Page 28 of Crown of Hearts
“Speaking of which, I’m very sorry for the loss of your husband and the former king.” My eyes trailed over her black mourning dress. A lovely design but undoubtedly melancholic.
“Thank you, dear.” There was a sadness behind her eyes, which was entirely understandable. “I think it’s been harder on Cai than anyone else.”
“Oh?” Cai didn’t often talk about his father, so I had no idea how close they were.
“There was much he still wanted to learn from his father before stepping into the role. He’s putting a lot of pressure on himself to live up to the man.” That I could believe.
“But I’m certain he will be very happy about your surprise visit.” She turned the conversation back to my presence.
“Oh, I don’t know.” I tried to smile through my embarrassment, wondering how much Cai had told his family about who I was and what the two of us had gone through. My hope was as little as possible.
Before Cai’s mother had a chance to respond, Jack walked through the throne-room doors.
“His Majesty the King.” My stomach did a thousand twists and flips, and I momentarily wished I was anywhere but there.
I held my breath as Cai walked into the room. Apart from the slightly messy hair and his on-edge expression, he still looked the same.
The King of Norrandale’s eyes landed on me.
Chapter 8
Cai
One of the last times I’d seen Lara, we were both covered in blood and dirt, exhausted from fighting in a rebel uprising.
And then she’d told me to leave.
Now she stood in front of me, no longer looking like the wild girl who used to climb trees. She looked like a woman who’d lived at court all her life. In the months since we had last seen each other, her appearance had changed. The darkness under her eyes was gone, the colour having returned to her cheeks. She looked stronger. Healthier. It was good to see her face again.
“Lara” was the only word that managed to come out of my mouth.
She gave a small curtsy. “Hello, Cai.”
Her voice was soft and elegant, and, in a moment, she felt like a stranger.
“How are you?” I cleared my throat, attempting to be polite instead of carrying a shocked expression.
“I am very well, thank you.” She folded her hands in front of her skirt, gazing at me through long lashes.
At first, I’d frozen when Jack told me she was here. Not just in Norrandale but in the palace. My mind raced with questions. What was she doing here? Did she see Lady Meredette leave? Did it matter? Would the court be knee-deep in gossip tomorrow about my two female visitors in one afternoon?
I’d followed Jack to the throne room, wondering what Elara thought of Norrandale. She’d never left Everness, but she’d talked about coming to Norrandale before the rebellion happened. As I’d approached the door, I could already smell the sweet scent of her, and my heart raced at the memories it elicited. I could picture her hair, her neck, her mouth, her eyes.
“I apologise for my sudden visit. I would much appreciate if we could discuss a rather important matter.”
I watched the courtiers in the room as they pretended not to be staring and listening to our conversation.
“Of course.” I cleared my throat again. “Would you join me in the study?”
She turned to my mother, who’d been standing next to her. “It was lovely to meet you.”
“You as well, dear.”
Elara gave her a smile. She followed me through the doors of the throne room, the chatter of the courtiers quiet, allowing our steps to echo across the floor.
“It’s good to see you again, Jack.” Elara greeted him with a warm smile.
“You as well, Your Majesty.”
