Page 18 of Crimson Kingdom
“That was not your fault. You did try.” My voice lowered to a whisper. “And you’re here, still trying.”
Theo met my gaze, his arms moving slowly around me, giving me every opportunity to stop them.
I didn’t.
He pulled me into his lap, cradling my head under his chin and quietly holding me there. My eyes fluttered shut, and I allowed his comfort to settle into my bones.
It could be so, so easy.
CHAPTERTEN
It was a whirlwind two weeks of council meetings and dinners and dances where the courtiers not-so-subtly propositioned Theo the minute my back was turned.
This evening promised to be even more fun, because the Bear delegation was arriving. At least Mila would be here, even if I would have to spend the next week reminded of...well,everything.
I propelled myself forward into the ballroom, where Theo was already waiting. He smiled warmly when his eyes met mine, crossing the room to greet me.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to you looking so proper all the time.” He gave my neatly styled curls a significant glance.
In fairness, it wasn’t that they were always unruly, just that no one in Socair had known how to style them. The twins were magic, though.
“Well, propriety is what every girl aspires to,” I joked, trying for a levity I couldn’t quite feel tonight.
“Forgive me.” He shot me one of his dazzling smiles, holding out his arm. “What I meant to say was, you look even more beautiful than usual tonight.”
I took his proffered arm and returned his smile with one that wasn’t quite as solid. My eyes darted nervously toward the entrance at the top of the staircase where the Bear delegation would be arriving at any moment.
Theo tracked the movement, noting the turmoil in my gaze. His brow furrowed.
“I don’t know if Lord Taras is the one who gave you those scars, but your family would never let anyone here hurt you,” he said in a low tone. “And neither would I.”
I went still, casting a glance around at the Great Hall and all of the courtiers waiting for the evening's guests. Now hardly felt like the time to explain the nuances of any of my relationships at Bear, so I only nodded in what I hoped was a sincere manner.
“No, he isn’t,” I responded at last, putting my other hand on his forearm just as we got to our seats. “But thank you.”
Avani was at my mother’s right, and there were two spaces next to Da’ for Theo and me. A few of the courtiers still looked at him with some suspicion, but two weeks of dancing and dinners featuring his undeniably charming smile was winning them over, little by little.
Da’ was another story. He only acknowledged Theo’s presence when forced to by Mamá.
“Rowan.” Da’ held out a hand to help me sink gracefully into my seat, and I took it, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
He reluctantly gave the barest of nods to Theo, then returned to talking with Uncle Oli, who was seated next to Avani.
“I’m sure he’ll come around,” Davin leaned in from his place across the table, speaking in an overly congenial tone.
Suspecting that he was about to irritate Theo yet again, I kicked him under the table, but it apparently didn’t land hard enough because he went right ahead talking.
“He’s always a bit rough around the edges when someone’s family kidnaps his daughter, but he’s sure to get over it in no time.”
I glared at him.
“Indeed,” Theo said drily, an uncomfortable expression crossing his features.
This only made Davin’s smug grin grow wider, and I kicked him again, for all the good it did with my flimsy ineffectual slippers.
Thankfully, we were saved from further conversation by the announcement of the first dance, which my parents led out, as usual. It was a familiar song, one that Mac had loved.
I risked a glance at my sister. Her face was impassive, but she was clutching the arms of her chair, her golden wedding band cutting into her slim finger. There was no subtle way for me to go to her, but Jocelyn leaned over, placing a hand on hers.