Page 103 of Hollow Court
That I could go back to not understanding what it was to lose someone, when lately it seemed that was all I did.
Sometimes I wanted to punch that version of me in the face.
Then again, right now, I wanted to punch tonight’s version of me in the face, as well.
What was I thinking?
That was a ridiculous question. I had been thinking about the way Galina’s skin felt against mine, about her perfect, full lips and her wry sense of humor and all the best parts of us while I ignored every last body we had buried in the backyard.
For all that I had accused her of not knowing what she wanted, was I really any better?
The thoughts whirled relentlessly in my head, refusing to let me sleep. So I stayed awake, researching laws and answering invitations on behalf of myself and the woman I was trying and failing not to think about.
The one I could still taste on my lips, even after my second glass of whiskey.
All in all, it was a relief when there was a light knock on the servant’s door to my room. I looked up, surprised to find gentle rays of sunlight already creeping through the heavy curtains.
Blaine entered the room just behind his knock, bringing a breakfast tray along with several pieces of mail. His usually unflappable expression twisted into something close to concern as he looked me over.
It was fair, if I looked anything like I felt.
Though, the frequency with which I was seeing this expression on him lately was becoming rather alarming.
While he sent for a bath and an entire carafe of coffee, I picked at my breakfast tray and began reading through the stack of mail he had delivered. One piece caught my attention with an official-looking red wax seal. Apprehension churned in my gut when I beheld the crossed swords and scroll sigil.
It was from the Assembly.
I braced myself as I unfurled the letter, scanning the page. I read it once, then twice before my mind wanted to comprehend the innocuous-looking script.
In light of recent events with the rebel attacks, we feel it would be prudent to expedite the decision regarding Lithlinglau estate and the surrounding territories.
The vote will take place 29 Samhain, 307.
The air whooshedfrom my lungs.
The vote had been moved up.
Instead of the four months I was supposed to have to win the Assembly over, I was now down to five short weeks.
* * *
I calledmy family and Galina to my private study, spending the few minutes before they arrived racking my brain, trying to figure out the motive behind moving up the vote.
Was it because of the executions? The attack on the village? Had Tavish accomplished what he set out to do with those things, making me look weak?
Or was it the opposite? Was this an underhanded move on Tavish’s part because he was scared that he was losing favor?
His wife had been talking to the docket master’s wife.
And I hadn’t been paying attention.
Stars damn it all.
My father arrived first, followed shortly by the twins. My mother and Galina were right on their heels, escorted by Ewan, who stayed to guard the hallway.
Galina, of course, showed no signs of the fatigue I felt. Her hair and cosmetics were done to perfection, her pristine gown another blend of the styles in our kingdoms, this time in gold.
She was calm. Collected. A polite smile adorned her lips as she nodded in greeting.