Beauty In Darkness

18

That night, I donned another gown and made my way to the dining chamber, expecting to see Raith there—but when I entered, I found myself alone except for the servants. I sat at the table and waited for him to arrive, but as my supper was placed in front of me and wine was poured, I knew he wasn’t coming.

How was I supposed to help Raith when he wouldn’t even face me?

Eleven

Raith

T

he door to my study banged open and my wife walked into the room, wearing an off-the-shoulder emerald gown while carrying the stack of books I’d given her three days ago. Rose stormed toward me, her amber eyes ablaze, and dropped the books on my desk with a loud thump.

“I’m finished,” she said.

I arched an eyebrow. “Already?”

She crossed her arms as she stood over me, making my eyes drift to her bare shoulders. “Don’t sound so surprised.”

I tore my gaze away to glance through the books. “Where’s your summary?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not doing that. I’ll read them, but I’m not writing up a report as if I’m still a child and you’re my tutor.”

I leaned back in my chair and gave her a level stare. “How am I supposed to know if you actually read them?”

“Perhaps you’d like to quiz me?” She huffed. “I read them. You’ll simply have to take my word on it.”

I nearly argued the point further, but decided perhaps I had been a tad too harsh in my demands. I slowly rose to my feet and her gaze followed me up as I towered over her. “Fine. No summary. I simply wanted to test your dedication to this endeavor.”

Her glare softened and she clasped her hands in front of her. “I’m dedicated, I promise. It’s just that I’ve wanted to learn magic my entire life and I’m ready to get started.”

I moved toward another table with a tall stack of books and rested my hand on them. “Then it’s time for your next lesson. Now that you understand the history of magic, you must learn the theory. Read these and return once you’ve finished.”

She let out a groan that conjured all sorts of thoughts I shouldn’t be having. “More books? Truly, Raith, you must hate me.”

Quite the opposite, in fact. If only she knew that at this very moment I was picturing sliding down those off-shoulder sleeves to reveal even more of her skin. With effort, I dragged my eyes away from her tantalizing curves and returned to my desk.

“I have some good news,” I said, changing the subject. “Your father has kept his word and has withdrawn his troops from Ilidan’s borders. I’ve ordered our army to retreat as well. The war appears to be well and truly over.”

A bright smile lit up her face. “That’s wonderful. The people of both kingdoms will be so relieved.”

“Indeed. I’ve already sent out a proclamation announcing the end of the war, along with news of our marriage. Oren has arranged a celebration in the capital later next week, which we must both attend.” My mouth twisted. “He’s also insisted I host a ball for the nobles later this month.”

She nodded. “Both of those are excellent ideas. I’m ready to do whatever is required of me as queen. Is there anything I should do to prepare, or anyone in particular I should know about?”

“Not really. The only nobleman you need to worry about is my cousin, Lord Malren. He’s clever, ambitious, narcissistic, and worst of all, next in line for the throne. Watch your back at all times around him, or you might soon find a dagger in it.”

“He sounds like a delight. I’ll keep an eye out, and on your back as well.”

I stiffened at the implication she would look after me. “You need not concern yourself so.” I picked up a quill and turned my head to my reports. “I suggest you start reading. Those texts are dense.”

She didn’t budge. “I will read them on one condition.”

“What is it?” I looked up at her again, my eyes narrowing.

“You must join me for supper.”

“Tonight?” I usually ate supper in my study, alone. It had been that way ever since Silena was murdered. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d dined in any other part of my castle.

“Tonight, and every night.” She raised a hand as I opened my mouth to protest. “I’ve given up everything from my previous life to become your wife. I’ve done everything you’ve wanted of me and will try to be a good queen to your people. I’ll read whatever ancient, stuffy books you put in front of me. All I ask is that you share one meal with me a day. That is all.”

“Why?” I asked, baffled by her request.

She looked down, and a hint of vulnerability entered her eyes. “I am completely and utterly alone here. I cannot spend my entire life in solitude, and neither can you. If we are to be partners for the rest of our lives, let us at least have supper together every night. Please.”

Her plea was too heartfelt for me to ignore and made me realize how unfair I’d been to her all this time. I’d been so focused on how hard this marriage was for me, I didn’t realize what toll it was taking on her either. As she’d said, she’d given up everything when she came here, including her entire family and her home. She had to be incredibly lonely here in this dark, foreign castle. I understood loneliness all too well.