Chapter 21 Raith
RAITH
Ileft Rose and her sister to catch up, while I moved through the crowd and greeted my guests.
Though I’d never been a fan of large events or balls, this one seemed to drag on more than normal.
I found myself longing for a quiet dinner alone with my wife where she chatted my ear off about her life before we met.
I nearly smiled as I thought of her last story, about how she and Jasmine had pranked Lily when they were younger by locking a squirrel in the older sister’s wardrobe.
They’d only meant to startle Lily, excited to see the look on her normally stoic face, but the animal chewed a hole in the wood and escaped, then caused havoc all over her bedroom.
Needless to say, King Balsam had not been amused.
It would do Rose some good to see her sister again, even if only for a few hours, but that wasn’t the only reason I’d brought Lily tonight.
Many of the nobles here were curious about both of the women and wished to speak with them.
Hopefully it would ease some of the tensions between our two nations if people saw that both sides were behaving and being civil.
Although some people were decidedly not behaving.
I caught sight of Lord Malren and remembered the way he’d held my wife intimately, his hand sliding down to her behind.
I’d nearly struck him with lightning at the sight of him touching her there.
Now he stood with three other women fawning all over him, though they scattered like mice as I approached.
“Stay away from my wife, Malren,” I growled.
My cousin flashed me a smile that he probably thought made him look charming, but I only saw a snake.
“Come now, Raith, I was simply getting to know her. She is family, after all.” His smile turned predatory.
“Besides, if the rumors are true, you’ve not yet taken her to bed.
She must be terribly lonely. I’d be happy to keep her company. ”
My eyes narrowed and I nearly struck him across the face for his words. I wanted nothing more than to send him into the Shadow Lands, but there were too many people watching this exchange. I took a step closer, lacing my voice with threat. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Her sister is quite beautiful too, and I heard she’s in need of a husband.” He glanced over at the two of them. “King of Talador has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? I’d prefer Ilidan, but I’m not picky.”
My fists clenched at my side. “As soon as the sun rises, I want you gone from Varlock Castle.”
I spun on my heel to walk away, but Malren’s laugh echoed behind me. “Your time on the throne is limited, cousin. The darkness won’t stop until you’re dead. The entire kingdom knows it. Surely you can see it too?”
Fury made lightning crackle on my fingertips and shadows animate at my side, but I kept walking. Malren must have eyes and ears inside the castle to know so much about my personal relations with Rose. Not that I would expect any less of him, but it was a good reminder to be careful.
It was bad enough he’d threatened my throne, but then he’d dare to bring up my relationship with Rose. I may not have taken her to bed yet, but she was mine. I was tempted to remedy the problem immediately, but Rose was still with her sister and I would not interrupt their time together.
An older woman with white-streaked blond hair approached me, wearing a distractingly large brooch of a bumblebee on her violet dress. She dipped into a slight curtsy before me, her movements stiff. “Congratulations on your marriage, King Raith.”
“Thank you, Lady Joyena.” I bowed my head to her. She was Silena’s grandmother and had always been kind to me, if a bit eccentric. I offered her my arm, and she took it as we strolled around the edge of the ballroom together. “I’m pleased you could join us tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I never thought the war would end in my lifetime.” She patted my hand with her wrinkled fingers. “Your parents would be proud. My only question is, can your new wife be trusted?”
“I believe so. She wants peace as much as we do.”
“I’ve heard rumors she has fae blood as well. Is that so?”
“Yes, and quite powerful too.”
She offered me a kind smile. “Then I pray to the Sun and Moon for many healthy children, and that she can help put an end to the dark plague spreading across the land.”
I couldn’t think about either of those things without my chest tightening. “We’re doing everything we can to stop it together.”
“Very good.” She turned toward me, her eyes softening. “Silena would also be proud of you, you know.”
My throat closed up, and I grasped the ring on the chain around my neck. “I think of her every day.”
“Me too. Such a sweet girl, and taken from us far too young. But she would want you to be happy. Never forget that.”
With a nod and a warm smile, she walked away, leaving me with only my thoughts and memories. If Silena would want me to be happy, why did I feel like I was betraying her every time I looked at Rose?