Chapter 35
Summoned
Evelyn was summoned to dinner, apparently not trusted to show up without being told to do so. Which, to be honest, was a fair assessment of her mood.
There were flowers downstairs to brighten up the palace now that the funeral was over. Or maybe someone thought they could dazzle Councilor Moeller with bouquets.
I doubt that man could name a single type of flower that doesn’t have magical properties.
Everyone gathered in the dining room, standing and chatting about the events of the day.
Evelyn stood off to the side and listened.
Moeller had been shown the site where King Gerard was impaled, as well as the king’s bedroom.
He didn’t have any initial findings and would continue the investigation tomorrow.
“Let’s eat!” King Tristan announced.
“Is there room for one more?”
Haydn Ritter strode confidently into the room. But instead of greeting either of the kings, he went directly to Evelyn and bowed. “Hello again, Princess.”
“You came,” Evelyn said. It was more of a question than a statement.
Haydn lifted her left hand, managing to hide the tattoo, and kissed it. “You asked me to.”
“I only wrote to you this morning.”
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get here.”
Is it really that easy with him? I don’t have to fight for his attention? Leo wouldn’t hold my hand if anyone could see us, but Haydn will cross an ocean at a moment’s notice to be at my side?
Evelyn could feel the whole room staring at them.
“What a pleasant surprise!” King Tristan interrupted. “We weren’t expecting you, Councilor Ritter.”
Haydn pivoted to stand beside Evelyn and put a hand on her back. “I couldn’t stay away. I hope you don’t mind.”
Nicolas shot a glance at Damien, who shook his head.
“Of course not,” King Tristan said. “Although it’s not my palace.”
Leo offered Haydn a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Welcome back, Councilor.”
“King Alexander,” Haydn said without bowing. “Congratulations on your ascension.”
Evelyn winced. Everyone was visibly uncomfortable.
Leo’s expression darkened. “It hasn’t exactly been a celebration.”
“I suppose not,” Haydn said, unfazed. “Certainly not with Councilor Moeller around.”
Moeller approached and Evelyn stiffened. A quick glance from Haydn told her that he noticed.
“Hello, Ritter,” Moeller said dryly. “Can’t say I’m surprised to see you.”
“I couldn’t let you have all the fun, now could I?” Haydn said.
Moeller sighed with the disappointment and acceptance of someone who had finally given up yelling at a dog for digging holes in the yard.
Leo’s gaze practically burned Evelyn’s skin, but she refused to look at him. Instead, she focused on the warmth of Haydn’s hand on her back.
He’s here because I asked him to be. All I asked Leo to do was not lie to me, and he couldn’t even do that.
Damien whispered something to Rory and Simon before leaving the dining room.
“We can keep catching up over dinner,” Lord Robert decided. “I’m starving and the wine has already been poured.”
Everyone made their way to the table. Evelyn sat between Lord Robert and Haydn, who took the last seat at the end. She hoped Lord Robert would be loud enough to mask any inappropriate comments.
As much as I like the filthy things that come out of Haydn’s mouth, now is not the time.
Leo sat at the head of the table with Hannah and King Tristan. Chatter filled the room, especially as wineglasses were raised.
“I see your necklace arrived,” Haydn noted.
“I have questions about it,” Evelyn said.
“I’ll tell you what I can. Some details will have to wait until you come to Lochmatten.”
“Why?”
“You’ll see.”
This is the Haydn I remember. So fucking unhelpful even when he’s useful.
“I’m surprised you’re not constipated from all the secrets you hold on to,” Evelyn muttered.
Haydn choked on his wine as he tried to laugh and swallow at the same time.
“Are you all right, Councilor?” Lord Grégory asked politely.
“Oh, yes.” Haydn wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I just wasn’t expecting such a high compliment from the princess tonight.”
Evelyn blushed. Thankfully, no one had any follow-up questions.
“Have you read the book yet?” Haydn asked her.
“Yes,” she admitted.
“Did you try it?”
Evelyn continued cutting her steak into increasingly small bites.
A grin spread across Haydn’s face. “Did it work?”
She nodded.
“I thought so,” Haydn said, far too cocky.
“How did you know?”
“Just another shitty secret of mine.”
Evelyn glared at him. “I shouldn’t have written to you.”
“I’m surprised your guard dog allowed it.”
She dropped her gaze. “I don’t report to Damien.”
Haydn raised a brow. “You didn’t tell him? Look who’s keeping secrets now.”
“It’s not a secret! You’re here and only bothering me.”
“Should I bother your sister instead?”
Evelyn’s fork clattered onto her plate loud enough to pause conversations around the table.
Stand up straight and smile. Or sit up straight and don’t cry. Whatever.
She took a bite of food like nothing happened, and conversations resumed.
“I’m sorry,” Haydn said softly. “That was rude of me and I didn’t mean it. I am only yours, Evelyn. I promise you that.”
“Then stop saying things to piss me off.”
“Can I say how lovely you look in that gold dress?”
Her anger lessened at his words. “No.”
Haydn grinned, knowing he was winning. “Can I say how magnificent your hair is? I’ve been dreaming about those fiery curls since I met you.”
