Page 123 of The Throne Seeker
“Although I’m not worried about you, Iamterribly worried about Tristan. So I’ve asked Roman to stay by your side today. He’ll make sure Tristan won’t do anything foolish.”
Panic spread.
No. Anyone but him. “No,” she blurted, then said slower, “I’m sorry, it’s just—Do you think that’s really necessary? Roman must have much better things to do today.”
“Unfortunately, it isentirelynecessary,” the queen replied in a voice that let Rose know the decision wasn’t up for debate.
She cursed internally. Just when she thought the day couldn’t get any worse.
“On that note—we should go down, or we’ll be late,” the queen said, prodding her to follow.
Rose took a deep breath, unable to prolong the inevitable any longer.
She could do this. She would be fine. She would survive.
And with that affirmation, she followed the queen.
CHAPTER 53
Rose followed the queen down the mountain of stairs, finding Harriet and her mother waiting for them at the entrance of the hall. Her mother and the queen entered the double doors first, talking to each other in whispers.
Just as Rose was about to follow them, Harriet caught her arm, stopping her mid-stride.
“I’m sorry,” Harriet blurted out unexpectedly.
Rose blinked, caught off guard by the guilt she lying in Harriet’s icy-blue eyes.
Harriet slowly lowered her hand from Rose’s arm. “I’m sorry I’ve been so cold and distant with you lately. It’s just…” She swallowed, nervously gathering her dress with her hands. “Ever since you came back, everything’s gone so terribly wrong. After Xavier’s tribunal, our family hasn’t been the same. My mother’s health has been declining, and I’m convinced it’s because of everything that’s been happening. And I’ve tried to fix it, but no one ever bothers to ask or even listen to poor little Harriet—” She cut herself off, taking a deep breath before starting again more slowly. “All that is to say I was angry. I needed someone to blame, and I misdirected that anger at you, and I’m sorry,” she ended in a whisper, her glossy eyes brimming with sincerity.
Rose’s heart plummeted to her stomach;shewas where it had all gone wrong. Half of her sympathized with Harriet’s qualms and even agreed with her. Rose’s return had altered everything for their family.
But to be fair, she’d had a good amount of help.
Rose took a small step forward. “I’m sorry, too, for everything.”
Harriet took her hand, squeezing it. “Ireallywanted you to be my sister-in-law.”
She forced herself to smile, biting her lip to keep it from quivering. “Me, too.” Then she lost all composure and hugged the young princess. “Me, too,” she whispered again.
They stayed like that for a moment before Rose pulled away, clearing her throat. “You should go in. Your mother will be wondering where you are.”
Harriet took a deep breath, nodding. “If you needanything, just let me know.” She offered her one more sympathetic smile before disappearing into the hall.
Rose hesitated, standing before the double doors, raising her chin with sheer determination.You can do this,she repeated to herself.
She squared her shoulders and entered the hall.
She had never seen such a magical room. Sunlight streamed through the grand, gold stained-glass cathedral windows, filling the room with a rainbow of soft colors. Greenery and flowers flooded the walls, ceilings, and pillars, leaving no surface uncovered. On either side of the altar, enormous bouquets overflowed from their milky-white vases. Dozens of candles flickered proudly atop gold floor-length candelabras placed throughout the room. An elegant ivory rug lined the middle aisle, leading up to the altar. Even the brass chandelier sparkled with a fresh polish.
Satin and her mother must have heavily weighed in on the décor. In a more traditional Cathan wedding, the hall would have been full of red and gold instead of greenery. The room was packed, and most guests were already seated in the wooden pews. She glanced over them lazily.
Until she saw him.
Any hope of getting through this wedding came crashing down with one blow.
Tristan was dashingly handsome, of course. His usually messy golden hair was neatly combed, not a strand out of place. He wore Cathan’s traditional red and gold tunic, giving him a fairy-tale look. His skin had a golden hue thanks to the stained-glass window behind him. His face was grim, eyes staring down at the floor like he was in a trance—no doubt trying to be rid of the effects of all the alcohol he’d had last night.
As if he could sense her, he looked up.
