Page 116 of Rook of Ruin
“Orlaith, you must tell me how brave my son was during the battle.” She takes my arm in her hand and begins to squeeze unpleasantly.
Noticing my discomfort, Callan smiles. “Mother, I asked Orlaith for a dance before you arrived.” His lie rolls off his tongue too easily.
“Yes, of course.” She smiles, her face pulling at the edges.
Callan places his hand on my upper back, guiding me out onto the dance floor. We dance a few turns before Callan sighs. “O, what is wrong?
“Where is Simon?” I’m distracted, probably not the best dance partner right now.
“He is with our father, giving him the details about the attack.”
“I see.” For the first time, I look up. Callan smiles happily as we dance. I feel sorry for him. “How long have you been married?”
His brown eyes flash with anger, but his face remains smiling. “Long enough to know the child probably isn’t mine.”
I start to laugh and then realize he isn’t joking. My heart breaks further for him. “Oh. Shit. I’m sorry, Callan. Would you like to talk about it?”
He pauses, almost causing chaos on the dance floor, and leads me to an alcove, handing me a glass of champagne from a servant’s tray. “You mean that, don’t you.” It isn’t a question.
“I do.” I gently tap his shoulder. I can’t imagine what he must be feeling. I would be devastated if Simon went outside of our marriage and fathered a child. “You’re my family. It must be difficult to believe that about your wife. I’m sorry.”
“It isn’t a love match, it was an arrangement that provided resources for Bethal. I feel sorry for Anna. If she would have just spoken to me, I would have understood an affair. I would have given her another option. If the child looks nothing like me, I will have to refuse it.” He sips his champagne nonchalantly, but his brown eyes still rage.
The champagne’s bubbles go down my throat, and I consider my words before speaking. “What will happen to Anna?”
“We will both be disgraced. I will request an annulment. Which will cause a scandal.” He laughs bitterly.
I try to come up with something comforting to say. “I hope you will find happiness no matter what happens.” I give him a soft smile, and he returns it.
“The only happiness I have felt in a long time has been today. Not only was I useful and fought for our people, but I’m in the presence of my brother’s beautiful, strong wife who can hold an actual conversation.”
I offer a smile because I understand his feelings but . . . an actual conversation? Maybe he needs an education on how to speaktowomen rather thanatthem.
Callan shifts his large body. “Would you have taken that woman’s baby?” Surprised at the question, the champagne bubbles become stuck in my throat, and I cough. “I’m sorry, O.”He gently pats my back, and unlike Simon, Callan’s hands are not as rough or calloused.
I hold up my hand to show I’m okay and cough a few more times, then I gulp down air and laugh. “I did not expect that question.” I think about it. “Perhaps. I would have asked Simon.”
“You will make a great mother, I’m quite sure of it.” His wide smile is genuine.
Simon and his father enter the glittery ballroom, and I step out of the alcove with Callan. Simon’s eyes drink me in, warm heat creeping up my face at my husband’s obvious desire.
Callan chuckles as we walk over to them. “Do you always blush so much?”
I roll my eyes and say quietly, “Only when Simon looks at me.”
He smirks and then clears his throat. “My poor brother. He has no idea the power you wield.”
“I know exactly how much power she wields over me.” Simon brings his hand through his hair.
The king’s brown eyes linger on my ears, and I bring my hand up to touch the earrings. “They are lovely on you, Orlaith. You are worthy of them.” Sadness crosses his face. “May I dance with you?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” He holds his wrinkled, calloused hand out, and I take it, bobbing a curtsy.
The dance floor instantly becomes empty as we approach. The crowd claps, then murmurs and whispers fill the air along with slow, somber music.
King Caddel’s hand goes around to my upper back, then he clasps my arm and twirls me carefully, treating me as if I could break. His eyes go to my earrings again. “You remind me of Simon’s mother. She was fierce, like they call you, and kind.” His voice is steady, but his eyes show a deep sorrow.
“Thank you. That is the best compliment I could receive.” Simon’s words trickle into my mind of his mother and the Tribeof Elders. One of the few women chosen for such a position to ensure peace in other kingdoms. She must have been one hells of a woman, and being compared to her is humbling. This family is as broken as they come, and I will love them all the more for it. Except for the queen; that woman is a jerk.
