“A union that will strengthen this kingdom for the better,” Thomas interjected, helping himself to a glass of wine. “My beautiful city of Voltas is not only an essential port for trade but also possesses the largest naval fleet in the seas. None can rival us.”
“I see.” I wrung my hands together. “Definitely cause for celebration.”
“Yes.” King Eidolon watched Sawyer with a deep frown. Did he suspect how heartbroken his son was because of this whole ordeal? Would it change anything even if he did?
Thomas sipped his wine. “After tasting your desserts, my darling Alina was absolutely smitten. So much so that I insisted on meeting you and requesting your services for the ball.”
“You want me to cater it?” I asked.
“Correct, my boy.” Thomas nodded. “A grand cake for a showpiece. Coffee and a selection of tea for the refreshments. I will pay you handsomely, of course. Do you accept?”
“Yes, milord.” I forced my hands to still. “It’d be an honor.”
“Excellent.” Thomas clapped his hands together once before drinking more wine. “Alina will be overjoyed. Perhaps you’ll meet her soon. After the feast, the women retired to the tearoom, probably to gossip and indulge in more sweets.”
The king’s study suddenly felt like a little boy’s treehouse with a “no girls allowed” sign hanging out front.
“I look forward to meeting her, milord,” I said.
“With that, I’m afraid I must retire for the evening.” Thomas stood, taking his goblet with him. “Planning a wedding is an awfully tiresome affair.”
King Eidolon nodded to him. “Rest well.”
Lord Norwood returned the nod and stepped toward the door, a bit clumsier than I’d expect. Which left little doubt that the baron most definitely drank too much.
The king turned to me. “Once again, you have my gratitude for this evening. I will send payment on the morrow. As for the ball, further details will be given once—”
Laughter rang out from the corridor. Well, more like giggles. Obnoxious ones. Footsteps grew closer before the door swung open, and Prince Cedric strolled in like he owned the place, a golden crown atop his hair and dressed in a red, elaborate uniform with gold clasps.
Two girls hung on his arm, one on each side. Both of them blonde. The source of the obnoxious giggles.
“Good evening, Father,” Cedric said with a dramatic wave of his hand. A goblet was clutched in the other. “Do forgive the intrusion. We were having quite the grand evening when I heard a meeting was taking place. I’m awfully sore I wasn’t invited.”
The smartass smile on his lips said he was really torn up over it too.
“You’ve been drinking,” King Eidolon said, his disappointment ringing loud and clear.
“Right you are.” Cedric held up his goblet. “Itisa feast, after all. What joy it is to welcome Lord Thomas and his beautiful daughter to our fine kingdom. How about you, Sawyer? You’re overjoyed, yes? You’ll soon be married.”
“Yes,” Sawyer said, smile tight.
“It’s quite the relief, really. Even Mother agrees.” Cedric’s stare darkened. “We were sure you’d try to marry that beast always following you around. I had a thought earlier that his fur would make for a nice collar on my cloak.”
Sawyer’s face paled.
“Enough,” the king said, motioning to the vacant couch. “Have a seat.”
“Why, of course, Father. Who am I to refuse the request of the king?” Cedric’s cold eyes then landed on me. “Ah, the pebble is here. How lovely.”
The pebble. Well, it was definitely better than being a bloody stain on the floor. I’d gone completely still. My breaths came soft, but quick.
Cedric and the girls made their way over to the other loveseat and plopped down. It wasn’t big enough for all three, so one sat on his lap.
“Ladies?” King Eidolon addressed them. “Might I ask you to return home for the evening?”
A very polite way of saying they had no business being in that room. Which made sense. Not even Lord Thomas’darling Alinacould sit with the men in their “no girls allowed” treehouse.
“Oh.” The one on Cedric’s lap pouted. “We have to leave?”
