Page 38 of Onyx Cage: Volume II
“On that subject,” the queen interjected with all the subtlety of her second daughter, “might you enlighten us a little more about what exactly the roles of women in your kingdom involve?”
Her spring-green eyes darted between the two of us, and for the first time since I sat down, I realized what a strategic move it had been for them to orchestrate where we sat.
Korhonan and I were seated in front of a veritable firing squad of Rowan’s wildly protective family. Each of them wore earnest expressions, eager to hear our answers. All save Davin, of course, who looked far too amused at this interrogation.
Which is exactly what this was. An interrogation.
Any previous doubt as to why we had been invited for drinks this evening was answered with that realization.
I had known on some level that this subject would be broached from the moment I entered the Council Room and saw firsthand the authority held by women here. And I suspected just about everyone in the room knew damned good and well that women weren’t even allowed in council rooms in Socair.
Of course, that was hardly an issue if Rowan was staying here.
With that in mind, I sat back to allow Korhonan to answer first. I was likely a little too eager to see how he would put his giant foot in his mouth this time. But if it kept my lemmikki in Lochlann and humiliated him in the process, then all the better.
“It is not so different from here. Clan Wives are respected, they host the home, they meet with the women in the clan, and they raise their children.”
Silence followed his words, weighted and heavy like a blanket of snow.
“Women certainly do all of those things here,” Jocelyn cut in smoothly. “But what if she should desire other pursuits?”
Korhonan’s features relaxed a bit, and he sat forward more confidently.
“Like sparring?” he suggested. “Princess Rowan and I have discussed this already that though it is not conventional, we will make exceptions to ensure her happiness.”
Avani’s eyebrow rose, and I took a sip of my drink to hide my smirk at the way the Elk heir was obliviously digging his own grave, telling the royal family he would make anexceptionto allow the princess hobbies.
“That is…” the queen trailed off, and Prince Oliver cut in.
“Accommodating of you. It’s nice to know her wants are being taken into consideration.”
He poured another serving of brandy for his sister-in-law before taking a long dreg from his own glass.
Jocelyn nodded in response to her husband’s words, her features smooth and unreadable enough to be a Clan Wife herself, though no part of me believed she was satisfied with Korhonan’s answer.
“And you, Lord Evander?” Avani asked, and the attention of the room shifted toward me. “Would you make…accommodations as well? Or do you imagine that my sister will be content to be your silent, treasured figurehead?”
I let a small snort escape me, since it was clear this family respected transparency more than they did stoicism. It wouldn’t help matters to say that I didn’t imagine Rowan would be in Bear at all, now that I had given her the option of living in Lochlann.
But Avani was asking what would happen in the event that her sister did choose a life in Socair.
I lifted my glass to my lips, taking another long sip before meeting her eyes again. If I were being honest with myself, I had no idea, but there was one thing I knew beyond all measure of doubt.
“What I imagine is that anyone who knows your sister at all knows better than to count on her silence.”
The barest hint of a smile tugged at her lips. “On that, at least, we can agree.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Things were slightly less tense the rest of the evening, but that didn’t mean it was strictly comfortable. I didn’t imagine I was the only one relieved to be dismissed when the queen was called away to look in on baby Ellie.
Unfortunately, that relief was interrupted by a sulking Korhonan following closely on my heels all the way up to our rooms.
By the third time he sighed, his giant shadow hovering too closely to mine as I reached for my doorknob, I finally addressed him.
“Surely this hall is large enough for both of us,” I said flatly. “Or do you find yourself in need of a protector this evening? I am sure my men would agree to escort you wheresoever you wish.”
I gestured toward my guard tonight. “Isn’t that right, Pavel?”