Page 93 of Acedia

While Theon’s younger sister, Rainy, had been exiled at court, I’d spent some time with her to make sure she didn’t make any more idiotic decisions. These two reminded me a little of her. Young. Headstrong. Absolutely convinced that they were right. Cora and Jade were probably more well-intentioned than Rainy, who would stage a coup and run a cult of worship in her own honor at the first opportunity.

“I appreciate you caring enough to say something,” I said diplomatically. “Thank you.”

They both stared at me for a moment before Jade threw her hands up in frustration. “What does that even mean? Are you going to propose or not?”

I grinned. “Iris will be the first to know if I do.”

“That’s the way it should be,” Cora said quickly, cutting Jade off. “Thank you for hearing us out. We look forward to seeing you do the right thing. Come on, Jade.”

I managed not to laugh until they’d disappeared around the corner. That was certainly a first. Usually, only Soren and my brothers told me off like that.

I doubled back as I passed one of the sitting rooms, recognizing the Shade sitting morosely within it.

“Ruvyn! What are you doing here?”

Why did I ask? I already knew.

He started guiltily, glancing around like the answer to my question might materialize in the walls. “I, um, wanted to stop by. And see you,” he added unconvincingly.

“And see me? Really? You wanted to see me?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Obviously not, but you could have been polite and pretended.”

“I could have,” I agreed. “Come with me—I’m on my way to the meeting room now. Harlow is already there.”

His shadows flickered. “She may have mentioned she was attending something today.” Ruvyn hesitated. “I can’t come with you. Those are for high-level diplomas and such, aren’t they?”

“Technically, yes. Also the Crown Prince and whatever friends he invites along.”

“This feels like I am inappropriately exploiting my connection to you.”

I laughed. “What’s the point in being friends with the prince otherwise? Really, you should make more demands. It’s insulting how little everyone asks of me—you must all think I hold no sway at court.”

“Unlikely. After your rousing speech at dinner the other night, I’m sure there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that you are vastly influential at court. In the realm as a whole.”

“That is very flattering to my ego. Thank you, Ruvyn,” I told him sincerely.

He snorted, falling quiet as we approached the meeting room.

“There you are,” Tallulah exhaled, twisting her fingers nervously in front of her baby bump while Evrin stood silently at her side when I finally made it to the meeting room. “I was worried you wouldn’t come.”

“Because you sicced Cora and Jade on me?” I laughed, remembering that Tallulah had been the one to tell them where to find me.

Evrin smirked while Tallulah’s cheeks went pink. “I don’t know why they wanted to talk to you, but they were adamant that it was important. I’m sorry—I hope I didn’t make the wrong call.”

“No, no. Not at all. Shall we head in?”

She clearly wanted to ask what they’d spoken to me about, but seemed to think better of it, biting her lip and nodding.

Harlow was in conversation with Sebastian and looked to be almost falling asleep. What had he said to woo Cosima? I’d yet to see any indication of wit or charm from him.

“I didn’t realize you’d be joining us,” Harlow said, her eyes brightening immediately when she spotted Ruvyn walking in behind me.

“Damen invited me,” he grunted, almost apologetic as he took the seat next to me. Harlow’s expression shuttered instantly, and I sent a small tendril of shadows to flick Ruvyn’s leg under the table. Idiot. How hard would it have been to say something about wanting to see her?

I knew for a fact that Evrin didn’t possess an ounce of charm either. I might be the only male in this room whose social skills weren’t a total embarrassment. Fortunately, I was used to it, having spent most of my time with Allerick and Soren.

“So?” Harlow asked, looking at me and studiously pretending Ruvyn didn’t exist. “What did the king say?”

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