Page 35 of The Shadows Between Us
He has his curls pulled back out of his eyes and secured at the back of his head with a band. His jacket is ebony-colored with gold stitching along the hems, across his shoulders, and down the front. Tight-fitted black dress pants with gold buttons adorn his long legs.
“Your arm, Alessandra,” Myron says as we exit the carriage.
I refrain from clenching my teeth as I place my arm in his.
Rhoda and Hestia accompany us. And though I’ve introducedMyron to both of them as a childhood friend, they keep shooting questioning looks over at him.
“I can’t believe you wouldn’t tell me what color you were wearing tonight,” Hestia moans from beside me. “I should have guessed silver!”
“Your pink gown is lovely,” I tell her. “You look like a spring fairy.”
“I need to be wearing what the future queen is wearing.”
I’m too flattered by the assumption to say anything right away.
“At some point,” Rhoda offers, “you really must become your own woman, Hestia. Find your own style. And own it.”
Hestia ignores her.
“I believe that’s enough chatter, ladies,” Myron says. “Come along.”
“We can talk as we walk,” I bite out. He is not allowed to treat my friends this way. Still, Hestia and Rhoda say nothing as we climb up the drive.
The Viscount and Viscountess of Christakos have a lovely estate. Neatly trimmed hedges line the drive. Steps made of marble lead to the front door, and the viscount and his wife are dressed in only the finest silks and satins.
The lady of the estate takes my hand in hers when it is our turn to be greeted. “Lady Stathos! What an honor it is to greet you in my home, but where is His Majesty?” She stares at Myron, as though by squinting she might be able to transform him into Kallias.
“Detained by work, I’m afraid.”
“A pity. Do make yourself comfortable, and I hope you will tell him how you enjoyed our hospitality.”
Myron tightens his grip on my arm.
“Instead, I’m accompanied by my friend Myron Calligaris,” I say awkwardly, “second son of the late viscount.”
“Oh. How do you do?” the viscountess asks politely.
“Quite well considering, my lady. I hope you won’t be too wrothwith Alessandra for allowing me to escort her in the king’s absence. She thought the distraction might do me some good.”
The viscountess smiles, but she looks pointedly at the guests behind us, very clearly suggesting that we’ve taken too much of her time.
“Lady Christakos has many more guests to greet. We should be on our way to enjoy the festivities,” I say. Then I start walking, pulling Myron along with me before he can say anything else stupid.
The ballroom has been cleared of everything save cushioned chairs, which are fashioned in a circle around the middle of the floor, which I assume is reserved for the stage.
Our seats are in the front row, because they were selected for royalty.
“Oh, look! It’s the Duke of Demetrio. His daughter is coming out into society early next week. Alessandra, you must introduce me.”
I know about the ball held in the duke’s daughter’s honor. I’ve already accepted an invitation to the event, but I can hardly go over there right now and let Myron make a fool of me yet again.
“The play will start soon,” I argue. “There’s no time.”
Myron answers me with a look. A look that very clearly states what will happen if I don’t do as he bids.
But I try again. “There’s one seat open beside him. You could snag it before anyone else does. Then you’d have the whole play to talk with him.”
Myron thinks it over for only a second before leaving us.
