Page 118 of Rook of Ruin
“What would you have me do?” His light brown eyes assess me carefully.
“I would have you happy. I want you to be happy.” I do. He has become a quick friend. I find him very lonely, as I am right now. “What if the child she carries is yours?”
“It isn’t.” Callan takes another sip of his tea and sets it down. “I took her virginity, and we haven’t slept together since.” My mouth falls open, and he laughs. “It’s the truth. When you are in an arranged marriage, after the first time, it doesn’t really matter.”
“It does!” I throw my hands up. “Maybe that is why she took a lover.”
“Maybe I should take a lover.” Callan shrugs.
“If you do, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”
He raises an eyebrow.
“Okay, I do want to know. I really don’t think you should, but if you do, I want to know because I’m nosy.” We both snicker.
“A lover?” Her voice sends shivers down my spine, and we stand quickly. The queen peers at us with a wicked smile like we were caught in our own liaison.
I curtsy quickly, and Callan plasters on a smile. “Mother, how good of you to join us.”
She sits carefully next to me, smelling of expensive port. “You are going to have a liaison, Callan?”
“No, we were making a poor joke. I’m happy with Anna. Would you care for tea?” Lies come easily to Callan, and I understand why. If I had a mother like Queen Ffion, I would be a very good liar as well. I allow myself to hope he has been truthful with me.
She splays her thin fingers out on her dark brown dress, the massive jewels on her hands making the large diamond on my finger seem small. “No, I’m only here to see how Orlaith is feeling.”
“I’m feeling fine. Thank you for asking, Your Majesty.” I force a smile.
“Simon must care for you very deeply. He has gone to great lengths to ensure your wellbeing.” Queen Ffion straightens one of her rings and then smiles cruelly. “Keeping you locked up in here, it must take a toll on you.”
“Not at all.”Lie. My eyes dart to Callan, who quietly sips his tea, watching, waiting. I take a sip of my own and clear my throat. “I have been enjoying my time with Callan. We have discovered that we both enjoy a good book.”
She feigns giving a fuck. “What is it you like to read, Orlaith?”
“I am partial to romance novels.” I clear my throat again.
“Those who read frivolous romance either have too much time on their hands or are lacking appropriate compensation in the bedroom. Which are you?”
Callan’s eyes go wide. “Mother, that is highly inappropriate.”
“Why? You were both speaking of an affair like it was nothing. We are family here and may speak plainly.” She swipes her tongue across her teeth. “Which is it, Orlaith?”
Callan shifts uncomfortably and continues to sip his tea.
“It would be time on my hands, Your Majesty, since I am quite satisfied by your stepson’s very large compensation in the bedroom.” Callan coughs into his tea cup, and I bite back a smile. “Are you alright Callan?”
His voice cracks. “Yes. Just happy to be here.” He turns his head, trying not to laugh.
I take another drink and set my cup and saucer on the table. Clearing my throat yet again, I begin rubbing my neck.
The queen squints slightly before a low chuckle escapes her mouth. “Pathetic child. Romance—love—is vulgar, and it is nothing like your silly books. Love is harsh and cruel. Love is selfish and cunning. It’s a poison, a weakness which eats away at your body and will lead to your downfall.”
Anger threatens to ruin my good mood, but Callan is the one to speak. “Mother, don’t be dramatic. Orlaith’s taste in books won’t lead to her downfall.” He rolls his eyes, but I see the sinister face the queen of Bethal makes as I rub my throat again.
“I’ve poisoned your tea, Orlaith. Had I known Callan was here, I would have waited.” She crooks her finger at Callan. “Don’t worry, my love. I have the antidote for you.”
Callan pales. In one motion, he drops his cup, jumps up, and pulls me into his chest, looking into my eyes for signs of distress. “Give her the antidote, Mother!” he screams out. “Give it to her now!” The queen laughs, and Callan places his hand gently on my cheek. “I will—”
“You won’t.” I pat his hand, remove myself from his grip, and sit down across from the queen. I pour myself another cup of tea and calmly drink. Confusion fills his angry face. “Please sit down, Callan. You won’t need an antidote either.” He runs a hand through his thick dark hair, plops down next to me, and curses. I smile at the queen because I have all the time in the world. “I’m glad you had the ovaries to admit you tried to poison me.”
