Page 123 of Rook of Ruin
“What you’re telling me is you’re disposable.”
Callan slides up next to me. “If you will excuse us.” He steers me away with gentle force, plucking the broken glass from my hand while sighing heavily, as if he has to fix something.
“What are you doing?” I try to stop, but he continues to push me away.
He clicks his tongue. “I told you he was not someone you want to know.”
I frown. “Perhaps I do want to know him.” I file his name away because I plan on finding out more about “the Panther.”
“O, this is the last ball before you leave. Let’s have fun. Have a drink with me.”
Turning my head, I watch malice grow on the Panther’s face before he notices me watching and it quickly turns into fake pleasantry.
Callan hands me a glass of champagne, and for once, I relent. I barely have the energy now after speaking to the shithead.
Taking a sip of champagne, I think of Isle and the smile that almost appeared when she told me we would be leaving for home tomorrow. I itch to give Milo hugs and check on Paul, who has yet to be sent back to Acros. I think of all the wonderful things I will do as soon as I get home—especially having Simon all to myself; we have a lot to discuss. I want to understand him, I want to repair whatever is wrong between us. I wince—my stomach has been feeling upset and in pain all day, and I know exactly why—my yearly dose of asterlyn is up.
“Are you alright?” Callan tilts his head. “You look unwell.”
“I’m fine.” I down the champagne and hand the glass to a servant.
Callan squints and notices my hand unconsciously on my stomach. “We can leave. I can call for a healer.”
“This is not something you can heal.” Unless I take asterlyn again.
He makes a show to roll his eyes. “I’m not easily intimidated by a woman’s cycle, you know. I do have two sisters and a wife. You could have said. Would you like some chocolate?”
“No.” Yes, so much chocolate, I want to swim in it.
Callan swallows the last bit of his champagne. “It’s true what they say about Rooks? You take asterlyn in small doses?”
“Yes,” I murmur. My eyes drift to Simon, who stands next to the king; he’s been at his father’s side the whole night. His white uniform fits perfectly, and my heart flutters thinking about what’s underneath. But Simon isn’t looking at me, he is staring past me. My head turns in the direction of his gaze. A very striking woman with flowing brown hair in a dark blue dress waltzes in, and a man just as beautiful walks next to her.
“Who is that?” I incline my head slightly.
“Damn it.” Callan takes my arm gently, leading me through the crowd. A large false smile goes across his face.
“I see you made it.” Callan halts before the couple. He does not bow, so I do not curtsy. He lets go of my hand but moves slightly in front of me when he notices the man staring curiously. Equally curious, I stare back. The man has dark green eyes and raven hair. He opens his mouth, showing off slightly elongated canines, then his tongue touches one of them, and my mouth falls open. He reminds me of Vetter. To my horror, I blush, and he gazes at me with more interest.
“I’m here to pay my respects. That is all.” Her accent is familiar. I try to place it, but I flick my eyes back to the man who has managed to sidestep Callan. Warmth pulses under my skin, and not from blushing. I glance down to where my brace once was. No glowing skin, but when my eyes snap back up, the man still stares at me. He inhales deeply and tilts his head, reminding me of an owl. A large smile forms on his very handsome, chiseled face.
“A little too late. You are not welcome, Lady Glimmon.” Callan frowns deeply.
Lady Glimmon nods and turns her attention to me. “Princess Caddel. You are more beautiful in person than the rumors give you credit. I am truly honored to meet you.”
“Yes. Thank you.” My stomach begins to cramp, and I wipe off a bead of sweat from my neck. There is something going on here that I’m missing, and my mind is trying to sort it out. My eyes dart to the man, who is still openly gawking at me. His green eyes narrow on the ring on my finger, and then he takes a small step forward. “You are too close, sir.”
He makes no movement, and Callan merely shifts his body as he speaks to Lady Glimmon.
“Ever been stabbed by a princess?” I murmur to the man. He must not understand me, because he continues to smile. “I guess that’s a no.”
“Of course. I apologize for any hurt I may have caused. I mean no disrespect by my presence. I only wished to show our support to your family.” She curtsies low. “Princess Caddel, I wish you a happy life, and I hope to meet you again under better circumstances.” She gives me a genuine smile, and then they quickly turn and walk back out the ballroom door.
My stomach begins to cramp. “Callan, I’m not feeling well.” Intense pain shoots through my stomach, and the shock has me doubling over. He lifts me into his arms and quickly runs with me out of the ballroom, calling for a healer.
“Let me down. I’m fine.” Callan relinquishes me, and I lean against the white stone wall and close my eyes.
Only a few moments later, Simon’s voice rings out. “O.”
