Page 61 of Crown of Iron
very fine husband one day,” the Secretary of Coin's wife says, fondling Kyron's arm again.
“Vera, stop groping the boy,” her husband hisses, and they fall into their own whispered exchange.
Being the best conversation I've had tonight, I continue with our ruse. “I'm surprised I've never seen you around the palace before. Is this your first time here, Kyron?”
“My time here is always limited. I report to the king and return to my soldiers. There’s a war to be won, you know.”
“But the harsh realities of war are best eased by the comforting arms of love.” I take a sip of my wine, watching as Kyron's expression lights up. He recognizes the words. They’re the ones my father ended every letter to my mother with and muttered the moment he stepped foot in our house and gathered his children in his arms. I knew it would be a lesson he taught Kyron as well.
“You should let me show you around the capital. Perhaps we can find you a fitting wife together,” I say, flashing him a toothy grin.
Kyron cocks a brow and drops one hand to his lap. No sooner do his shadows slink over the top of my foot, tickling the sensitive skin. “We'll see.”
I take control of his gift and direct it away from my foot. Under my command, it slithers over his shiny dress shoes and up the leg of his trousers, wiggling against the back of his knee. Kyron jerks and his eyes grow wide with a playfulness I've seen many times. “I insist, General LeFur. It's the least I can do when you work so diligently to safeguard our kingdom.”
He smiles at the chicken on his plate and says, “As you wish, Your Grace.”
Satisfied with his public agreement, I lean back in my chair and meet the scrutinizing gaze of Borin. His dark eyes dart to Kyron, who still grins at his food, and back to me. I shift in my chair and stab a mushroom with my fork. Popping it into my mouth, I smile at him, but the worry lines in his forehead only deepen and his mouth sags into a frown.
I have a feeling things are about to getveryugly.
Twenty-Two
Borin removes his cream and burgundy jacket and drapes it over the white sofa sitting before a sleek marble fireplace. He strolls across the drawing room with his hands clasped at his back. The deep brown skin of his bald head reflects the lights from the candelabras meticulously placed throughout the room. He reaches the glossy sable piano I sit at and turns on his heels, walking back toward the sitting area.
As soon as everyone finished the crumbly pastries and creamy pies served for dessert, Micah invited those who wished to stay for a nightcap in the billiards. Most of the guests made their exit for the evening, including my mother and my siblings. Borin saw them to their carriage and informed them I needed to stay longer.
And so, for the past twenty minutes, he has paced the drawing room, setting the tempo to the soft melody I play on the piano with his unwavering steps.
My tutor stops just short of where I sit, and I drop my hands to my lap.
“You're promised to be married, Raelle,” he states, with an edge to his voice.
I wave my ring finger at him. “Not like I can forget, and Kyron and I are friends.”
“You understand the boy is a Stigian.”
“Is he? I just thought his black eyes were dreamy to stare into.”
“You will watch your tone. I have not shown you disrespect, Your Grace.”
I spring up from the piano bench and meet his disapproving gaze with one of resentment. “Haven't you, Borin? You question my ability to make sound judgments, my intentions to keep my promise to marry Leif—as if I could choose differently—and my loyalty to this kingdom.”
“All I'm saying is you should keep your distance from the general.”
“If Micah trusts Kyron to lead in my father's absence, isn't that because he's proven his past has no bearing on who he is today? Not to mention my father cared for Kyron as a son. Why is my friendship even an issue?”
Borin cups my cheeks like I'm fragile and will crumble under his touch, but his tone is a sharp contrast. “This isn't up for debate. You may keep your word tohelp the general find a suitable wife, since you made it publicly, but once he leaves, you will cease all communication with him.”
I step away, jerking my face out of his palms. “You're acting ridiculous and treating me like a child.”
“And your recent decision proves you need to be treated like one.”
“Fuck you, Borin. Don't you dare chastise me for doing what was best for my family.”
“And still you were not able to bring your father home. You ran a fool's errand, jeopardizing our kingdom's future. Micah can only anoint one as his heir, and if something were to happen to you, all of Lucent would fall to Esmeray. Your choices no longer affect just you and those close to you.” I blanch at his strident tone, and he runs his palm over his smooth head. He releases an exasperated sigh, and coolly says, “Get it out of your system, Raelle, because as soon as yourfriendleaves, it is time to grow up and lead your people.”
Borin brushes past me, leaving me staring straight ahead.
