Page 79 of Rook of Ruin
“No. But since she’s missing my wedding, she better send me something really fucking nice.” We laugh while speaking of Tess until we reach the east gate. Three men stand together—two guards frowning and a Rook looking a mess.
“Ossian,” I whisper. Grey eyes on mine. We pass him, and I turn my body, watching him. My breath catches in my chest when his eyes turn silver. We stare at each other until he becomes a shadow once more.
Paul glances over at me and slows the carriage. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.” I turn back around.
“Then what was that about?”
“I don’t even know.” Truly I don’t.
“Do you know what is going on with him?” Paul asks slowly.
“Why would I?” I grind out.
Paul considers his words carefully. “I heard he went looking for you, when—when you were taken, and he came back . . . different. Crueler.”
“Didn’t we all,” I say bitterly. Ossian may have pretended to search for me, but I know if he cared, he would have found me. Simon found me—he’s the one who cares for me.
“I’m sorry, O. This is your wedding day—I mean night.” Paul laughs, which puts me in a better mood. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I know, Paul. I want to be happy too. I want you to be happy—you and Zane and Tess.” I sigh. “I’m just a bit nervous.”
“For the wedding night?” Paul teases.
“For that, and life. My whole life is about to change. I’m nervous because it isn’t a love match. It could grow into love, I think. Simon is a good man. We care for each other, we are friends, and we trust each other. He’s the one whofoundme, twice. Each time, he took great care of me. If that isn’t the seed of love, what is?”
Paul stays silent for a moment. “You want to back out? I’ll turn this carriage around right now.”
“No, but good to know you would welcome the wrath of both the Acrosi and Bethalian monarchs for me.” I elbow him in the side.
We get to the bend in the road, and Paul stops the carriage to turn to me. “Orlaith, I love you.”
“I love you, Paul.” We hug each other tight. The last moment of us being us. “Swear you will come visit.”
“If you swear to come to my wedding.” Paul winks, then I squeal and throw my arms around him. I can’t believe I missed his engagement.
“I get the honor of walking you down the aisle.” I gently elbow him in his side.
“You’ll have to fight Tess.” Paul grins. “It will be a few years, and we have some things to do, but—aw hells, O. Don’t tell her, but I’ll have you do it, just so I can say I was walked down the aisle by a princess.”
We laugh and Paul drives Sal forward.
Music fills the air and lanterns are everywhere, their soft glow both beautiful and calming. Paul pulls the cart to the side before handing the reins to a groom and lifting me up and out, carrying me over to Nora and the two stylists. Nora’s face pales as she sees me, and her lips form a strained smile. Perhaps she is nervous for me? The stylists draw my attention away from Nora as they tut and smooth out my dress, reapplying some rouge and shimmering powder to my cheeks. A thin lace veil is placed over my head on top of my crown along with a diamond belt that not only enhances my hips but adds a long silver lace train to my puddle.
“Nora, please come with us tomorrow. I can’t imagine my life without you, but I understand if it is too soon.” If Patsy were here, I would ask her too, but I know my old lady’s maid would refuse, Acros is her home. The queen has reassured me Patsy is taken care of. I laugh nervously. “It’s a little more than too soon, but you have helped me immensely since the . . . incident, and—what I mean is, I understand if you want to think about it or ifyou would rather stay. If you choose to stay, I will make sure to provide a good reference to the queen. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a lady’s maid.”
“I would like to think about it, my lady.” Nora’s head lowers.
“Of course, Nora.” I try to smile, thinking of a way to change the subject as they finish the final touches. “I almost forgot—I named the foal,” I say excitedly.
“You did? What name did you choose?” Nora asks gently.
“Elliot.” I beam at her.
Something passes over her face. “A good name, my lady.”
Paul offers me his elbow before I can consider her reactions, and I take it.
