Page 146 of Arrows and Gems
A throat cleared behind her. “Shall I go ahead? I’m sure they remember me from last year.”
“No, we may as well get this over with.” Rafe tugged on Helena’s arm. “No sense putting it off.”
“I thought you weren’t concerned about Michael’s reaction.” Frowning, Helena twisted her free hand in her skirt. “The stewarddidshow us to rooms.”
Rafe kept his eyes focused ahead. “My letter only statedthat I was bringing my fiancée. I did not mention your name.” Glancing over, he added, “But no, I do not expect Michael to be a problem.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
He swallowed. “I have not visited Daraigh since Michael’s wedding. I was the only unmarried prince present, and the noblewomen… Thank the heavens I’d brought Daphne with me.”
Helena smothered a smile at the thought of her forest-dwelling outlaw in the midst of such a flock. “Why? Did she chase them away?”
“No, she brought Raoul.”
Helena’s lips twitched wildly, but her voice was mostly level when she spoke. “You poor thing. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from the scary women this time.”
Rafe scowled at her but didn’t respond.
They soon reached the room where the soirée was being held. Most people gave them little more than a nod, not recognizing Rafe after four years. If they remembered Helena from her brief visit a year and a half ago, they didn’t acknowledge it.
“Raphael, welcome back. I was pleased to hear that you had returned from exile.”
Helena drifted behind Rafe as he faced the voice. “Michael. Arabella.” He nodded to the Daric couple. “Thank you; it is good to be back.”
“I was surprised to receive news of your visit. Your letter said you were bringing your betrothed, did it not?” A true smile brightened Michael’s voice. “Where is she?”
She pressed against Rafe’s back, but he wrapped an arm around her and drew her forward. “We met while I was in hiding, but I believe you are already acquainted.”
Michael’s smile froze, and Helena didn’t miss the way Arabella’s hand convulsed on her husband’s arm.
“Helena,” Michael said stiffly. “This is a surprise.”
Reaching up to grasp Rafe’s hand, she held on for dear life. She felt the urge to hide behind a bold front, but she shoved it away. She’d learned to be vulnerable in the last few months. And if ever there was a time to be vulnerable, it was now.
“I wish it were a pleasant one.” Her voice wavered, but she tried to meet Michael’s eyes. “I asked Rafe to bring me here so I could apologize. To both of you.”
“Apologize?” Arabella echoed quietly. Her eyes were narrowed in suspicion, but she didn’t move to have Helena ejected. “Why would you bring your betrothed here to apologize?”
Helena winced. “I didn’t think you’d let me in on my own. I hoped coming with Rafe would prove that I’m not here to make trouble this time.” She leaned into him, taking comfort from his quiet strength. “I really am very sorry. Returning to the world after my curse was disorienting, but that doesn’t excuse my actions. I understand if you want me to leave and never come back, but I—I had to apologize in person and beg your forgiveness.” Her head dropped. “Even though I don’t deserve it.”
Michael wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “I appreciate you not detailing the reasons in this public place. Not to cause trouble, but does His Majesty know the reason he accompanied you?”
“I had a full confession before we left Ralnor,” Rafe answered dryly, “but we can have a private discussion to compare stories if you wish.”
Arabella’s eyes widened, but Michael simply dipped his head in a shallow bow. “That won’t be necessary. I have never known Helena to be dishonest; if you say she gave a full confession, then I trust that she did.”
“So you’re not throwing me out?” Helena asked with a shaky smile.
The other princess stepped forward and set a hand onHelena’s arm. “Of course not. We all make mistakes.” She glanced back at her husband. “What matters most is what we learn from them.”
Forgiven.
Another piece of Helena’s wounded heart began to heal. She didn’t deserve such acceptance from Michael’s wife.
“Thank you, Arabella.” Helena’s smile wobbled, but she managed to hold back the tears. “That’s amazingly kind of you.”
“Naturally. That’s who she is, isn’t she?”
