Page 53 of Crown of Hearts
“Of course I haven’t,” I retorted. “Lance will always have his own best interests in mind, but right now, I need his help.” I reached for his arm. “Just like I need yours. Will you please help me find Princess Eloisa?”
He sighed and bit his lip. “Why do you always make it so difficult to say no to you?”
My lips curled up into a smile. “It means a lot to me that you’re doing this.”
“Then it would be an honour, my queen.” I felt relief wash over me at finally having my friend back.
* * *
Cai suggested we all have dinner together that evening, even though we’d shared lunch earlier. Though Lady Meredette did finally go home which I had no complaints about. Cai didn’tappear very excited at Ray’s return, but I was grateful that he allowed him to stay at the palace in Norrandale.
“Do I really have to go?” Ray asked when I knocked on his door to share the dinner invitation. “Can’t I just have it in my room or something?”
“The King of Norrandale has requested our presence at his private dinner. It would be very ill-mannered not to go.”
Rhen looked at me like he almost no longer recognised me.
“I don’t want to spend the entire evening in the company of people who think they’re better than me.”
“It’s not like that.” I was quick to come to Cai’s defence. “I’ll be right next to you the whole time and you can tell me all the stories of your travels here and back to Everness.”
Ray didn’t look entirely convinced. I knew this would not be easy for him. Just like me, he’d grown up with very specific beliefs about people in Cai’s position. Something which was not likely to change in one evening over the course of dinner.
“Please.” With matters being as tense as they were, I didn’t want to risk offending Cai or any of the court members. “Just this once and I promise I won’t ask again.”
“You’re asking an awful lot of favours today.” The corner of his mouth turned up in half a grin.
“I know, but I promise I’ll repay you for it. Lots of gold and you can even have your own estate if you want, anything.” Going after Eloisa, with no clear tracks or any clues as to where she might be, would be a very difficult task. But this matter could no longer be left unresolved, and if anyone could do it, it was Ray.
“I don’t want your money, Lara,” he replied softly.
“I know you don’t, but I’ll pay you anyway. I don’t take any of it for granted, I promise.”
When he didn’t respond, I playfully put my hands on my hips. “Now, as your queen, I’m ordering you to be dressed and ready for dinner in an hour.”
When I arrived at the dining room and discovered Ray wasn’t there, I worried he might have bailed on me. Much was my relief when he walked into the room less than a minute later.
I’d never seen Ray in something other than his brown breeches and old linen shirts, but it was clear a servant had helped him pick out something appropriate for the occasion. His black boots were new and recently polished, and the navy jacket fitted him perfectly.
“You clean up nice,” I said in a low voice when he came to stand next to me.
“Why are these shirts so damn uncomfortable?” Ray pulled at the collar.
“I’m afraid it’s something to get used to.”
His eyes took in my dress with the wide skirts and small beads on the bodice and the edges of my sleeves.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing you like this.”
“I’m so glad you could join us.” Our heads turned at the sound of Cai’s voice. “It’s good to have you back.” I knew Cai had never been very fond of him, but I appreciated him making an effort to make Ray feel welcome.
“Your Majesty.” Ray cleared his throat and gave an awkward bow.
“Please, there’s no need for such formalities. We’re all amongst friends here.” He gestured to Gwen, Thatcher and Anesta.
Everyone took their seats at the dinner table, and I was about to reach for the chair next to Ray’s when I heard Cai say my name.
He’d pulled out the chair to his left, waiting expectantly for me to take my seat. Even if things did run a little differently in Norrandale, I knew that kings did not pull out chairs for their dinner guests. It was a way of showing me much respect, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my stomach.
