us?” she asks.
What a dick.“No, my queen. I would never dishonor Simon or our warriors in such a way.” I stand straight.
“O”—Callan clears his throat—“Orlaith fought with honor, Mother. There was another attack.”
“Let us move inside,” the queen clips, ignoring her son. “We have guests ready to meet theRuin.” She uses my Warrior’s Name as a slight, and we all know it.
Simon holds my hand as we climb the stairs. Callan glances down at our hands but says nothing as we enter a large entry hall, where lords and ladies bow and curtsy low in their finest dresses and suits.
“His Royal Highness Prince Cian Caddel, Her Royal Highness Princess Orlaith Caddel!” a man bellows.
Everyone stands, and looks of shock and whispers fill the hall. A few chuckles and nods of approval. I am the cause of the fuss. Ladies are horrified, and lords seem amused, curious. I’m uncomfortable with the attention. A majority of the women stare at my blood-stained face in fear, and when I smile, they cower.A bunch of Crows.The thought has me sighing out; I am exhausted and in need of a good shower. Simon squeezes my hand, understanding my silence.
The king and queen lead us into a large bright ballroom, silver and black banners raining down from the ceiling. They make their way to a dark wooden platform with two dark metal thrones.
“Please, dance, drink. Let us enjoy our family.” The king flicks his hand, and music flows, then he motions us forward. “But first, tell me, how many of those monsters did you kill, Orlaith?”
“I did not count, Your Majesty,” I reply. I should have.
He laughs. “You did not count? That many?” He clasps Simon’s shoulder. “What did I tell you? She is perfect for you.”
“She is.” Simon squeezes my hand, and I look up to see dimples. I smile, wishing we were home enjoying time together as newlyweds should. “Orlaith, would you like to freshen up?”
Warmth creeps up my chest and onto my face when I see the desire in Simon’s eyes, and Queen Ffion laughs. “A blushing bride, how lovely. Truly, I did not realize you would be soinnocent.”
Hardly. I smile sweetly. “My queen, if you only knew.”If you only knew the things I’ve done.
Callan clears his throat and smothers a laugh as Simon ignores the queen and leads me away to Isle. “Isle, bring Ruin to the rooms please. Orlaith, be on your guard.”
Two women meet us outside dark wooden double doors with large cases—the queen’s stylists. They wait patiently as Isle unlocks the doors, swinging them open wide. I gasp. We don’t have a suite, we have a wholewingto ourselves. The large entryway gives way to white marble, dark green walls, and an intricate wooden banister. The slight smell of lavender wafts in the air, and I notice there are a few lavender plants in large silver pots. Isle closes the doors behind us and leads us up the stairs and to the right, to a smaller simple bedroom containing a single bed with a tiny bathroom. Isle gives me a slight shake of the head before I can ask if this is our room. She points and follows me into the bathroom.
