Chapter 53
Fifty-three
James
The aftermath of the attack was unfortunately not fruitful.
At least, not as yet. I had people looking into the attack and who might have been behind it, I just hoped they found results quickly.
For now, we were all under closer guard, as I wasn’t taking any more chances.
Helena and Royce were livid we’d been attacked, especially at a temple, which should be holy ground.
I felt rather the same way, but there was nothing more I could do except try to find the mastermind.
We did notify all the major temples about the demonic energy, and I wrote up a quick list of how to tell if someone was possessed and how to undo the possession. It was good information to have out and about anyway, no longer lost to time, and Edwin was thorough in sending the notices out.
Today, however, had nothing to do with assassination attempts and demons.
Today was the day I could hopefully propose.
My emotions were all over the place. Part of me was relieved to be able to have this moment where I could propose.
Part of me was excited, as this day had been a very long time coming.
Mostly, I was nervous. What if he felt I was rushing things? Would he say no? Would he say wait? I was all right with wait, as to him, it probably would feel rushed.
As long as he didn’t reject me, I could handle any response.
Just please, oh please, let it be a positive answer.
Because of the importance of the Founder’s Ball and how many eyes would be on us, I made sure Edwin had proper assistance in dressing for tonight.
We both had assistance, with someone doing light makeup, dressing our hair, and making sure everything was just so.
I was well used to such, having spent the better part of my adult life doing it, and just went through the motions.
I wore a hunter green suit and an embroidered vest of real gold threads, my hair neatly slicked back into a ponytail at my nape.
I was most excited about seeing Edwin. He was sure to be stunning all dressed up. I’d never gotten to see him so before. Tonight would be a feast for my eyes.
Finally, they were done with me, so I stepped out of my dressing room and into the main sitting area.
At practically the same time, Edwin exited our bedroom—he practically lived with me at this point, so I considered it our joint bedroom—and spied me.
His eyes roved over me from top to bottom, expression lighting up with appreciation.
Me? I was speechless.
Gods did he dress up well. I’d seen this man in every possible condition—exhausted, sensual, heartbroken, triumphant—but I’d never seen him like this.
The black suit was indeed perfect on him, tailored to highlight the broadness of his shoulders, the curve of his ass, the length of his legs.
His black hair had been styled and waxed back so it did this swoop over his forehead and away.
Kohl lightly applied around his eyes brought out the blue in a sensual way, making them appear larger behind his glasses.
I always felt some level of lust when I was near Edwin, but the sense was heightened now, my fingers twitching to seize him, the anticipatory tingle spreading through my groin.
I was torn between wanting to muss him immediately and standing right here so I could admire him longer.
The first words out of my mouth were, “Oh no. Other people are going to see you like this. What the hell was I thinking?”
Edwin laughed like I was jesting and lifted up to smack a kiss against my mouth. “Like they’re going to notice me while I’m standing next to you. I didn’t know you could get more handsome, but you’ve proven me wrong.”
I’d accept the compliment from my lover, of course—who wouldn’t?
—but I was truly worried. Even his cologne was wonderful, a clean and citrusy scent that made him utterly decadent and lickable.
Edwin was scrumptious right now. Deliciousness on legs.
I was going to need to stick next to him like glue to keep people off.
Surely by now everyone knew he was mine? Even my adoptive mother had bought a clue, after all, a good indication of mine and Edwin’s relationship being known around the palace.
“Come,” Edwin urged, looping his arm through mine. “We must go. We’ll be late if we don’t.”
The royal family had to make a grand entrance, so I didn’t resist.
We traversed the halls until we reached the right antechamber.
I didn’t spy the parents, but I did see Lucien and Helena already in place.
The pair of them were also an old hand at balls, so of course they looked immaculate.
Helena wore a deep wine-red gown, which offset her pale skin and dark hair in a wonderful way.
Lucien had matched her, his vest the same color, although he wore a black suit.
I felt doubly glad Helena had a partner for tonight to put paid to any notion of me marrying her.
“Edwin!” Helena advanced and gave him two air kisses on either cheek. “Gods above and below, you look stunning.”
