Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BEFORE
“You’re here early today.” Dolion greeted Helaina with a surprised smile.
“I can leave . . . if it’s too soon for company.” It was a baited statement, as she hoped his answer would be the exact opposite.
She had tried not to appear so desperate, but she was lonely. Her family had been in Creston for the last month. With no one else to keep her occupied, she found herself here every single day. It was so rare that Oakmire took on new staff, and it was almost never someone young like her.
“No, no, please, stay.” A wide smile graced his golden cheeks.
“I brought you lunch, some small things from the kitchen. Plums, dried meats, and cheeses. If you don’t like it, I can always run back. It’s not a bother.” She was rambling like an idiot again. She felt herself blush. He didn’t say, but she could tell he noticed.
Quietly, he stepped toward her, reaching for the basket of carefully selected items she had spent so much time packing and organizing.
“It’s perfect.” Dolion’s fingers brushed over hers as he lifted the handle.
He set the basket down, remaining close. His toned build still stunned her. Sometimes she would catch a glimpse of the ripples in his abdomen when the wind blew his loose work shirts against his skin.
She needed to say something, she couldn’t keep gawking.
“How is your father?” It had been weeks, and she made a point to ask every time they saw each other.
“Healing is taking longer than expected,” he explained with a grimace. It was the same answer as yesterday, and the day before.
She gathered that discussing Glen upset him. She didn’t want to pry, so she kept her curiosity to herself.
Dolion began brushing a new silky black mare, who was enjoying every bit of her morning grooming. Helaina sighed softly as she started folding a pile of clean blankets, adoring the scene taking place before her.
Behind her, hay crunched in the doorway. Damn it, these guards were insufferable. Could they not give her an ounce of space?
“Laina?”
Oh, not her guards, it was Krysta. They were back.
“In here,” she cheerfully hollered.
The sight of her sister brought a touch of unease to her. If she was being honest with herself, she didn’t want Krysta near Dolion. She was beautiful and older. Helaina didn’t want to fight for his attention.
But Krysta didn’t look impressed with the handsome young man at all. Her eyes narrowed in immediate suspicion. Helaina knew that face. That fierce protector was coming to the surface.
“I’m so glad you’re home!” Helaina caught Krysta in a hug, trying to offset her sister’s obvious agitation.
Krysta embraced her back, but the hug was detached and distracted. “It’s good to see you too.” Her gaze remained fixed on Dolion.
“Krysta, this is Dolion Creed, Glen’s son. He’s taken over while Glen is at home healing with . . . actually, I never asked what his injury was?” Now she really felt foolish.
“His leg, a terrible break after falling mid-ride. Hazard of the job, I’m afraid.” Dolion smiled while tousling the mare’s mane.
Krysta crossed her arms with a scowl she wasn’t even trying to hide.
Dolion seemed to read the situation perfectly and began to combat her animosity with gods-given charisma. “Pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.” His gorgeous smile flashed as he offered a formal bow.
“Dolion? I don’t recall Glen ever mentioning you,” Krysta said frankly.
Helaina glowered at her sister. It was true Glen had rarely mentioned family. But how often did Glen speak at all? He kept to himself most days, staying busy with his chores.
“I mean no disrespect, Your Highness, but you have so many servants at your disposal. I would think it difficult to know the personal lives of all your staff. Don’t you think?” Dolion countered smoothly.
“I think it’s odd you were hired without my father’s direct approval. He plans for and signs off on any change of staff, and we’ve been gone. So tell me again, Dolion, how exactly did you acquire Glen’s position?”
Helaina turned her back to Dolion to face Krysta fully, eyes pleading with her sister. “Krysta . . . leave it alone.”
Krysta was tall. She came much closer to Dolion’s height than Helaina, and she was aggressive, her wild nature usually masked with the expected politeness of royalty.
That wildness was on full display right now.
Her expression was more suited to an enraged goddess than a nearly sixteen-year-old Kelesian princess.
“I would like to think our compassionate ruler would understand our situation. Like all accidents, my father’s injury came unexpectedly.
” Dolion tried to keep his cool, but Helaina detected a twinge of resentment.
“He couldn’t get here, so he sent me in his stead.
I can explain this to the king if he’d grant me an audience.
I only meant to help my father, as this position is something he can’t afford to lose. ”
Krysta’s suspicious expression didn’t falter. “An audience won’t be necessary. Laina, where are Cedric and Teirn?”
Helaina looked puzzled. “Just outside like always. Why?”
“Just making sure you hadn’t snuck off alone again. Father and Adriel were right behind our carriage. They’ll be returning soon. I thought we could meet them at the gate together.”
Although Helaina wanted to stay a little longer, she wanted to see Adriel too. So she began walking toward the door, offering a gentle wave goodbye to Dolion as she did.
“Good day, Dolion,” Krysta offered dryly. She grasped her sister’s hand and tugged her forward.
“Good day,” Dolion repeated curtly, continuing his work. “Thank you, Your Highness, for the provisions,” he added to Helaina, his voice changed with a charming inflection. “I hope you can stay to help me enjoy them next time.”
Helaina could have swooned right then and there.
But Krysta ruined it, her head snapping back to give the stable hand a look of pure ire.
“There won’t be a next time, Dolion. Let me be clear, an audience with my father isn’t necessary because your work here is done.
If I were you, I’d be gone by sunset. My father doesn’t take kindly to trespassing. ”
“Krysta! What?” Helaina couldn’t believe her.
Though Dolion tried to remain composed, a slight tic of his jaw surfaced. “If . . . that’s what you command.” His eyes drifted to Helaina as her sister dragged her away.
Dolion had offered her companionship she’d never experienced before, and it was over before it had begun.
She didn’t know whether to cry or scream.