Page 110 of The Shadows Between Us
I scan the faces and the seating arrangements, trying to figure out what the surprise is. He didn’t redo the walls or the rugs. The table appears the same, except—Is it my imagination or is it a bit bigger?
The king and I traipse past openmouthed nobles on our way to our usual seats, my mind whirring as I try to figure out what I’ve missed.
And that’s when I see our seats.
I freeze in place, bringing Kallias to a jerking stop beside me.
The tableisbigger. He commissioned a new one. And at the head of the table, where Kallias always sits, there are two chairs.
Two.
The table is twice as wide, allowing for us to sit side by side at the head of the massive oak piece.
This isn’t just some polite gesture. This is a statement. One all of the nobility can see and understand.
ButIdon’t understand.
“Why?” I ask.
Kallias looks around at the quieted nobles and coughs meaningfully. They instantly resume their morning chatter. So we can’t be overheard.
“I told you, you’re my equal. You’ve assisted me in more ways than one. You’ve been my constant companion these last couple of months, and I don’t ever want you to leave, Alessandra. I want to show you how I respect and appreciate you.”
“But this—in front of all the nobles. You might as well have proposed.”
“Actually, I want to talk about that later.”
My head snaps in his direction so fast my neck cracks.
“When we’re alone,” he clarifies. “Come.” He gently tugs me toward our seats.
I somehow manage to make my feet move, despite the way my head is spinning. First elation, then disappointment, take turns occupying my thoughts.
He’s going to propose.
But he said it so offhandedly. It was hardly romantic. I don’t think he means romantically. He means for a practical alliance, surely.
But he’s going to give me power. Share his power. Just like he’s sharing the head of the table.
But I still won’t be able to touch him. I won’t have him.
Which is more important?
I know the answer to that. Obviously the power. But then—why do I feel so miserable inside?
“Your Majesty, the new table is simply divine!” a voice says from my immediate right.
I startle. When did Rhoda sit down? To her right is Hestia, who is also seated next to her Lord Paulos. The two chairs closest to Kallias are left empty, but my side is full. Kallias is practically in full shadow form to supplement the new table arrangements.
“I’m glad you approve,” Kallias says.
“You seem surprised, Alessandra. Did you not know?” Rhoda asks.
“I didn’t.”
“It’s a terribly romantic gesture,” she says, only slightly lowering her voice.
Kallias heard her. “I’m gladyouthink so, Lady Nikolaides. Lady Stathos doesn’t seem to know how to react just yet.”
