Page 60 of A Kingdom so Crimson

Before I could storm away, he grabbed my arm, yanking me back with a force that made my teeth clench. He opened his mouth to say something, then shut it abruptly, gritting his teeth, and stalked past me out the door.

Glancing back at the footman, who seemed frozen under my gaze, I sighed and continued out. The soft strains of music followed me all the way to my room.

I had a sinking feeling that this dinner would unfold much like the one where Jesri blindsided me with Levon. And once again, I felt utterly unprepared.

21

The next day unfolded like any other, but with an undercurrent of dread that lingered until Elise knocked on my door, holding out my dinner dress, which she said Levon had selected. It was a soft green silk adorned with shimmering gold tulle that cascaded along the skirts and climbed up the bodice like a constellation of the heavens. Thin straps embellished my shoulders with golden caps that trimmed the top.

Elise clipped a golden jewel into the right side of my hair before finger curling my hair, letting the locks cascade down like a flowing curtain.

"Elise, I apologize for running off yesterday. I…I've never been great at making friends," I confessed as she curled my ends.

"We understand, and we're always here for you. I'm happy to see you're okay." She squeezed my shoulders, offering a reassuring smile. "You look beautiful."

I glanced back into the vanity. "Thank you for everything. You must be a Magic to make me look this good," I complimented with a smile.

We shared a laugh, but it left me with a hollow feeling in my chest, reminding me of similar conversations I had with Aoife. I made a mental note to write to her before bed tonight to tell her everything, although I was sure Calum had already filled her in on the details.

I turned back to my reflection as Elise finished the last curl. My eyes sparkled like a brilliant green constellation against the shimmers of my dress, while the charcoal liner and dusty pink lips softened my tan skin. "Thank you," I whispered as she helped me into the nude heels that Levon had insisted I wear.

"Oh, these men are in for a delight," Saasha remarked, opening the door and settling onto the bed. I chuckled, uncertain how to act under the scrutiny of unfamiliar eyes.

"Do you know why we're having this dinner?" I asked, eagerly hoping itwasn'tto parade me off.

The two of them shrugged in unison, shaking their heads. "Sir Alder enjoys lively company, and I'm sure he wants his friends to meet you before you head for the King's Court. The more people on your side, the better," Saasha explained.

"Why?" I asked, unsure why I needed people on my side or why I had to pretend to be someone I wasn't.

"A bigger wager for the contestants?" Elise faltered. "I wish I knew. But…come now, Sir Alder said I need to get you to his room by six."

She tugged my arm, pulling me off the chair, as Saasha followed suit, intertwining their arms with mine. We passed his study and the stairs, heading to the west corridor and balcony. It wrapped around the library below and led to several doors and various hallways I had yet to explore.

"His door is at the end. Good luck," Elise said, kissing my cheek while Saasha squeezed my hand.

I watched them until they rounded the corner and went out of sight. Pushing down the thrum of dread poking through thecalm, I approached the dark mahogany door. Knocking, I heard a shuffle of feet, and then the door swung open, revealing Levon shirtless and frozen, his eyes grazing me as if he had never beheld such views before.

I smiled tightly, trying to push down the rising awkwardness, as he stepped aside and allowed me to enter.

The click of the door closing behind me echoed through the room. I glanced around, taking in the neatness of his space, with its gold and teal accents. A cobalt rug lay beneath his bed while a leather lounge chair sat nearby. The far wall was adorned with shelves of books, some resting on a small desk nearby. Turning back to him, I avoided meeting his gaze, focusing on his face, which was almost completely healed.

His features were marred with bruises only a few days ago, and they had seemingly vanished. His vibrant eyes furrowed, catching my sudden surprise.

"Elise came in, and," he breathed out, striding to his armoire, "powdered my face—made sure it wasn't noticeable. I couldn't be hosting a dinner with the guests to leave with that gossip," he mused as if nothing was unsettled between us.

"She did an excellent job," I remarked, holding my breath.

He turned back to me, taking hold of a white tunic, his eyes sliding up me again.

"She did, indeed." He pulled the shirt on, quickly buttoning it up. "Forgive me, I didn't realize it was already six."

I gave him a forgiving shrug, walking toward the bookshelf. My heart still racing with uncertainty.

I ran my hand over the spines of the books, waiting until he was fully dressed before turning back to him, not trusting my thoughts or eyes. Across the floor, I heard a shuffle of movement as I continued my survey of his personal library.

My hand slid over a familiar-looking book with black strappings. I traced the spine, recalling the first day I arrived atthe library and my previous encounters. I pulled it out, seeing the cover tarnished from use. Unclasping the first latch, I was stopped by Levon's hand over mine.

"I'd rather my personal journal remainpersonal," he teased with a smirk, taking the book away and clasping it shut.

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