Page 61 of Crimson Kingdom
They didn’t know him here. Who he was, what he had done, or what he was capable of.
Louder shouts of disapproval came from a row of villagers near the center of the crowd who were hurling accusations toward Evander, as well as my entire family for agreeing to such an alliance.
My mother raised her hands for silence, and the stern look on her face was enough to quiet some in the crowd. Her lips parted, but before she could speak, I stepped forward instead, releasing Evander’s arm for the moment.
I raised my hands in a gesture similar to my mother’s, and slowly, very slowly, silence fell. It was rare that I addressed the people, and I capitalized on their curiosity that I was doing so now.
“You deserve an explanation,” I began.
Shouts of agreement rang out.
“It’s true that I was attacked in Socair.” Fury whipped through the crowd like a raging storm, and I held up a hand once again for quiet. This time, it took even longer than before.
I moved back to Evander’s side, linking my arm with his once more. His cool gaze assessed me in question, but I ignored him.
If today was for the show, we needed to give them one.
“I was attacked by rebels, just like we have here in Lochlann. But, Lord Stenvall,” I paused to look pointedly at Evander, “saved my life. If it weren’t for him, I never would have survived there, and I sure as stars wouldn’t be here with you now.”
I let them hear the truth in every word.
Though a few villagers and even some of the nobles skirting the edges of the crowd still wore dubious expressions, most of their features had softened.
“There has been animosity between Lochlann and Socair for so long that I think we have all begun to forget that there are other people on the other side of the Masach Mountains, not faceless, war-hungry monsters.”
Murmurs of reluctant agreement went through the people.
“Socair is not the enemy,” I said. “And my...future husband isn’t either.”
It was the first time I had actually thought of Evander that way. From the way his muscles tensed under my fingers, I wondered if that was true for him as well.
Breezing past that thought, I gave the people a blinding smile before I finished up my impromptu speech.
“I hope you will welcome him today. And treat him with the same love, kindness, and respect that you have always shown our family.”
The last part was probably a little too far considering the general disgruntlement of the people lately, but the message was clear.
Before I could brace myself, he lifted my hand to his mouth. His warm breath sent shivers down my arm and through my core before his lips brushed against my knuckles.
Heat flashed in his eyes at my sharp intake of breath.
A few in the crowd began applauding, and soon others joined them until the sound was nearly deafening.
“For the show,” he whispered, and I couldn’t tell if he was referring to the affection he showed just then, or to my speech.
Either way, I arched a single eyebrow in a challenge before echoing his statement. “For the show.”
We turned to stand back in line as Da’ made a few announcements about the day’s events, including the Highland Games that were the highlight each year. He welcomed everyone in attendance to participate along with him.
Each of the royals picked one event to compete in each year, and my father generally dominated the tree-trunk-throwing competition.
He also echoed my statement, making sure to remind the crowd, in a more diplomatic tone, that the Socairans would be granted the same respect and protection as any other member of the royal household.
Meaning, if anyone acted out of line today, they would find their arses in trouble with the Royal guard.
The crowd clapped their hands and gave mostly convincing sounds of approval, though it was clear that more than a few still had qualms.
Many qualms.