Despite herself, Evelyn suppressed a smile. “No.”
He leaned close to her and whispered, “Can I say how much I want to touch and taste you?”
Heat rose in Evelyn’s core, but it wasn’t her Fire magic.
Leo’s voice called across the table, making Evelyn jump. “Councilor Ritter, how long will you be staying with us?”
“Not sure,” Haydn said without missing a beat. “I would leave now if Princess Evelyn agreed to go with me, but I don’t think she’s ready yet. Maybe after dessert?”
The four lords acquired expressions that asked, What the fuck is happening? Moeller poured himself more wine. Evelyn slid low in her chair.
Leo fumed. “Princesses can’t just be removed from a kingdom.”
“It’s not like I’m going to tie her up,” Haydn said. “It’s her choice.”
King Tristan chuckled. “I’d like a little more warning before my daughter leaves the continent, I think.”
Evelyn could tell her father wasn’t exactly happy. But the king making light of it helped everyone else relax and go back to their meal.
“What are you doing?” Evelyn hissed at Haydn.
“Claiming you for myself.”
Oh, fuck. Do I like that answer?
“I’m not property you can purchase.”
“No, Princess,” he soothed. “You are the treasure I earn for slaying the dragon.”
Is that romantic or is that a threat? Haydn and his fucking riddles.
“And who is the dragon?” she asked.
“Whoever is making you cry, my love.”
Evelyn’s eyes automatically went to Leo before she caught herself. “Can we have a normal conversation for once?”
“Sure. How was your day?”
Actually, no. This is weirder.
Evelyn asked her own question. “Where do you stay during your visits to Gryon?”
“One of the royal guest houses.”
“Do you have any siblings?”
“A younger brother, Markus.”
“Are the two of you close?”
“We used to be. I haven’t seen him for a while.”
“Why not?”
“Ironically enough, he lives in your kingdom.”
Evelyn’s brows drew together. “In Carrowmore? What does he do there?”
“He makes deals. Bargain magic is quite lucrative.”
“What kind of deals?”
Haydn shrugged. “I don’t know specifically. Exchanging secrets is always popular. More likely it’s silly things. During the war, your soldiers would give up items like an enchanted knife or an extra sleeping potion just to get more alcohol.”
Damien told me that much. Though he never admitted what he did for a beer that one time.
“Why use Bargain magic for simple trades?” Evelyn asked.
“It depends on what is being traded. If it’s something valuable, a deal will ensure the person doesn’t try to steal it back from Markus later.”
“I haven’t heard of anyone making deals in Carrowmore.”
“I don’t think the daughters of lords or kings are his usual clientele.”
“What about your parents? Are they still around?”
“They are. They live on the isle. And they would like you.”
“Why?”
Haydn ran a finger up her thigh. “Because I like you.”
Evelyn blushed again. “How old are you?”
“Five hundred thirty-seven.”
He’s a lot older than me, but it’s not like he’s ancient for a fae.
“Do you live alone?”
“The High Councilors share a large castle in the middle of the isle, so I don’t exactly have the place to myself. But there’s no one else in my bed.”
I am not going to think about Ritter’s bed right now. Though, after that vision he showed me last time, it’s not like I have to try very hard to picture it.
“Have you been engaged before?”
“No. I’m waiting for you to say yes.”
Evelyn clenched her jaw to keep any reaction off her face. “You didn’t really propose.”
Haydn sipped his wine. “Didn’t I?”
“No. You tossed around the idea, but there wasn’t a proper proposal.”
“What would make it proper?”
“Actually asking me, not suggesting marriage as a trade for magic.”
“Okay. Will you marry me?”
Evelyn’s stomach flipped.
I’ve been imagining those words coming from Leo. Did I really get that question from Haydn instead?
She scowled at him. “You can’t ask right now! We’re eating dinner at court.”
“No one is paying attention to us anymore. They’re all drunk.”
Sure enough, the volume of the room had increased. Lord Robert and Lord Grégory were gearing up for a song. Even Hannah had pink cheeks.
“That still doesn’t count as a proposal.”
“You should be more specific with your requirements,” Haydn teased. “You said all I had to do was ask the question.”
“Aren’t you supposed to offer me a ring? You’re only holding a fork.”
Evelyn felt a sudden weight on her left hand. She gasped at the ring on her finger, hidden beneath the table. A large, oval-cut emerald was set on an intricately woven gold band. It was stunning and fit perfectly. Evelyn forgot to breathe as she stared at it.
“Do you like it?” Haydn asked. “I can get a bigger emerald if this one isn’t enough. I thought the green would look nice on you.”
Evelyn accidentally met Leo’s eyes. He was too far away to know what was happening, but he seemed close to demanding an explanation.
She turned her attention back to Haydn. “Please, I can’t do this right now.”
He didn’t argue. “Okay.”
The weight left her finger and she breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Anything you want, Princess.”
Do I want an engagement ring? From Haydn? I know he talked about it last time I saw him, but I didn’t take him seriously. Would he really marry me, just like that? Does he want something from me?