Page 50 of A Dagger in the Ivy

Torbin’s hand subtly tightens on my back, a reassuring gesture. “Celeste brings a strength and grace that will surely benefit our kingdom,” he says, his pride evident. “I am confident our alliance will be prosperous.”

As we move on, Torbin introduces me to more nobles—Lord Harrick, with his stern countenance and deep voice, and Lady Vivienne, who compliments my gown with a genuine smile. Each introduction is accompanied by Torbin’s kind words and gentle gestures, his admirationfor me clear.

I can see how much this means to him—or perhaps to his reputation—and despite my initial reservations, I begin to relax. The nobles’ polite responses and warm greetings ease the tension in my shoulders. Torbin’s confidence and charm seem to smooth over any awkwardness, and I can’t help but feel a growing sense of belonging.

As we finish our circuit, Torbin leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. “You handled that beautifully.”

I smile up at him. “You’re kind, my prince. And you flatter me.”

“I meant every word of it.” His hand, still on my back, moves in a gentle circle.

My skin grows warm, a sense of longing growing deep in my lower belly. But I tell myself to concentrate on the party for now.

Over Torbin’s shoulder, I spot the queen returning to her seat. She wears a new pair of silky gloves and smiles to her guests as if nothing is wrong. Her gaze does not meet the king’s, and he only regards her for a second, as if making sure she has not caused a scene.

“I don’t know how she can stand him.” The voice is low but within clear earshot of Torbin and me. I turn to find it comes from Lord Alistair, the man who complimented the queen’s hair, speaking with another lord whose name I’ve forgotten. Neither of the lords notice that Torbin is standing nearby, their focus on the king’s table.

Torbin stiffens, and I see a flash of anger in his eyes. I feel the need to pull him away from the chatter. Citizens speak ill of their monarchy all the time, but it is just talk, meaningless banter. There’s no reason for Torbin to hear this. Lord Alistair obviously is fond of the queen and must be saying these things out of jealousy.

Lord Alistair continues. “She deserves better than that foul, incompetent, sad excuse of a man. And the sad part is she doesn’t even see it. He’s even had a child with another woman, and she’s accepted it. He’s manipulated her, convinced her that she’s less than she is. The weasel.”

Torbin’s knuckles are white from the fist he’s making. “What say you?” His voice is loud and his tone sharp, obviously not able to holdhimself back anymore.

The lords fluster, the man beside Lord Alistair spitting his wine in surprise.

“Prince Torbin, I d-didn’t see you there.”

The crowd grows silent, all eyes on the prince and Lord Alistair.

“How dare you speak ill of your king and queen.” Torbin grabs the lord by his jacket. “How dare you insinuate that my mother has made any mistakes or is weak in any way.”

I take a quick step back.What is he doing? He seems unhinged.

“N-No, Your Highness, I was simply saying—”

“Shut up! Shut up!” Torbin pulls his arm back and throws a punch, his fist smashing into Lord Alistair’s jaw.

I gasp and stumble back more.

The crowd murmurs and shrieks, and someone pulls me away as Torbin’s second punch knocks Alistair to the floor.

“You insult my family in their own home? You are no lord. You are no true supporter of the crown. You are a fucking traitor!” Torbin throws himself on top of the lord and delivers another punch. His voice is booming now, louder than ever before. “You commit slander, libel, and you offend the dignity of the king.”

Lord Alistair moans in pain, his face bloody and his left eye swelling. His counterpart has since fled the room.

There are no more words leaving Torbin’s mouth. His teeth are clenched, and his face is red with rage as he grabs the man by his head with both hands and slams it into the marble floor.

Oh gods!

Blood pools around the lord’s head. His eyes are void of light, and his mouth hangs open.

Fucking hell.He’s killed him.

Torbin is frozen, staring at the blood as his mouth parts slightly. He seems shocked at what he’s done.

The guards run in, but I can see they are unsure what to do. Their presence seems to have startled Torbin out of his trance. He glances around, his breathing heavy, and he pushes himself off the body of LordAlistair.

My heart is pounding in my chest, and I can’t wrap my head around what I’ve just witnessed. Before Torbin can spot me, I slink back into the crowd, slipping between the people and ducking my head. My senses are on high alert, my nerves telling me to flee.

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