Page 60 of Crimson Kingdom

“Just be careful on the sparring beam,” Gallagher offered as he approached with his twin, earning a full-throated laugh from Gwyn.

I glanced at my sister to exchange an amused look, but her eyes were distant, her features pulled in sadness. Looping my arm through hers, I gently pulled her to where the rest of the family was waiting in front of the enormous front doors.

Mamá looked up from playing with Ellie to smile warmly at us, but my father’s shoulders were tense, and he only deigned to acknowledge me with a grunt. He hadn’t spoken to me after the council room meeting yesterday, but I had assumed that was only a timing thing since I had gone to bed.

Clearly, he didn’t approve of my decision.

That didn’t sting at all.

So, I ignored him right back, dropping my sister’s arm to take my place next to Evander. Jocelyn looked everyone over, fixing stray hairs and gesturing for them to move until she was satisfied.

When she got to Evander and me, she shook her head gently at the foot of space between us. “Take his arm, Rowan. Remember, today is about the people’s perception of you two.”

“And about a day for our people to celebrate with us,” my mother added.

“Yes, yes. And that, of course.” But she looked pointedly at me before mouthing, “For the show.”

I dutifully nodded, and she moved to stand in line with Uncle Oli.

Evander held out his arm, and I swallowed.

I had danced with Evander. Kissed him. Ridden with my body plastered against his in a saddle and woken up entirely on top of him.

So why did this simple, casual gesture feel bigger, somehow?

CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

The roar of the crowd greeted us as soon as the doors were pushed open, though it dulled to a murmur when they observed Evander in their people’s ceremonial tartan, attached to their princess.

I squeezed his arm, and we both waved before his free hand came to rest over mine. Tiny blasts of lightning shot from his fingertips to every piece of skin they touched.

“Breathe, Lemmikki,” he said in a low tone.

Only then did I realize I hadn’t been.

I couldn’t.

But somehow, I forced my lungs to take in air, smiling for the sake of my people.

There were more guards than usual, some stationed around us and others throughout the crowd, thanks to the recent attack by the rebels and the general mood.

Generally, our people considered festivals as close to sacred as anything got in Lochlann, but nothing was outside the realm of possibility now that we were introducing a Socairan to the mix.

My father’s voice rang out above the crowd. He greeted them first, and they roared in response.

Then they chanted for my mother, as they always did.Warrior Queen.She obliged them, though her personal guard, Callum, stayed nearby with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Next Avani spoke, a quick wish for a happy festival that sounded warmer than I knew she felt today.

And finally, they stepped aside, with Mamá taking the mantle again to announce our engagement officially before making room for Evander and me to move toward the center.

The excitement of the crowd wavered, a few of them obviously unsure about Evander, or any Socairan. I gripped his arm tighter, measuring each of my breaths as we waved to the crowd.

His expression remained impassive as always, though he did wave to the crowds, even those who scowled in our direction.

Those same people began booing and openly criticizing Evander and our engagement, encouraging others to do the same.

Evander tensed next to me, but his features didn’t falter. He was used to the fear his presence brought to the people of Socair. But this was different, at least to me.