Page 95 of Brighter Than Gold

“Through here, Your Grace,” the footman said as he opened a large door.

Callan rose from his seat when he saw me, and bowed formally. It was the first time he’d had to bow to me, and I had to hold myself back from laughing at how strange it all seemed.

“Good afternoon, general,” I greeted him.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

“Please, sit with me.”

We were seated around a small square table. Dainty teacups were filled for us, and my eyes roved over the tower of pretty cakes and pastries that had been set out. I noticed Callan giving me a look. I leaned in closer—not too close—but enough so that our conversation could be kept private.

“This is… unexpected, Reyah,” he whispered. “And dangerous.” His face turned a little stern.

“If anyone asks, I requested to speak with you about how the meeting went this morning. If I’d waited days in between it would be far more suspicious.”

Callan took a breath and nodded. He was here now; he’d accepted my invitation. “How are you?” he asked.

“Better.”

“Burke came to see me after you told him. He was irate. Did he—”

“He was patient with me. I knew he was incensed, but I was spared the brunt of it.”

Callan’s shoulders dropped as he relaxed. “Good.”

My eyes traced over the bandages wrapped around him, pinning his arm awkwardly against his torso to keep his ribs from moving. “I feel terrible Callan, I didn’t know the extent…”

“Neither did I. Honestly, I’m all right. I got a fantastic night’s rest with some heavy medication.” He cracked a wry smile.

“Glad you finally slept,” I said, returning his gesture. I sipped at my tea, wishing we could just be alone. If I’d demanded it, the staff would comply immediately, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t talk.

“I miss you,” Callan whispered, and my throat caught.

“I miss you, too.” I took in his dark curls, his deep eyes and I wished so much I could just reach out and touch him. “There is a dinner tomorrow night. Some official thing for me to meet the royal families. I’m dreading it.”

“That sounds fucking terrible.”

“Gods, Callan, it will be. The new, pregnant wife was hard enough to live down, but now that they know I’m a descendant of the Kala—”

“Don’t. Don’t say that here. We can’t ever be caught having conversations like that.”

“We can’t be caught having most of the conversations that I want to have with you…”

“Everyone in the royal families has had affairs. But if the staff hears those words uttered between us, it’s mandatory they report it.”

“Oh.” I stared into my teacup. There was still so much I didn’t know. “You don’t think my requesting to meet you today could give people suspicion though, do you?” Now I was genuinely worried.

Callan gave me a half smile. “It’s always going to be a risk, Princess.”

“I’m sorry then, if this was ignorant of me.”

“I’m sure it will be fine. Please don’t waste energy worrying.” He snatched his hand back quickly, as though he’d caught himself reaching out for me.

“This is going to be very fucking difficult, Your Grace.” His low voice, his tight jaw. Yes, yes it was going to be hard. “How are you adapting to being back in the palace?” he asked.

I sighed heavily. “It’s an adjustment. I’m never fucking alone. I thoughtyouwere incessant, but the lady’s maids are like flies on shit.”

Callan smiled and looked down at his hands, and Gods it hurt to be so close to him and keep up this pretense. But it was a good pain, a rewarding pain like Kaspian had taught me to appreciate.

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