Beauty In Darkness

19

“Fine,” I said. “I’ll see you at supper.”

“Thank you.” A victorious smile crossed her face as she grasped the books to her ample bosom and left the room in a swish of skirts. My eyes stayed fixed on the doorway long after she’d gone through it, as if hoping she’d return. Sun and Moon, what was I going to do about her?

Twelve

Rose

T

he castle’s staff was even more shocked than I was that Raith had agreed to join me for supper. They flitted about in a frenzy of hushed whispers and clinking silverware as they prepared for his arrival. Oren caught my eye and gave me a knowing smile as he walked by me. I wanted to tell them not to get their hopes up, that it was just supper and nothing more, and Raith might not even arrive after all.

But he did.

At exactly supper time he strode into the private dining chamber, wearing all black as usual. He cut a dashing figure with his tall profile, regal bearing, and the subtle power emanating from him at all times. His commanding presence stole my breath, along with his raven-black hair, storm gray eyes, and the hint of dark stubble across his strong jaw.

For a moment he simply stood in the doorway, taking me in. I wore the same off-the-shoulder emerald gown from earlier, yet Loura had done my hair in an intricate up-do, topped with a silver and ruby tiara that once belonged to Queen Casnia. A matching necklace adorned my neck and Raith’s eyes lingered on it. I hoped he wasn’t upset I’d worn his mother’s jewels—Oren had brought them to me earlier and suggested I put them on, so I’d thought it was fine. Or was Raith looking at my bare shoulders and the cleavage revealed by the low neckline of my gown? I couldn’t tell.

“Rose.” He gave me a quick nod as he pulled out my chair for me.

I sank into it with a smile. “Thank you.”

He took a seat across from me at the table, which was made of dark wood with intricate designs of swirls and flowers on it. Unlike the grand dining hall, this room was smaller and more intimate, intended for the royal family to share meals together in less formal situations. The servants poured us wine and brought our first course, a soup that smelled of pumpkins and spice, then discreetly disappeared into the adjoining room.

Raith and I began sipping our soup in silence, like two strangers sharing a meal and nothing more. He seemed to have no interest in talking to me, which meant I’d have to be the one to make the effort.

I smiled at him and said, “I truly appreciate this. After spending every meal surrounded by my sisters, I’m not used to eating alone. It’s nice to have some company.”

“I suppose.”

Well, that was enthusiastic. I swirled my spoon through my soup. “Have you no siblings?”

“None. My parents didn’t think they could have children for a long time, possibly due to my mother’s ongoing health issues. I was an unexpected miracle when she was almost forty years old.”

I smiled faintly as I imagined how happy they would have been. “They must have doted on you so much.”

“My father taught me magic and my mother taught me to be king.” He shrugged. “It was a pleasant childhood overall.”

“Did you ever long for siblings?”

“Not particularly, but perhaps you can’t miss what you’ve never had.”

“I’m not sure that’s true,” I said, a lump forming in my throat at the thought of what I’d always missed.

His steely eyes seemed to see right through me. “What did you long for, Rose?”

“My mother. She died giving birth to me. My father remarried many times, but none of his wives lasted long. My sisters and I all learned not to get attached to them. My aunt Dahlia was the closest thing I had to a mother and I love her dearly, but it’s not the same.”

“I’m guessing your mother was a wizard?”

“She was, and my aunt gave me my mother’s spellbook when I came into my magic. I practiced in secret as a way to feel closer to her.”

“It’s a shame you never had anyone to teach you magic properly.”

“But I do now.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Assuming we ever get to actually practice magic, that is.”

“Soon, my impatient wife.”

His words were almost teasing, but he’d called me his wife, not his apprentice or his queen. I practically glowed from the inside out.

The servants brought out the next course, a chicken dish with an almond sauce, before retreating again. Raith had relaxed significantly, enough to give me the confidence to broach this next topic.

“Oren told me what happened to your late wife,” I said. Raith stiffened, his fingers tightening around his knife. “Did he now?”

“I know this is a difficult subject, but I felt I had a right to know, so please don’t be upset with him. I won’t pry into your past any further.” I smoothed my hands on my napkin. “All I wish to say is that I am truly sorry for what my father did. I also want you to know that he never told any of us about what he’d done. If I’d known he could do such despicable things…” I shook my head as emotion gripped my throat. “It is inexcusable and I’m so sorry for your loss.” Raith set down his knife, and when he met my eyes, he didn’t look angry. “You do not need to apologize. I don’t blame you or your sisters for what your father has done. If anything, I pity that you had to live under his thumb for so long.”