Page 55 of The Court of Secrets
The corner of his lip twitched, and something flashed in his eyes. It was brief, but I saw the pain behind them when he spoke.
“Are you sure it’s… love?” I asked, squeezing his fingers. I quickly remembered what those hands had done yesterday. “I’m still mad at you for hurting Cedric.”
He gave me a nonchalant smirk. “Someone had to do it. Like I said, I won’t always do things you like, but I will put you first, and I did.”
“It wasn’t right.”
“I had no choice.”
I shook my head. “We all have a choice.”
“He healed… in the end,” he said. “We have the Sword and Dagger. We only need the Amulet, which I’ve already sent my men to Berovia to retrieve.”
“Unless Cedric arrives home first and tells them you know where it is.”
“He won’t.”
I scoffed. “How can you be so sure?”
“I ensured it. The men who are taking him home will be taking a little detour, giving my men enough time to retrieve the Amulet.”
I shook my head. “You’re unbelievable.”
He let out a low chuckle. “Come on. Put your dress on before I decide not to let you leave this room,” he joked and looked at the door.
“How will I get out of here?”
“Through the door, love.”
I rolled my eyes. “I meant without being seen.”
“Unless you want to climb out the window, which I wouldn’t recommend, especially in those shoes, then there is only one option.”
My anxiety returned, mixed with dread. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I already had the lords and Vahaga onto me about everything little thing I did. Blaise pulled me close and held his arms around me. I rested my head on his shoulder, breathing deeply but slowly.
“Everything will be fine. I promise. I’ll walk out with you, and if anyone says anything to you, you look them in the eye and smile. Understand? Don’t let anyone treat you like you’re less than them.”
We got dressed, and I held my breath as we walked out of his room. His men didn’t bat an eyelash, whereas my guards stared for far too long. With one look in their direction, they turned their heads to face forward.
A noble lady with her friend passed. Both turned toward each other and whispered once they’d passed. “Great.” I gritted my teeth. “The entire court shall know by this afternoon.”
“Let’s give them something better to talk about then.”
I gave him a look. “What possible news could overshadow the scandal of me spending the night in your room and walking out wearing the same dress I’d worn at the ball last night?”
“An official peace treaty. It’s been written up, and the meeting is this morning.”
“You didn’t think to tell me?” I asked in disbelief.
“You were to be informed yesterday, but after you came to my room, I got a little distracted.” He teased his fingers along mine. “I told them you’d make space.”
I blew out a long breath, steadying my balance. We walked through the large corridors and passed the arches leading out to the courtyard. Powdered light illuminated the ancient stone and hanging red-and-gold banners.
“I didn’t have much choice.” I half-smiled. “I must dress first.” I had hoped to go through the books from the archives, but a peace treaty came first.
“Go. I’ll meet you there, and, Winter…” He tugged my hand as I went to walk away, spinning me around. “I love you.”
My cheeks flushed with heat. My next breath caught in my throat. There were people around, but a part of me cared less and less the more I was with him. Still, I lowered my voice to a whisper. “I…”
