Page 55 of The Rejected King
He wasn’t willing to give up anything for her. Just like Portlend wasn’t.
Davin would emerge victorious, the adored king with the perfect queen, and Emree would be...well, heartbroken.
24
Davin
The next morning, Davin stood by the window in his office, staring blankly outside at the drizzling rain. The earth, it appeared, had decided to match his gray and depressed mood with bleak and somber weather.
He hadn’t slept at all last night. Everything in his life was about to change, and for what? So he could remain king of Enderlin? He liked being king, he really did. He liked helping people. He liked the challenge of solving problems throughout the kingdom. He liked putting his ideas to use and figuring out ways to improve quality of life for his people. But none of his efforts were appreciated, and there was something really depressing about giving up your future for people that didn’t even respect you.
A knock sounded at the open door behind him, and Samson’s voice announced, “Your Majesty, the high rulers are in the throne room, waiting for the meeting to start.”
Davin looked over his shoulder. “Thank you, Samson.”
The six high rulers of Enderlin weren’t usually in session this time of year, but they had all traveled to Enderlin castle for the Promenade ball. It was Enderlin’s tradition that once the monarch made his or her decision, the six high rulers would bow before the lucky person as a sign of respect for their next sovereign. Since they had all traveled so far, Davin figured they should at least meet for a few hours to discuss the affairs of their different provinces.
Davin took one last look out the window and at the dripping rain. Another knock rapped on the door. “I know, Samson. It’s time for the meeting.” Davin turned to see Officer Ricks standing by the door.
Davin’s heart rate jumped. Had Emree told Portlend about their kiss?
Portlend had probably come to confront him.
Davin was impressed. It wasn’t everyday somebody came to call out a king, even if they deserved it.
“Excuse me, Your Majesty,” Officer Ricks said as he bowed.
The bow was a bit unnecessary if throwing punches was the guard’s next move. He sized Officer Ricks up, deciding he could take him. Davin had been trained as a soldier, too. He was a little out of practice—okay, he wasa lotout of practice—but his height and stature would help him gain the advantage. He wouldn’t win the girl, but at least he could win the fistfight. He wondered how long it would take before Millar would come in and break it up. There wouldn’t be much time, so Davin would have to get a punch in quickly. Of course, when the fight was over, he wouldn’t punish the soldier. Davin deserved Portlend’s anger. He would pardon him, and then they would all move on with their lives. Portlend would move on with Emree, and Davin would move on...eventually.
Officer Ricks spoke, breaking into Davin’s boxing daydream. “The Tolsten border report came for you.” He walked toward Davin, holding out a paper.
Davin eyed the sheet. Slowly, he grabbed the paper, keeping a close eye on Officer Ricks as if, at any moment, his other arm might come flying at him and land squarely on his jaw. But then the guard bowed again and turned on his heels to leave.
Portlend wasn’t here to fight him?
“Wait,” Davin called.
The guard turned around.
Great. Now what am I going to say?
Davin took a deep breath. “I just wanted to say how lucky you are. Miss Dutson is a special woman, and I’m sure you two will be very happy together.”
The guard’s lips pulled into a frown. “Your Majesty, Emree and I aren’t together anymore.”
Davin’s shoulders fell. It was his fault. His kiss had ruined their relationship.
“We broke up a few days ago. The day you opened the pre-Desolation safe.”
Had Davin heard correctly? They broke upbeforethe kiss?
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Davin stumbled through his words.
“No, I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m embarrassed that my personal relationships have come to your attention. I can assure you, it won’t happen again.”
Davin nodded and watched as Officer Ricks left the room.
They had broken up, and Davin had kissed Emree when she was vulnerable. He’d unknowingly taken advantage of her and had probably hurt her even more. Then his mind drifted to their kiss and the way Emree had responded. The way her hands had wrapped around him, pressing her body against his. She had kissed him back like she had wanted that kiss as much as Davin had. Somewhere deep inside, a cautious hope flared to life. What if she had feelings for him too? How would that change things? Every touch, every long look, every smile, every stolen glance, had meant something. If he took everything else away and focused on those actions, Davin would say that there was a high chance that Emree loved him, too.
