Page 21 of The Shadows Between Us
Ah, that does the trick. He was the only person I met aside from the king. He kept bringing up Chrysantha and trying to compare me to her.
I do not like this man.
“I simply adored your sister while she stayed at the palace,” he says before I’ve even offered a reply, “and I know you are just as wonderful! Since we had such a connection at the king’s ball the other night, I hoped you might like to attend the countess’s upcoming charity ball with me. I’m sure you’ve received the invitation. Alekto is a friend, and I adore functions that raise money for the less fortunate. I simply have so much money to spend!” He laughs as though he’s told some joke before continuing. “I once bought a blanket for every child in the Naxosian Orphanage. Do you know how many blankets that is? Two hundred and thirty-seven. Can you believe so many poor souls are—”
“Excuse me,” I say. Leandros has entered the room, and since he doesn’t consider me a consolation prize after failing to wed my sister, I turn my back on Orrin without the slightest bit of guilt.
In fact, I have to physically shake off that last conversation. Charity. Orphans. The devils wasted good looks on such a man.
I put on a smile for Leandros and his companions.
“Lady Stathos!”
“Leandros.”
He’s quite dashing today, dressed in a teal waistcoat and brown boots. The color really makes his hair shine. He’s flanked by two other men. His friends who fended off the courtiers while we were out in the orchards, I believe.
“Alessandra,” he amends, since I used his given name. “Lovely to see you.”
A not-so-subtle elbow jabs into Leandros’s side, and he remembers that we are not alone. “Right. These are my friends, and they are desperate to make your acquaintance. Meet Petros.” He points to a tall fellow with a generous helping of freckles across his nose and cheeks. Somehow, the imperfections only make him more handsome. “And Rhouben.” Rhouben wears the boldest and most vibrant clothing I’ve ever seen. He mixes bright blues and greens together in such a daring way, looking as fine as any peacock. I think he might do it to make up for the plainness of his features.
“Gentlemen,” I say.
Each takes my hand in turn and offers a kiss atop my glove.
“At last,” Rhouben says, when he drops my hand. “I’ve been dying to meet the only person at court who dresses better than I do.”
“I would argue,” I say, “but I would only do it to be polite.”
He laughs. “And honest on top of it all. You are a rare treasure.”
“Careful now,” Petros says. “You’re an engaged man, Rhouben. Hands off.”
“Congratulations,” I offer to the first man. “Who is the lucky lady?”
Rhouben grimaces. “Melita Xenakis.”
“I haven’t met her yet. Is she here?”
Petros looks over his shoulder. “Yes, she’s the one looking distastefully at Rhouben’s coat.”
I find Melita immediately. Perfect blond ringlets rest over her shoulders, covering a blue brocade. In fact, I now note, all the ladies are wearing blue. Which I wore yesterday. I smile in satisfaction. As if sensing my stare, Melita’s gaze catches mine. Her features change into a hideous scowl, as though I committed some crime by looking at her. Or by speaking with her betrothed.
“In that case, you have my condolences,” I say. “She’s awfully protective of you, isn’t she?”
Petros slaps his friend on the back and laughs. “You don’t know the half of it. She’s like a leech, sticking to Rhouben’s arm everywhere he goes. And, oh, you’ll love this! His father didn’t even tell him about the betrothal until it was already done.”
Rhouben groans at the memory.
I struggle not to laugh. “And what of you, Petros? Are you courting anyone?”
“Not anymore,” he says sadly. “I’d had my eye on Estevan Banis, but at the king’s ball, he danced three times in a row with Lord Osias.”
“Men can be so fickle,” I offer.
“Indeed.”
“And you, Leandros?” I ask, including him in the conversation.