Edwin seemed taken aback but smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate the compliment, as I’m a touch nervous. It’s a different thing to be standing on this side, if you know what I mean.”
“I can only imagine. Here, come with me, have a spot of chamomile tea to steady your nerves.”
“That sounds exactly what the doctor ordered.”
I let those two retire to the settee and have their tea. I poured myself a half glass of white wine. Everyone would end this ball absolutely sloshed anyway, so no harm in getting a head start.
Lucien stepped in closer and lowered his tone. “James. I’m asking, since you’re my friend and her brother—may I date her?”
Funny how he had now asked me this question twice. Lucien was unwavering in that way, I supposed. “Permission granted.”
He gave me a blinding smile in return. “I thought you’d agree but had to ask. Princess Helena is just so…so indescribably amazing. We get along very well together.”
“I think the two of you have a very good chance of a relationship.” Knew it for fact, actually. “Please don’t be put off by her parents.”
“Ha. No, after what Queen Beatrice tried to pull and King Patrick allowed out of neglect, I refuse to let them impact my opinion.”
“Good. Stay with your opinion.” I kept a weather eye on the two situated on the sofa as I spoke. “Beatrice had the bright idea to marry me off to Helena and ship Edwin to the other side of the country—”
Lucien’s jaw dropped as he spluttered incoherently.
“—so if you want her, stake your claim. Frankly, I think Helena would be thankful if you did, if for no other reason than to keep her mama in check. I certainly will thank you for it.”
His eyes went to Helena, looking at her as if seeing her anew. Lucien wasn’t an intellectual slouch, he was very capable of coming to his own conclusions, so I gave him that moment to think.
“She has my support, whether we become a couple or not,” he finally said. “I cannot let her or you wage this battle alone.”
And this was why Lucien Glass was my friend.
“Thank you. I might need it. I didn’t expect this move from her.
My own informants hadn’t caught wind of the plot, which meant she played it very close to her chest. The whole ordeal shook Edwin badly.
I tore three strips off my adoptive mother’s hide for even trying, but who knows how long it will last. Her stupidity is resilient. ”
The conversation stopped there as both monarchs and Royce finally arrived.
Sadly, I was not allowed to take Edwin with me through the formal procession into the ballroom, nor was Helena allowed to take Lucien. They would come in directly after us and we’d rejoin them shortly after we made our way to the dais.
Beatrice couldn’t manage to meet my eyes as we all queued up for our entrance.
Helena asked, “Royce, would you be so kind?”
Royce had been told about the argument, so he gave his mother a pointed look as he answered, “Of course.”
Helena took his arm and let him escort her into the ballroom.
The massive space was already filled with people, buffet tables groaning under the weight of food, decorations of flowers and fabric wrapping the pillars.
All the doors facing the garden were open to let in the summer evening air, and I could smell the rich scent of the flowers even from here.
Mage lights floated throughout this room and the garden, the subtle illumination playing very well against the red and gold ribbons, phoenix banners, and such.
It was indeed a splendid ball, luxurious even to my cynical eye, and everyone was clearly having a good time already, with the ball not even fully in motion yet.
I followed at the tail end, took up my spot on the dais, and kept a genial smile on my face as my kingly father stepped up.
“Welcome, everyone, to our annual Founder’s Ball. It looks stunning, doesn’t it? Our staff did their best to make sure this event would please you. Everyone, please thank our hostess for this event, our country’s mother, Queen Beatrice.”
Polite applause as Beatrice bowed her head, blushing in a pretty way. The move was both practiced and calculated.
“Now, a few announcements before we begin the festivities—”
I more or less tuned him out. I knew what the announcements were and had more pressing agendas on my mind. Namely, spotting Edwin in this crowd and then dancing with him for most of the night. The only reason why I’d come to this ball, really, was to dance with him. I did have my priorities.
Ah, there he was, walking toward me from the outer perimeter. Smart, since it was faster and easier to go that route. Lucien walked with him, so Helena would also shortly have her partner.
“—like to recognize all the hard work our son James has done this year.”