Page 22 of The Shadows Between Us
“I am completely unattached, so you needn’t worry.” He gives me a devilish grin.
“Alas, I am now spoken for,” I say. “The king requested permission to court me just last night!”
Rhouben and Petros offer their congratulations, but Leandros looks appropriately put out. As the conversation continues, I let my eyescatch on the new noblemen entering the great hall. I offer them bright smiles, which is all it takes to get them to come join in on the conversation. Our group of four quickly grows to ten. All the young men are eager to ask me questions: Which functions will I be attending? Is my dance card all full for the next ball? Why haven’t I graced the court with my presence before now?
I haven’t mentioned that the king is courting me since I told Leandros and his friends. The new men don’t need to know, especially since I need them for this little show I’m putting on for the king.
A herald calls something, but it can’t be heard over our chatter in the corner. But out of the corner of my eye, I watch as the Shadow King enters the great hall. In fact, I’ve been waiting for it. Those seated at the table who spot him rise to show respect.
Kallias doesn’t sit right away. He makes those at the table remain standing as his eyes do a sweep around the room. Though I’m not watching him outright, I can feel the moment they land on me. It’s as if a current of heat zaps through the air.
At the next thing Petros says, I laugh a little louder than needed.
See?I want to shout.Most men find me beautiful. Most men find meirresistible.
“Lady Stathos.” The words aren’t shouted, but they resonate through the room as much as if they had been. The men around me quiet instantly and turn to bow to their sovereign.
“Yes, my king?” I ask.
“Have you already told everyone our news?”
“No, sire.”
He holds out an arm in my direction while addressing the room. “I’m courting Lady Stathos.” His gaze flits meaningfully to the next table over, where his councilors are seated.
The men around me suddenly step backward as though caughtdoing something naughty. All save Leandros, Petros, and Rhouben, who don’t seem to care at all that the king has just publicly claimed me as his.
They were his friends. He cast them aside. Why should they care if they irritate him?
Lord Ikaros Vasco, the head of the council, rises and holds up his glass of wine. “To a happy courtship!”
Those around the room raise their glasses in turn and repeat the words. Vasco keeps his eyes on mine while he sips from his cup.
I’m watching you, that look says.
I offer a sincere smile in response before inclining my head to the room of congratulators.
Then I let my eyes rest back on the king. I cannot tell by his features if he’s reacting at all to seeing me surrounded by men, but perhaps his declaration is reaction enough. Heverballyclaimed me. Or was that for the benefit of the council alone? It is them, after all, whom he needs to convince of our betrothal.
The king is wearing a violet waistcoat, I realize then. Somehow, we’ve managed to match our clothing yet again. It’s as if we are trying to look like a united front.
As if I were always meant to be his queen.
Kallias lifts a finger and gestures to the seat at his right. A servant leaps from his place at the wall and rushes to pull out the chair. Carefully. Oh so carefully with his proximity to the king.
That’s when I notice that two empty chairs rest to the left and right of the king. No one is permitted to sit within two seats of him.
Except me.
The spot to his immediate right is presented to me, and the hall goes quiet as one after the other, the nobles notice that chair—the one right next to the king—being held open.
I tug at my gloves, making sure they’re secure, before I excuse myself from my circle of admirers and cross the distance to Kallias.
Once I’m seated, I keep my hands in my lap, careful not to bump anything or touch a certain someone. We’re much closer than the law’s five feet, but if Kallias is permitting it, I’m not about to complain. Besides, the most delicious scent of lavender and mint and musk fills my senses at the close proximity. The Shadow King smells delicious.
Kallias brings a mouthful of what looks like some sort of vegetable soup to his lips. “I see you’re making friends. Is acknowledgment everything you hoped it would be?”
“Too soon to tell.”
