Page 80 of A Dagger in the Ivy

This seems to put him at ease. He lifts my hand and kisses it, giving me a wink before turning to his friends and lifting his fists in the air. “Tonight, we drink!”

The hall bursts into cheers, and Torbin’s friends carry him out on their shoulders.

I glance at Nadya, whose brows are raised as if she’s waiting for me to comment on the kiss. I simply shrug my shoulders, forcing myself not to wring my hands.

“What did I tell you?” She smirks. “A swoon-worthy love.”

I give her a playful shove. “Come on. Let’s go steal some desserts.”

As nervous as I’ve been to run into Dante after my act of revenge on my balcony, he’s nowhere to be seen for weeks. Though the word around the castle is that he comes and goes as he pleases, I have to wonder if I have anything to do with his absence.

I’m sitting at the breakfast table, pushing my food around with my fork, my eyes having a mind of their own by constantly staring at Dante’s empty chair. The king and queen go through the motions of their meal in silence after yet another failed attempt of me trying to get information about the deal with Mersos. Nadya, who is busy sampling everything in sight, is oblivious to my agitation.

“I’ve started making arrangements for the wedding, Celeste.” The queen lifts her chin, and it’s the first time in a while I’ve seen the hint of a smile emerge on her lips. “I have so many ideas about the flowers and the music. Oh! And we simply must have the finest materials importedfrom Mersos for your wedding gown.”

I offer her a small smile. “That sounds lovely, Your Majesty.”

When Torbin enters the dining hall in his hunting attire, I blanch. It hasn’t been a month since his last excursion. His presence is commanding, almost overwhelming, and for a moment, I find myself studying him—his broad shoulders seem even broader, his strides longer, more purposeful. It’s as if every time I see him lately, he’s grown stronger, more… formidable. But this is not the time for admiration.

“Torbin?” I ignore the agitation in my chest. “I thought you weren’t headed out for another week?”

“I’m leaving earlier,” he announces, his voice deep and resolute as he addresses the room. “I’m on a winning streak, and the game won’t wait.”

“Ah, yes.” King Silas chuckles. “The winning streak of a true Copperhammer. A thrill worth chasing, indeed.”

I can feel my stomach twist with unease as I turn to Torbin. “So soon, though? Again?”

Torbin meets my gaze, his expression neutral, but there’s something in his eyes that I can’t quite place. “Yes, again.”

Suspicion gnaws at me, sharp and relentless. Since when did Torbin become so consumed by his hunts? I feel as if he’s gone more often than he is here. I’ve tried to ignore it, to brush off my concerns, but the way he moves now—so sure of himself, so certain—makes it impossible. I know there’s more to this than just hunting. I push my plate away, suddenly not hungry, and stand.

“I need some air,” I mutter, not bothering to wait for a response. I glance at Nadya, who is midbite, before I turn and leave the dining hall.

There are footsteps behind me almost immediately, quick and determined. By the time I reach the corridor, Torbin has caught up, grabbing my arm gently but firmly.

“Celeste, what is this?” His tone is sharp, irritation clear in every word. “We had an agreement.”

I pull my arm from his grasp, whirling around to face him. “And I’m holding up my end, Torbin! But this—this constant hunting, disappearing at every chance—something isn’t right, and you know it.”

His eyes darken, and his expression hardens. “I don’t approve of you gallivanting off with your army, but I’ve respected our deal. You do what you must, and I do what I must. But under no circumstances are you to become an unreasonable bitch.”

His words cut through me, and I’m momentarily taken aback by the force of them. This isn’t the Torbin I’m used to, the one who always spoke with such care and understanding. There’s a new edge to him, one that’s as unsettling as it is unexpected.

“I’m not…” I start, but the conviction in my voice falters under the weight of his intensity. I close my mouth, stunned into silence by his harshness.

For a moment, the corridor is filled with nothing but the echo of our heavy breaths. It feels like an eternity of heavy stares. But then Torbin seems to realize the impact of his words, and his features soften, if only slightly.

“I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” he says, the apology in his voice only half-hearted. “I’m just… frustrated. But I’ll see you soon, all right?”

I swallow hard and give him a subtle nod.

He leans in, meaning to kiss me, but I turn my head so that his lips land on my cheek. His brow furrows as he pulls away, and I avert my gaze.

“See you soon, Torbin,” I whisper toward the floor.

Before I can look up to see his expression, he turns and strides away, leaving me standing there, confused and troubled. I watch him go, my thoughts a whirlwind of suspicion and concern. This isn’t like him at all, and the more I think about it, the less I can shake the feeling that something is very, very wrong.

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