Page 31 of The Court of Secrets
“Yes.” I looked at my mother tight-lipped.
She nodded and lowered her gaze. “Of course. So, are you prepared for the Ruby Circle?” she asked, referring to the age-old tradition of ladies coming to court in an attempt to become the next queen’s ladies. Usually, queens had six, and princesses had three. I had none up until this point, but that had been by choice. Having them now could be beneficial. I could use eyes and ears at court. Secrets and gossip were abounding there, and I needed an army of my own, even if they wore dresses and bows.
“Surprisingly, Marissa, I am.”
“You never had ladies before.” Her eyes glittered.
“No.” I moved my finger over my glass. “How well informed you are.”
“I’m sorry for being so bold. I didn’t intend to offend you. It’s just, it was common knowledge. People spoke about you, naturally. You were the princess.”
“I’m not offended at all.” My eyebrows furrowed. “I was actually hoping those keen ears of yours may be helpful to me in the future. You know how women are looked at. I may have a crown, but I promise it’s no different. I need loyal friends, women like you.”
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I am delighted to have a queen.”
Cedric interjected. “Not to be rude, but there’s a man waiting impatiently in the wings.”
My eyes flicked to him—tall, handsome, and sporting a lazy grin. “Ah, yes. Give me a moment to appease this pain in the—”
“Winter!” Corbin extended his arms.
“It’s Your Majesty,” I said, scolding him and ignoring his embrace. “I’m surprised to see you haven’t wed yet.”
“What can I say,Your Majesty, I’m hard to tie down. Perhaps I will wait a year or two before marrying.”
“Lucky for Lady Avery.”
He winced, then grinned. “You see, it’s been difficult for me to rebuild my reputation after you left it in tatters all those years ago.”
“I can see how much you’re struggling.” I repressed the urge to roll my eyes, but deep down, I did feel bad for what I had done. I sighed and shook my head. “I am…”
“Yes?”
“Sorry for that. It wasn’t my place.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled. “No, it wasn’t. Besides, it wasn’t what it looked like.”
“No?”
He lowered his voice to a whisper and leaned in. “Well, actually, it was what it looked like.”
“Then why ask to marry Nissa Avery if you like men?”
“I like both.” He looked me up and down with a smirk. “Don’t worry, Winter, you’re safe. I only like girls with a personality.”
I pressed my lips together. “I’m feeling less guilty by the second.”
He looked at where Nissa stood, wearing a floor-length yellow dress with lines on the bodice. “Probably what your father liked too, seeing as he sent you and your bore of a mother to Inferis so he could be with Nissa too. She’s feisty.”
I gritted my teeth. “You make it very difficult to feel bad for you.”
He shrugged. “I don’t need you to. Just your willingness to offer me repentance occasionally, when needed. I mean, if you’re trying to make things right. For example, you hold a piece of land that belonged to my father.”
My eyebrows knitted together. “Ah yes, Lord Abor.” I wanted to ask why my father had taken it, but I didn’t want to appear ill informed—even if it were true. “Why should I give it to you?”
“That land was going to be mine, and I want it back. After all, you may earn my forgiveness.”
I repressed the urge to roll my eyes. “I care little for forgiveness. I’ve already apologized.”
