“He was, my lord.” Damion gave the earl a truly terrifying smile. “Strange. I did not see you at the ceremony.”
“Enough squabbling!” Mrs Anthony shouted, angry that the conversation was no longer under her control. She tapped her long fingers on the upholstered arm of her chair. “I gave neither of you permission to wed. You are both ungrateful, grasping wretches. Bring the girl to me.”
Nervous, I smoothed my skirts and took Damion’s arm. The dozen steps between the queen and me seemed to stretch on to infinity. When at last I reached her side, John looked sharply at the floor. I sank into a curtsy and remained there.
“She has manners at least,” Mrs Anthony conceded. “Raise her up.”
When I met her eyes, I learned that the queen was extremely nearsighted. Even though I was no more than t
