Chapter 46
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
ALINA
Ilooked up, meeting my reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, I did not even recognize my own face.
Somehow, I looked older, more tired, and pale.
In the bleak light of the candle, dark circles outlined my lower lids.
My lips were tightly pressed together. Another moment, and I led out a sharp exhale.
There was nothing else I could have done, all that was left to do was to wait.
I picked up a jar of cream and smoothed it between the palms of my hands.
“Milady, it’s time.” May walked into the room and paused by the door.
“Have you heard anything from my husband?”
I was surprised how flat my own voice sounded.
“No, milady. Would you like me to send milord a message?”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said, getting up.
Even in the low light, my dress, decorated with numerous gemstones, sparkled and shimmered, too elegant and too frivolous for the occasion.
But it was the only thing May was able to buy for me in the city on very short notice, and I simply could not turn it down.
At least it was not my flying suit, I was happy about that.
I really did not have the time to dwell on my personal situation, but I could easily say that I was not happy. I was so very tired. And I was confused. Tynan did nothing short of pushing me away, making me question everything about what I thought was between us.
I squeezed the fabric of my dress, straightening my back. I could not think about any of that.
What mattered now was my duty to Talman, my obligation to bring peace to the clans, and to all the people who depended on me.
May picked up a candle and I followed her into the dark corridor. I passed the clan warriors who followed both of us up the stairs. Everything seemed quiet, as if frozen in time, and I wanted to break free, to escape, to find a corner where I could hide, covering my ears.
“Milady.” May opened a heavy wooden door and stepped aside, letting me in.
I walked past numerous courtiers and knights as the crowd parted in front of me.
As I looked around, I noticed that Lord Rutherford had not come down for dinner.
His daughter was at the table wearing a snow white gown adorned with inclusions of silver, the colors of her clan.
Augusta looked up, her fingers playing with a rolled up napkin.
That was a small nervous gesture I could easily translate.
She was anxious and agitated, and maybe among everyone here, I was the only one who could truly understand that.
Was she ready to step into the role that had been forced upon her?
“Your Majesty.” She bowed her head.
“Lady Augusta.” I inclined my head.
The entire room grew eerily quiet. All eyes, some more obvious than others, were on me and Augusta. Some necks were looking a little stiff from straining to hear what we were about to say.
“Shall we have some music?” I turned toward my silent companion.
“Certainly.” Augusta made a gesture to one of her maids and it looked like the poor girl had nothing short of a panic attack when she darted from the hall.
May placed a goblet in front of me.
“Here, milady. Already checked for poison,” May whispered into my ear.
I looked up at her surprised. Was that Tynan’s idea? Did that mean that he actually cared? Did that mean that he made time to inquire where I was and what I was doing? Did that mean that even after everything that happened between us, he wanted to make sure that I was safe?
“Thank you, May.” I glanced at the young maid.
She was really young, barely a woman. What was I thinking when I took her with me? A new wave of worry covered me whole, and for a long moment, I could not resurface. But this was not the time or place to be second guessing myself.
“Will your husband be joining us today?” Augusta asked.
This time her voice was lacking any hidden meanings, so different from that first dinner we attended together.
“Not today. The king is dealing with a matter of extreme urgency,” I responded.
Augusta nodded and both of us looked toward the door where the group of musicians assembled. All of them looked like they just ran several miles. Two of them had their vests partially undone and one had his jacket ballooned out behind his back.
I patted my lips with a napkin, hiding a smile.
Everything around me seemed like a weird, disjointed performance and I was a part of it, although I still could not figure out if it was a comedy or a tragedy. All I knew was that I was one of the key players.
When the hurried melody sounded in the room, I lowered my voice addressing Augusta.
“What have you decided?”
“Your Majesty. This is a huge step. I can’t do that to him.”
“No one else can help your clan. It’s up to you now.”
“What will happen to my father?”
“He conspired against his king.” Augusta took in a sharp breath, but I could not soften the hard truth. “As clan leader, you will have to find an appropriate punishment for your father.”
“Can you . . .” Augusta licked her lips before continuing. “Can you guarantee that whatever happens, he will be spared?”
“I give you my word.”
She looked down at her plate. Her eyelashes flickered.
“Then, I have no choice.”
“No. No, you don’t.”
“What do you want me to do?”
I looked up at the crowd in front of us.
People were drinking wine and talking. Some were still watching Augusta and me.
Several court ladies whispered to each other covering their lips with colorful fans.
The lives of each and every person here would soon change and only the gods knew if any of it would be for the better.
I sighed, and picked up my goblet.