Page 57 of North Queen
“With my charm,” he joked, and she laughed again.
To have her back, to have her laughing again… He hadn’t dreamed it was possible. The deep pools of her eyes drew him in and held him. She was beautiful. And she was home.
He forced himself to break away and look back out across the hall, just as a familiar face approached.
His smile faded, and his chest tightened. He knew this was something he’d have to manage eventually, but he had hoped it wouldn’t be tonight. Norah followed his gaze to the fair-haired woman. It was Ismene, the woman Catherine had been working so diligently to see him wed. He stood quietly as she approached.
As she drew close, Alexander forced a welcoming nod. “Queen Norah, may I present Ismene Dartan,” he said.
Ismene gave a polite smile and curtsied.
“Ismene,” Norah said. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Queen Norah. Welcome home, and congratulations!”
Norah’s eyes turned to Alexander, searching him for additional clues as to who this woman was.
Ismene looked at him for her introduction as well. Excitement danced across her face.
“Ismene is a friend,” he said, avoiding eye contact with her. This wouldn’t be the introduction she was hoping for.
Norah smiled at Ismene. Alexander knew her well enough to know it was forced.
“Well then,” Norah said, “we shall be friends too.”
“You’re too kind, Your Elegance.”
“Regal High,” Alexander said. He knew Ismene wouldn’t be the only one he’d correct. He only wished it didn’t have to be here, like this, tonight. Ismene was a kind soul, and she had the best of intentions.
“Of course,” Ismene said quickly, and curtsied to Norah. “Your Regal High.” Then she turned to Alexander. “And congratulations as well, Lord Justice.”
“Thank you, Ismene,” he said, trying to keep the discomfort from his voice.
There was an awkward silence, and Ismene let out a breath. “I’ll let you enjoy the evening. Congratulations again, Your Regal High,” she said, giving another curtsy. “Lord Justice,” she added.
Alexander gave a small bow as Ismene disappeared back into the crowd. He waited anxiously for Norah’s reaction.
“She seems very nice,” Norah said finally.
An easy compliment to agree with. “Yes, she is.”
“And beautiful,” she added.
Many men thought so, but Ismene’s beauty held nothing for him. He shifted and then gave a stiff nod. He didn’t want to talk about Ismene with Norah.
Norah’s lips moved, as if to say something else, when James found them. Alexander let out a silent breath of relief.
“Queen Norah,” the councilman said, taking her hand. “Congratulations. May the gods smile down on you.”
Her smile widened, bright and warm. “Thank you, James,” she said. She squeezed his hand. “I mean it. Thank you.”
James patted the top of their clasped hands. “Of course, my dear. It’s my duty and my joy.” Then he turned to Alexander and grasped his shoulder. “Your destiny, my boy. Congratulations.”
Alexander nodded as pride swelled within him. James had always believed in him, and it brought him joy that James was here to see him named lord justice. “Thank you, James.”
The councilman smiled and gave a nod and a warm cuff on his shoulder, then left them to continue on.
When they were alone again, Norah turned back to Alexander. “Are you courting? You and Ismene?”
