Page 65 of Crown of Hearts
“It’s my cousin, the Duke of Orrington.” There wasn’t a hint of loathing in his voice. In fact, he seemed quite eager to greet the duke. And next to him, an angel made woman. The duchess had long waves of golden hair and a bright, warming smile. She seemed to radiate elegance and grace as the couple made their way across the room.
Behind them, Lady Meredette also had a gentleman at her side. Though it seemed her only interest was in pretending he didn’t exist as her eyes scanned the ballroom.
“Charlie!” Cai called out and greeted the duke.
“Please, cousin, will you never refrain from calling me Charlie when you know I prefer Charles?”
“Well, I need to keep you humble in some way.” Cai chuckled, inclining his head to the duke’s wife. “Delany.” She bowed with that same warm smile at the sound of her name.
Cai placed his hand on the small of my back and pulled me closer. “May I introduce Queen Elara of Everness.”
“Your Majesty,” both of them said, and I watched the duchess slip into a deep curtsy. “It’s an honour to finally meet you,” she met my gaze. Even her eyes looked like they sparkled. How was it possible for someone to be so beautiful and charming? It made me want to hate her, while wishing I was her at the same time.
“I’ve heard much about you,” I replied, and her expression faltered, though she tried to hide it. Did I sense nervousness? How could I make someone nervous when I was the one intimidated by every person in this room? Perhaps I would never get used to my title.
“All good, I hope,” Charles chose to reply.
“Of course. Cai only ever speaks fondly of his family.”
“I simply adore your necklace, Your Majesty.” At first, I was unsure whether or not to wear the necklace that actually belonged to Cai’s family but it looked so beautiful with the dress Anesta had picked out and I seemed to have Cai’s grandmother’s permission to wear it for the most part.
“Thank you.” I looked down at the sparkling jewels. “It was a gift.”
I met Cai’s eyes as I said the words and he gave me a knowing grin.
“I’ve never seen its equal,” Delany continued. “It’s practically glowing.”
“It must be all the candlelight.” I shrugged it off, but my eyes glanced down at the jewelled necklace, nonetheless. A strange feeling settled in my stomach, which I blamed on nerves.
“Do you intend to stay at court?” Cai asked his cousin.
“Perhaps for a few days. I don’t want to be away from the estate for too long. We have quite a few hunts arranged.” Charles shrugged.
“You must come hunt with me on the palace grounds sometime.” Cai’s hand didn’t move away from my back. Instead, his thumb started making idle circles. I tried not to shiver.
“I’ll come as soon as I am invited, cousin.” The duke had a dashing smile.
“Matters at court have been keeping me busy,” Cai apologised. “But we must arrange something soon.”
“If you’ll excuse us.”
They both bowed again before going to greet their other acquaintances.
When Cai didn’t say anything for a long time, my own nerves rose. I wished I knew what was going on in that mind of his. “You know, I didn’t look forward to tonight, but this is actually very pleasant.”
“I know a ball seems frivolous and unnecessary with everything that’s going on, but I feel like we all needed one night where we don’t have to make important decisions. One night where we don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying ourselves.”
“You’re too hard on yourself.” I turned to better face him. He didn’t notice my stare as he continued to look out towards the crowd.
He had to have been the most handsome man I’d ever seen. Just by looking at him it was as if I could feel his mouth on me again, the way he held me in the library. We’d not had a proper chance to be alone since, or to discuss how this affected our relationship or the alliance. Maybe it was the wine or the built-up stress from the past few weeks, but I couldn’t help myself any longer. I pressed up next to him, my head leaning on his shoulder. I just wanted to feel him near me.
“Would you like to dance, Queen Elara?” His voice was soft enough that only I could hear.
But I shook my head. “No, I just want to stay right here with you.”
“Afraid you’ll embarrass yourself on the dance floor?”
“Oh, I think we both know I’ll embarrass myself on the dance floor.” I felt him smile into my hair.
