Page 82 of The Iron Dagger
Gideon chuckled, and Hara felt his hand come to rest warmly on her lower back. Something pleasant snared her insides at his touch.
Lord Robert’s eyes flicked over Gideon’s close stance, and a knowing, smug smile lifted his mouth.
“What an attentive escort you are, Gideon,” he said with cryptic amusement.
“Would you excuse us? I have some people who want to meet the woman who saved my life,” said Gideon pointedly, and he led them away.
As they walked through the crowd, Gideon flashed his rakish smile and nodded at people, but he whispered to her, “Corvus is over by the musicians. He is talking to Ambrosius Tenn, owner of one of the richest mines in Montag. Are you ready?”
“No,” said Hara. “But I think it’s a bit like jumping into an icy lake.”
His eyes flicked down to meet hers, then slowly roved over her gown.
“For what it’s worth, you look extraordinarily beautiful.” He brushed a silky curl from her shoulder and leaned closer, close enough that she could smell the fresh, sharp fragrance coming off of his skin. “Youareextraordinarily beautiful.”
His praise made her sweat slightly beneath the layers of fabric. She stepped away from him. “Perhaps we shouldn’t stand too close. I don’t want anyone to think . . .”
“My parents are ordering me to seduce you,” said Gideon, reaching out to wrap his arm securely around her waist again. “To them, it will look like I am following their orders, but you’ll know the truth. I want every man here to know that those gorgeous legs are mine.”
Hara blushed and gazed down at her legs barely peeking out from the deep-velvet overskirt. The impressive weight of the dress felt almost like armor. She was a glittering, untouchable version of herself, which was exactly how she wanted to appear to Corvus.
Hara swallowed and fussed with the edge of the overskirt. The man had haunted her dreams and served as the lightning rod to her anger since she was a child. He was the reason her life had been thrown away. He held so much power that it seemed an impossible task to dupe him and come out the victor.
Suddenly, it felt as though she could only draw breath into the tops of her lungs, and she could feel her heart thrumming in her throat.
Through her nerves, she felt Gideon’s warm finger under her chin, raising it.
“Look at me.” All trace of his usual haughtiness was gone, and his eyes were clear and penetrating as he spoke. “You are a great Seer. He is just a man.”
Hara nodded, trying to will the words to overpower her clenched stomach.
“Thank you,” she said.
“It looked as though you needed the reminder,” he said, patting her arm where it intertwined with his.
They walked leisurely together, meandering through the crowd. People parted before them with many simpering smiles and whispers behind hands until finally, there was no one between them and the Emperitor.
Bartram Corvus turned to them with a grin, his white hair cropped close and his bald spot shining in the glowing light. He wore a small pair of spectacles, and as he studied Hara and Gideon, he dipped his chin to see them more clearly.
He towered over them both, thick about the shoulders and middle. With his formal attire of a satin sash, glittering medals, and shining black boots, he was an intimidating figure.
Until he spoke.
“Gideon my lad, the prince has returned!” said Corvus, grabbing Gideon and pulling him into a crushing embrace with many claps on the shoulder. His eyes shone with pride and affection, and his cheeks were ruddy. “I’ve heard tell of some of your escapades, but I expect to hear them all over a large brandy. Can’t ride a horse anymore, so I must get my adventure secondhand.”
He and Ambrosius chortled together, and then Corvus turned to Hara. “And this must be the lovely young lady I have heard so much about.”
Hara smiled warmly as Gideon brought her forward and said, “I’d like to present our guest of honor, Hara of Mortimer.”
“I’m so pleased to be here. I’ve never been to such a grand party,” said Hara. Let him think her a bumpkin.
Corvus bowed to her, and Hara noticed that he was not wearing gloves. Thank heaven for that.
“Welcome most warmly to Perule, my dear. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. I was never blessed with a son, so Gideon is like my own. If we had lost him, the entire country would mourn.”
“I had no idea I was so well-loved,” said Gideon wryly.
“You’re as loved as I am, which isn’t saying much!” Corvus boomed with laughter. He gestured to the overflowing vases of flowers and the general splendor of the room. “Eleanora does know how to butter the bacon, doesn’t she? No half measures. And why not? Falk’s investment is paying off, isn’t it, Ambrosius?”
