Page 51 of Hollow Court
Infinitely more confusing, to be sure.
Belatedly, I realized Prince Oliver was studying me, perhaps waiting on some sort of response.
“His best friend growing up,” I supplied, not wanting to comment on how carefree Davin looked or how different it was from the man I had left only a few days ago.
Oliver’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Dav told you about Mac?”
I paused, unsure whether it was information I was supposed to be privy to.
His features softened. “It’s all right, of course. I was only surprised because Davin doesn’t usually talk about him.”
“His options for company were fairly limited,” I said wryly. “And I’m sure you know how he feels about Theodore.”
The prince let out a low chuckle. “I do, indeed, though his dislike certainly makes more sense now.”
Fortunately, we arrived at the breakfast room before I had to respond to that.
I doubted seriously Davin’s feelings about Theodore had anything to do with me or my former pseudo-betrothal, but I couldn’t very well argue with the prince.
* * *
Once breakfast was served,Princess Jocelyn kindly dismissed the servants, so we had privacy in the room.
I braced myself, pulling my armor in more closely and donning my…resting Socairan face.
But, once again, the inquisition I was expecting didn’t come.
“How are you finding your rooms?” Jocelyn asked innocuously, adding a sugar cube to her cup of coffee.
Was she trying to put me off my guard? This kind of conversation was as natural to me as breathing, though, so I responded easily. A compliment, something specific and as genuine as possible.
“They’re lovely. The bed was so comfortable, I nearly didn’t want to leave.” That was true.
Though I mostly didn’t want to leave because I didn’t want to have this conversation.
“You must be tired from your travels,” Oliver added. “I must apologize, on behalf of Lochlann, for the welcome you received. Would that our people were more tolerant.”
“I’m certain that’s a problem faced on both sides of the mountain,” I allowed.
They took turns asking questions and commenting until I finally realized this wasn’t their way of putting me off my guard. Instead, they were testing me.
Jocelyn confirmed my suspicion when she finally gave an approving nod.
“It appears whatever plan you and my son have concocted between you just might work.”
I didn’t feign surprise. We weren’t hiding it from them, after all, and I wasn’t remotely shocked that Davin’s plan had merit.
I had witnessed his skills in action, after all. Still, their acceptance was a relief, so I gave a gracious nod.
Though part of me couldn’t help but wait for the other shoe to drop, wondering if they were only biding their time until Davin got home.
“We’ll introduce you as a visitor to the arriving courtiers.” Jocelyn’s tone was all efficiency now, though there was still an undertone of warmth. “Let them assume what they will, then save the official announcement for when Davin returns.”
“The courtiers are coming here?” I asked.
She gave an affirmative dip of her chin. “Lithlinglau is launching the autumn-winter social season, so some have arrived already, and others will be here shortly. I expect an even larger turnout than usual as it’s Davin’s first year hosting the opening ball since he became acting laird.”
“Yes, the ladies can be quite…exuberant,” the prince added with a smirk.