Page 62 of Crimson Kingdom
Hopefully, we had at least done enough to begin to change their thinking. In spite of his arseling tendencies, I knew all too well what it was like to be ostracized and despised in an enemy kingdom.
I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR
We waved again, and Da’ signaled to the musicians to play their instruments to open the festival.
As soon as the crowds began to disperse, Aunt Jocelyn was at my side once again, her face a mask of careful indifference as she looked between the two of us.
“That was well done, Rowan,” she said quietly, eyeing the way my hands still clung to Evander. “I want you two to try to enjoy yourselves today, and spend your time focused on one another. Back up what you told the people about how you feel about him.”
Turning to Evander, she narrowed her eyes slightly. “A smile or two today wouldn’t go amiss, Lord Stenvall.”
He raised his eyebrows, and a chuckle escaped me. “Let’s not get too ridiculous.”
She shook her head.
“At least the Games should help. Which one did you sign up for?” she asked him.
His brow furrowed, and I bit back a smile.
“Don’t worry, Aunt Jocelyn. I signed us both up.”
“For what?” His tone was wary--rightfully so.
“You’ll see,” I said cheerfully.
My aunt eyed us both for a long moment before turning to make sure the others were taken care of.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a few of the older noblewomen watching us, whispering to one another about who knows what. A glance around showed that pretty much all eyes were on Evander and me today.
With a sigh, I leaned in closer to him.
“Well then, Lord Stenvall.” I peered up at his face, my hands running along the lapel of his jacket. “Where do you think we should display our joyous union for the entire kingdom to gawk upon first?”
“Is it joyous?” He asked the question like a challenge, his storm-cloud eyes meeting mine.
If that’s the way you want to play it...
Without waiting for a response, he trailed his fingers lightly from my shoulders to my waist. My heart beat a furious rhythm, and my chest rose and fell too quickly as he pulled me in closer, erasing the distance between us.
Part of me--the biggest part, if I was being honest--wanted to lose myself in this moment with him. But then I remembered why this was all for show.
I forced a nonchalance I didn’t feel, curving my lips up in a false smile.
“That’s an excellent question. I suppose, at least if I am to return to Lochlann, there will be plenty of stableboys to fill my time with. That could be joyous.” I brought my gaze back to his, looking innocently up at him through my lashes. “I’d be discreet, of course.”
His features barely twitched, though his eyes darkened to a charcoal shade of gray. They churned with the ruthlessness I knew always lurked just below the surface as he let out a low, dangerous chuckle, lowering his mouth to my neck.
Shivers raked over me at the whisper of his breath against my skin.
“The moment you wish to forfeit a man’s life, Lemmikki,” he said in a quiet growl, the movement of his warm lips setting my nerve endings on fire. “All you need to do is invite him to your bed.”
He pressed a kiss just below my earlobe.
The crowd around us disappeared as heat spread through every part of me. My entire body pulsed in time with my raging heartbeat.
Evander straightened to his full height, his eyes lingering on mine like he knew exactly how much he affected me. He stepped to the side and placed his hand on my lower back, gesturing for me to lead the way.