Page 59 of Crimson Kingdom
True to his word, Theo had quietly left during the council room meeting today.
There was a part of me that missed his easy, steady presence, if for no other reason than because he had been my friend.
But mostly, I was grateful to have one less complication when things between Evander and I were convoluted enough.
After the meeting, I headed back up to my rooms, exhausted from my wounds and from this entire mess of a week.
Gallagher met me there to encourage my wound to heal a little more thoroughly, and I promptly passed out for the rest of the day. Apparently, for the rest of the night, also.
By the time Taisiya woke me, it was to prepare for the festival.
I usually loved the festivals, but this one was already different. Evander would be there for all of the people to see as we flaunted our engagement to the kingdom.
Taisiya helped dress me in one of the new gowns that Madame Freya had sent over, one the same dark purple shade of the violets that grew in the gardens.
The gown itself was elegant and understated. The only thing I added was the brown leather belt that housed my short sword. We always attended the festivals unadorned so that we could wear the things we purchased from the booths.
Once my curls were smoothed out, braided in the front and falling freely down my back, Avani applied my cosmetics before I returned the favor.
Her gown was similar to mine, only a dusty blue, and her hair was pulled back in a ribbon that matched.
Her features were drawn, and she shot several longing looks at her bed, but she was determined to go. I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
This was our first Summer Festival without Mac, but if anything, that would only intensify the scrutiny we were under. She didn’t let go of my hand until we made it to the grand staircase.
We froze at the top of the stairs to inhale the scent of the summer festival through the open windows.
“Waffles,” we both breathed out in unison, and the corner of her mouth lifted just a little.
The vendors had begun setting up their booths the night before, and the scents of our favorite waffles, roasted nuts, and spiced hippocras were already permeating the air. My stomach growled in anticipation.
As we descended the stairs, I scanned the familiar faces, landing on one in particular. I hadn’t even realized I was searching for him until I saw him watching me descend the stairs.
Evander stood next to Uncle Finn, wearing the same outfit as the rest of the men in my family, a blue-and-green ceremonial tartan kilt paired with black leather boots and a formal summer jacket. To top it all off, a sporran was chained to his waist.
I swallowed, having been wholly unprepared for the sight of Evander in a kilt today.
As usual, his face was freshly shaven and his hair was swept aside, except for the one stray piece falling carelessly onto his brow. He didn’t appear to be bothered by the fact that he was standing in what was essentially a man skirt, waiting to face an enormous crowd.
Truthfully, I couldn’t quite tell how he felt about it, since his features were carved into his usual arrogant mask.
Though there was nothing casual about the look in his eyes when he took me in.
Avani stepped a few paces away to talk to Aunt Isla while I made my way to Evander.
“Lemmikki,” he greeted me.
Darling.
“Evander.” My voice came out more breathless than I intended, and his eyes darkened.
Davin strode over, effectively breaking the tension.
“Is it drafty in here today or is it just me?” he asked, clapping Evander on the shoulder.
Evander’s lips twitched in amusement. “A bit. A bit.”
“I can imagine,” I said, shaking my head.