Page 33 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“Do I really need to be escorted?” I frown at the prospect of someone always being around me, chaperoning me. It’s bad enough Sir Holden accompanies me through all the corridors, which I aim to contest as soon as I see the king.

“Just today, so you can be shown where you need to go.” Indira works a knot out of my hair that makes me grind my teeth. “If you feel comfortable enough finding your way around afterward, you may do as you please.”

Once Nadya and I are dressed and ready, we move toward the door together. Indira shuffles around the room, tidying up. Just as I open thedoor to step into the hall, I hear a gasp behind me. I turn to find Indira holding my gown from last night, her fingers clinging to the ruined tulle.

“By the gods! What have you done?”

Nadya’s eyes widen, but I can tell she’s holding back a laugh.

“Sorry, Indira. We’re late for breakfast.” I push Nadya through the door and shut it behind us.

We can still hear Indira’s screeching as we hurry down the hall with Sir Holden not far behind us. Nadya’s giggles echo around us. We don’t slow our pace until we round the corner. As I catch my breath, Nadya takes my arm.

“What time did you leave the party?” she asks.

“I don’t know the hour. But it was late.” I shrug. “I barely remember Torbin escorting me to my room.”

Nadya’s eyes widen. “Scandalous!”

I shove her away playfully. “Nothing scandalous took place, especially with my faithful Royal Ward standing at my door. Torbin said goodnight and kissed my hand.”

“While gazing longingly into your eyes, I bet. I’m sure if you had invited him into your room, he would have jumped at the chance.”

I bite my cheek, recalling the dreamy look he’d given me before he left for his room. I think Nadya is right, but I don’t say a word. Nadya doesn’t gossip on purpose, but she slips into conversations easily, and I don’t want to give her any fodder that might travel back to royal ears.

“Speaking of inviting people into rooms.” I check over my shoulder to make sure Sir Holden isn’t close enough to hear me. “Someone certainly jumped at the chance to be in yours last night.”

Nadya’s jaw drops. “How do you—?”

“Apparently, the walls between our rooms are thin.”

A warm glow reddens her cheeks. “Oh, gods. I’m so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be.” I elbow her. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself and not wallowing in your room. I feel bad enough dragging you here with me, giving you no choice in the matter.”

“I had a choice. I’m happy to be here with you.” She hooks her arm through mine again. “I’d never let you go through this alone.”

“I’m grateful for you.” I raise my brows. “And I’m grateful for the extra pillows in my room with which I covered my ears last night.”

The dining hall of Ivystone Citadel is a grand and imposing chamber, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings. The center of the room features a large, oak table surrounded by highbacked chairs. The table is draped in rich fabrics and set with gleaming silverware and polished goblets. An array of delicious aromas wafts through the air, tantalizing my senses as I take in the sight before me. The walls are adorned with portraits of noble ancestors, capturing the essence of a lineage steeped in tradition. I can’t help but notice from the portraits that King Silas resembles his father, and his father before him, and so on.

My stomach rumbles in anticipation as I take in the sight of freshly baked bread and pastries, their golden crusts glistening under the soft glow of the chandeliers above. Bowls of assorted fruits catch the light, their vibrant colors adding a touch of freshness to the scene. A tantalizing aroma fills the air, a medley of cheeses and cured meats enticing my senses. Fluffy scrambled eggs sit alongside crispy bacon and plump sausage links, while delicate slices of smoked salmon rest beside wedges of honey melon.

“Oh, thank the gods,” Nadya whispers. “I’m starved.”

I expect to find the king and queen at the table, but instead, I find the king and Dante. I bristle before continuing into the room. Refusing to sit next to the man who wouldn’t stop calling me a “pirate,” I move to the opposite side of the table. Before I go to my chair, I quickly take in his appearance.

His black, linen shirt seems crisp and clean, confirming my suspicions that he’s got a servant looking after him in the castle. He may not have been pampered growing up, but he is certainly living a privileged life now. The high collar of the shirt partially hides his neck, and the long sleeves are folded up at the cuffs. His well-fitted trousers arethe same shade as his shirt, making me wonder if he owns clothing in anything else but black. His leather boots appear polished, and the silver buckle of his belt gleams in the light.

I curtsey. “Good morning, Your Majesty.” I sit, not acknowledging Dante in the least.

As much as I avoid eye contact, however, I can feel him watching me.

Nadya curtseys as well before taking the seat beside me.

“Where is Her Majesty, the queen?” I ask. “I wanted to thank her for the lovely welcome party.” Her absence seems strange, especially since Indira had mentioned theroyalswere expecting me.

The king eyes me for a moment, sucking his teeth while he sloshes his wine around in his cup. “The queen is feeling ill. Too much of the drink, I assume. Women never could hold their liquor like a man.”

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