Page 15 of Journey to the Elderoak
“I—um.” She took a deep breath. “I would think the presence of Deidamia would be enough of a reason for you to join our cause.”
“It isn’t,” Soren said.
“What?” What the hell was she supposed to say now? She paused, thoughts churning.
As she was about to speak again, Astrid said, “We’ll think on this and discuss it again tomorrow over dinner. It seems you need more time to gather your words.”
“But—” Ava started.
Soren raised her hand. “Begging does not suit you, princess. Let’s eat dessert and enjoy the rest of the evening.”
Ava nodded, silent once more. Embarrassment churned in her stomach as she replayed the queen’s words in her head. She’d made a fool of herself. She didn’t plan ahead thoroughly. Wasn’t prepared. She spent the rest of the evening silent as she picked at her lemon tart, barely able to stomach one bite.
Ava paced barefootin the living room of the suite. She still wore the gown, but she’d tossed her shoes the second they returned to their living quarters. Raine disappeared into his room with Gisela, and Casimir sat on one of the armchairs with a goblet of wine, watching her wear a hole in the rug.
“I don’t understand what I did wrong,” she said. “I thought you all were friends with them.”
“I think they’re being hard on you on purpose,” mused Casimir.
“Why would they do that? Is this some sort of test or something?” She walked to the fireplace, turned, and walked the other direction.
“Probably.”
Ava stopped and looked at him, placing her hands on her hips. “Why would they do that?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “But think about what you want to say tomorrow, and it’ll be fine. They’ll agree.”
“What should I say?”
“You have to figure it out for yourself.”
“What?” she said, exasperated.
“This is a learning experience for you. Practice.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose as she looked at the ceiling. “I can’t do this.”
“Yes, you can.”
She sighed and plopped on the couch, crossing her legs, baring her skin through the slit in her skirts. She leaned her head back, spread her arms along the back of the couch and closed her eyes, taking a moment to think.
After a couple of minutes, she lifted her head and looked at Casimir. He swallowed thickly when she met his gaze. As if he’d been watching her.
“I should go to sleep,” she said.
He nodded but neither of them moved.
A low moan sounded from Raine’s room followed by giggles and a squeal.
“Dammit. Now I’ll never sleep,” Ava huffed.
“Me either,” grumbled Casimir. “Do you want to go for a walk?”
“Sure. Let me get out of this dress.”
Ava rose from the couch and went into her room. Minutes later she emerged in a casual tunic and pants, her boots in hand, and she reclaimed her seat on the couch to put them on. Casimir was still dressed in what he wore to dinner, and it was hard not to admire how beautiful he looked in the glow of the fire.
Feminine moaning sounded from Raine’s bedroom, followed by, “Yes! Right there.” Then a low growl and grunt from Raine.
