Page 128 of Enchanted Heir
I smiled. I did want to go, but I also needed to talk to Mother. Explain to her what I had found out. It was going to be an emotional trip. “Yes.” I removed his hands from my waist. “Now, go shower.”
“Only if it means I’ll get to kiss you again quicker,” he whined.
I laughed and gave him a little bow. “I’ll see you down there, My Prince.”
* * *
I headeddown to the ball with Owen while Krew was still in the shower to not delay us both any further. I was still not in the mood to be around the king, but I knew it wasn’t optional.
I had just grabbed a drink from Rinaldi and headed to find Renna, realizing that finding my friends was going to be a lot more difficult in the crowd now that we weren’t required to wear the same colors.
But I still preferred this over that. A hundred times so.
I headed in the direction of my window, knowing Molly and Renna knew how much I loved that spot. I had barely gotten in view of the window when I felt people moving behind me. They were making way.
I spun back to face the room, curious as to who they were making way for. Krew probably wasn’t even down here yet.
Sure enough, it was the king instead, walking toward me, his silver crown looking as shiny as ever in the lights of the numerous chandeliers.
I look a deep breath and steeled myself. This was a man who liked his kingdom separated, the strong protected by the weak with layers of walls surrounding his fortress on the mountain. A man who killed Krew’s pregnant lover and would have killed the child too. A man who ordered the men working the walls to shoot down and kill anyone trying to go over them.
I loathed him.
“Jorah of Nerede,” the king said as he reached me.
I bowed. “Your Highness.”
He took my hand, bringing it up to his mouth for a gentle kiss. “You look stunning tonight.”
Masking my repulsion had never been more difficult. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
The king cocked his head in my direction. “I heard you found out some sad news about your father this week.”
My pulse quickened.How much did the king know?And where was Krew when I needed him?
“A sad situation as I understand it,” the king continued and then leaned in to whisper, “but the blooms in the forest were breathtaking, Jorah.” He shook his head, softly saying so only we could hear, “Your bloodandyour tears?”
I gave the king a shrug. “I was just as shocked as you, Your Grace.”
“Most impressive,” the king said. “Even though going through a hard time, you manage to impress."
A shiver traveled down my spine. I didn’t give a damn if I impressed him or not. I was not here forhim. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
He smiled at me, not unkindly. “I don’t suppose I can put in a request for some tear samples?”
I couldn’t help the scoff of disgust that came out of my mouth. “Well, Your Grace, I don’t exactly hope to be making a habit of sobbing around the halls of the castle.”
He patted my hand. “Understandably, dear. Just my poor attempt at a joke.”
This was the king’s idea of a joke?
I felt a hand at my lower waist at the same time I smelled Krew’s woodsy scent. “Father.”
“Krewan,” the king said with a nod. “Good evening.” He gave me one last smile. “Do have a good night, you two. Maybe you could have Jorah stay for cards? Five-card draw?”
Krew’s eyes went to mine, and I just knew from the way his eyes hovered on mine he didn’t want that. “I’m sure the other men wouldn’t like getting bested by a woman in cards, Father. She’s quite good.”
“Yes, but it might be good for some of the crown’s most loyal to see that she is more than just a pretty face,” his father argued. “Come on, it’ll be fun, Krewan.”
