Chapter 12 Rose
ROSE
The castle’s staff was even more shocked than I was that Raith had agreed to join me for supper.
They flitted about in a frenzy of hushed whispers and clinking silverware as they prepared for his arrival.
Oren caught my eye and gave me a knowing smile as he walked by me.
I wanted to tell them not to get their hopes up, that it was just supper and nothing more, and Raith might not even arrive after all.
But he did.
At exactly supper time he strode into the private dining chamber, wearing all black as usual.
He cut a dashing figure with his tall profile, regal bearing, and the subtle power emanating from him at all times.
His commanding presence stole my breath, along with his raven-black hair, storm gray eyes, and the hint of dark stubble across his strong jaw.
Not to mention those pointed ears, which I’d so rarely seen before on anyone but myself and my sisters.
For a moment he simply stood in the doorway, taking me in.
I wore the same off-the-shoulder emerald gown from earlier, yet Loura had done my hair in an intricate up-do, topped with a silver and ruby tiara that once belonged to Queen Casnia.
A matching necklace adorned my neck and Raith’s eyes lingered on it.
I hoped he wasn’t upset I’d worn his mother’s jewels—Oren had brought them to me earlier and suggested I put them on, so I’d thought it was fine.
Or was Raith looking at my bare shoulders and the cleavage revealed by the low neckline of my gown? I couldn’t tell.
“Rose.” He gave me a quick nod as he pulled out my chair for me.
I sank into it with a smile. “Thank you.”
He took a seat across from me at the table, which was made of dark wood with intricate designs of swirls and flowers on it.
Unlike the grand dining hall, this room was smaller and more intimate, intended for the royal family to share meals together in less formal situations.
The servants poured us wine and brought our first course, a soup that smelled of pumpkins and spice, then discreetly disappeared into the adjoining room.
Raith and I began sipping our soup in silence, like two strangers sharing a meal and nothing more. He seemed to have no interest in talking to me, which meant I’d have to be the one to make the effort.
I smiled at him and said, “I truly appreciate this. After spending every meal surrounded by my sisters, I’m not used to eating alone. It’s nice to have some company.”
“I suppose.”
Well, that was enthusiastic. I swirled my spoon through my soup. “Have you no siblings?”
“None. My parents didn’t think they could have children for a long time, possibly due to my mother’s ongoing health issues. I was an unexpected miracle when she was almost forty years old.”
I smiled faintly as I imagined how happy they would have been. “They must have doted on you so much.”
“My father taught me magic and my mother taught me to be king.” He shrugged. “It was a pleasant childhood overall.”
“Did you ever long for siblings?”
“Not particularly, but perhaps you can’t miss what you’ve never had.”
“I’m not sure that’s true,” I said, a lump forming in my throat at the thought of what I’d always missed.
His steely eyes seemed to see right through me. “What did you long for, Rose?”
“My mother. She died giving birth to me. My father remarried many times, but none of his wives lasted long. My sisters and I all learned not to get attached to them. My aunt Dahlia was the closest thing I had to a mother and I love her dearly, but it’s not the same.”
“I’m guessing your mother was fae?”
“She was, and my aunt gave me my mother’s spell book when I came into my magic. I practiced in secret as a way to feel closer to her.”
“It’s a shame you never had anyone to teach you magic properly.”
“But I do now.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Assuming we ever get to actually practice magic, that is.”
“Soon, my impatient wife.”
His words were almost teasing, but he’d called me his wife, not his apprentice or his queen. I practically glowed from the inside out.
The servants brought out the next course, a chicken dish with an almond sauce, before retreating again. Raith had relaxed significantly, enough to give me the confidence to broach this next topic.
“Oren told me what happened to your late wife,” I said.
Raith stiffened, his fingers tightening around his knife. “Did he now?”
“I know this is a difficult subject, but I felt I had a right to know, so please don’t be upset with him.
I won’t pry into your past any further.” I smoothed my hands on my napkin.
“All I wish to say is that I am truly sorry for what my father did. I also want you to know that he never told any of us about what he’d done.
If I’d known he could do such despicable things…
” I shook my head as emotion gripped my throat.
“It is inexcusable and I’m so sorry for your loss. ”
Raith set down his knife, and when he met my eyes, he didn’t look angry. “You do not need to apologize. I don’t blame you or your sisters for what your father has done. If anything, I pity that you had to live under his thumb for so long.”
“It wasn’t so bad. He was distant and sometimes cold, but never hurt us in any way.
He was harder on me than the others, but I could take it.
However, I’m beginning to realize how sheltered I was while in his castle.
I can only wonder what else he hid from us about the war’s atrocities, or what other false tales he allowed to spread.
You should hear what they say about you in Talador. ”
“Oh, I’m well aware.” Raith’s long fingers traced the edge of his wine glass. “I don’t hold it against you. We both inherited this war from our parents. Neither one of us wanted it, and now we’re stuck with the consequences.”
“But we ended the war too.” I reached across and rested my hand on his, touching him for the first time since our wedding. His eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t pull away.
“Yes, we did. I am grateful to you for that.”
“You’re the one who came to my father, despite what he did. It must have been difficult for you to face him, knowing he was responsible for your wife’s death. I’m in awe of your bravery and dedication to your people.”
“More like desperation,” Raith said. “We could not have survived another winter at war with Talador.”
“Nor could we.” I squeezed his hand slightly.
“Our kingdoms have hated each other for a long time and many terrible things were done these last few years. There is nothing we can do about that now, but perhaps our legacy will be one of peace and not war. Perhaps the next generation will grow up with our two kingdoms as allies and not enemies.”
“Perhaps,” he said, but he didn’t sound optimistic. As he slid his hand away from mine, his face darkened.
“What is it, Raith?” For once it had seemed like we were connecting, but now he had withdrawn again.
He ran a weary hand over his face. “My apologies. I’m simply tired. The last few days have been especially busy.”
“Is there anything I can do to help? Perhaps I can ease your burden in some way, or…”
He rose to his feet, leaving the rest of his food untouched. “There is nothing you can do. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some business to attend to tonight.”
“Tonight?” I blinked at him. “But it’s already dark.”
“Indeed, it is.” He gave me a quick nod, then turned to leave. “Good night, Rose.”
I stared at my food for another few minutes after he was gone, but my appetite had vanished.
Yes, he’d joined me for supper, but I’d expected him to stay for the entire meal, at least. What could he possibly have to do now that was so important?
Curiosity and annoyance spurred me to my feet, and I followed in the direction he’d gone, likely back to his study.
I heard movement coming from the room and quickened my steps.
Yet when I entered, he was already gone, teleporting somewhere else with only a thought.
But where?