“Good evening, my prince,” I said, sitting in the chair across from him.
“It’s nice to see you, my friend.” His smile calmed some of my nerves.
An older man occupied the other chair. He had ashen brown hair and a finely trimmed mustache. “Ah, excellent. The young baker of those delicious desserts. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m Lord Thomas Norwood, Baron of Voltas.”
I bowed my head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope the cake was to your liking.”
“Oh, very much so.” He placed a hand on his stomach. “Truly exquisite.”
“It was,” Sawyer agreed. “I had two slices, as well as several of those pumpkin cookies.”
The king chuckled. “Indulgence is good for the soul but only on occasion. A lesson dear Kuya needs to learn. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was part chipmunk instead of cat. Cheeks always stuffed with treats.”
Sawyer smiled down at his lap. “He’s worked so hard in his etiquette lessons.”
“Kuya is the demi-beast, yes?” Thomas asked. “Alina adores him. She has always wanted a pet cat, but her mother is allergic, you see.”
My opinion of the baron fell a notch or two. Sawyer shared my sudden disgust. His fingers curled into a fist, and his jaw tightened.
“Care for some wine?” the king asked me.
“Oh, um, no thank you,” I responded, then freaked out a little. Was it okay to refuse? Being nervous kickstarted a ramble. As it often did. “Don’t get me wrong, I love wine. Really. Especially red wine. But it doesn’t always love me back, if you know what I mean. One glass goes straight to my head, and I’m clumsy enough sober.” Remembering who I was addressing, I then quickly added, “Your Majesty.”
Sir Noah lightly coughed. The two guards near the door pressed their lips together.
The king stared at me for several—frankly, agonizing—seconds before throwing his head back with a laugh. “My son was right. You are truly remarkable, Evan. Full of wit and charm. I see why he enjoys your company so much.”
Sawyer offered me an encouraging smile. He and his father were so much alike.
Was I like mine?
“I enjoy his company as well, Your Majesty,” I said. “Prince Sawyer and Kuya have become dear to me.”
The king’s eyes did that thing again. Like another piece had chipped away. He then shook his head. “Apologies for staring so intently. You just… remind me of someone. In both appearance and mannerisms.”
“Who?” Sawyer asked him.
A sad smile touched the king’s lips. Instead of answering, he took another drink from his goblet and moved his gaze to the fire.
Something caught my eye from the corner of the study. A glimmer of topaz within the dark. Rowan showed his face and winked at me before sinking back into the shadows.
What the actual hell?
I tried not to show my shock. How long had he been spying on us? Did Draven and the other spies know?
“Are you well?” the king asked.
Snapping my attention away from the corner, a nervous laugh bubbled from me. “Oh, um. Yes, Your Majesty. Just a wandering mind, is all.”
He smiled. “Then allow me to tell you why I’ve invited you here this evening.”
Sawyer’s expression turned grim.
“A marriage has been arranged between Prince Sawyer and Lady Alina, Lord Norwood’s daughter,” the king continued. “A royal ball will be held to officially announce their engagement. Nobles from all over the realm will be in attendance.”
“Oh. That’s…” I sat up higher in my chair and glanced at Sawyer. He stared at the rug. “Wonderful news.”
“Wonderful, indeed,” Sawyer lifted his gaze and slapped on a smile. Others might not have picked up on that sad look in his eyes, but I sure as hell did. “Our marriage will unite Bremloc and Voltas at last.”
