As Selena swallowed, Mother arched her brows from her seat opposite of the sofa. "When was that decided?"
Still breathless, he yanked his gaze from Selena to face Mother. "After today's council meeting. I let Perkins know when I returned."
"Good." Mother's eyes gleamed. "Devon should join us more often. Since his father died, he overexerts himself."
Aragon suppressed a grimace. True, but Devon keenly felt his duty to Calatini. "Good kings often do."
Mother tsked. "He needs a queen to share the burden of ruling."
Aragon sighed. Why must Mother always harp on marriage? "Yes, but he must find the right lady first." Would he decide Selena was that lady? His jaw tightened.
Her gaze darting between them, Selena coughed and licked her lips. "With the king joining us, do we dine more formally?"
Mother tilted her head, blinking at Selena. "No, Devon is family."
Selena swallowed but nodded. She was clearly nervous to meet the king. Not surprising.
Aragon took her hand to reassure her, and a shiver tingled up his arm. "He enjoys the relaxed air of our family dinners." They were one of the few times he could be himself rather than the king. "Just treat him like an ordinary gentleman. He prefers that to fawning."
Selena threaded her fingers through his and almost smiled. "I'll try."
Mother eyed their intertwined hands, so he made himself release Selena then said to distract everyone, "Before I forget, Lord Islaye mentioned the black witch has been sentenced to death."
Selena fingered the gold gargoyle still nestled between her breasts. "I'm glad he's facing justice. What about Uncle Adan?"
Aragon sighed and shook his head. Unfortunately, he'd little news about her uncle. "There's no evidence against him yet, so he's still free. But he's not left his townhouse since the black witch disappeared, and he doesn't appear to realize you're living with us."
As Selena relaxed, Mother pursed her lips then said, "And we must ensure he doesn't until after Selena's presentation ball. I don't want him interfering with my plans." She rose. "I should let your father know about Devon. Excuse me."
To divert Selena from Devon's visit, Aragon asked about her favorite part of today. Ignoring the dress shopping, she began rhapsodizing about The Arte of Spells, which was beside Mother's dress shop. She was sighing that Mother hadn't allowed her inside when Devon joined them.
As Aragon introduced her to Devon, Selena stilled then inhaled and swept a curtsy.
Devon glinted a smile as he bowed. "I've been anticipating meeting you, Miss Midor. Aragon's tales of you have been intriguing."
Selena blushed, glancing at Aragon. Then she lifted her chin and smiled. "Intriguing is one word for a lady hiding in a brothel. Desperate would be more apt."
As Devon blinked at her, a glow filled Aragon's chest. Like he'd suggested, she acted as if she met kings every day. "I'm thankful I discovered you rather than some other gentleman." Most wouldn't have hesitated to exploit her desperation.
Selena dimpled and touched his hand. "So am I."
His gaze narrow, Devon eyed them for a moment. Then he relaxed and smiled at Selena. "Few would be as chivalrous as Aragon."
Selena beamed at Aragon. "I know."
As Aragon shrugged, Mother swept in with Father. Since Hawke was out again, the five of them proceeded to dinner. Aragon sat beside Selena at the small table, while Devon sat between Selena and Father, and Mother sat across from Devon.
Once they began with pea soup, Devon leaned toward Selena. "Upper Ashville is about two days west of Silverdale, I believe. Do they mine copper or iron?"
Her spoon halfway to her mouth, Selena gaped at the king. "Copper."
Aragon forced a smile, his stomach clenching. Selena hadn't gaped when she'd met him. "Devon's mother hailed from Silverdale, so he learned everything about the vicinity."
Devon eyed Aragon, his mouth twitching. "It made up for never meeting her, I suppose."
Aragon almost winced. If Devon had noticed his resentment, his parents must have as well. He studied them, but their smiles revealed nothing. His neck prickled. What were they about?
Mother beamed at Devon as Father served her roast lamb. "Would you take Selena's first dance at her presentation ball, Devon?"
Aragon tensed and swallowed a protest. Although he must allow Selena to meet other gentlemen, he'd wanted her first dance. Of course Mother had other plans.
Devon's gaze flicked to him. "Perhaps Aragon might be more appropriate since you're presenting her?"
Selena leaned toward Aragon as she waved her forkful of creamed spinach. "Dancing with the king first shall fluster me. Aragon would be better."
Mother chuckled. "Nonsense, you're too brave for such a dance to fluster you. Besides, Devon is family, and dancing first with a king is more impressive than a mere duke's heir. Aragon can have your second dance. After that, gentleman shall beg to partner you."
Selena sighed and ate her spinach as servants brought dessert. "Very well, your grace."
Warmth filled Aragon. At least she'd wanted to dance with him first. But would that last after she met other gentlemen? If only courting her now wouldn't be exploiting her inexperience. He sighed and served her a slice of rhubarb pie.
Then Father asked Devon about today's council meeting, so dessert was spent discussing political affairs.
Afterward, Aragon walked Devon to the door. What did he think of Selena? Had he decided to court her himself? Aragon's chest burned, but he maintained a smile. "Well?"
Devon grinned. "She's perfect for you. I can see why you're fascinated."
Aragon flushed, but his chest eased. He was fascinated—Selena had consumed his thoughts since they'd met. If she felt the same after she met other gentlemen, he'd definitely court her. Hopefully, he could restrain himself long enough.
Devon clapped Aragon's shoulder. "Tell your mother if she requires further assistance when presenting your Miss Midor, I'll be glad to give it."
Once he and Devon exchanged farewells, Aragon returned to the drawing room where Selena sat sketching alone. Hunger flooded him again. Goddess, she was spellbinding. He sat beside her on the sofa. "Where are Mother and Father?"
Selena lowered her sketch journal. "They left to dress for Lady Morwynne's ball. Are you joining them?"
He grimaced. "No. I'll save my socializing until Mother presents you." There'd be countless events to attend then. He eyed her. "What did you think of Devon?"
Selena dimpled and tilted her head. "I liked him. He appears more like a country gentleman than a king."
His stomach tensing again, Aragon nodded. "People often say that—until they see him amidst a crisis. Then he reveals his natural authority."
Selena nodded. "Doubtless he makes a fine king." She glanced at him beneath her lashes. "Since your mother insisted he take my first dance, we should practice my dancing like you suggested."
He swallowed as his pulse surged. Had she asked because she wanted to dance with him or because she wanted to impress Devon? And could he resist kissing her if they danced alone?
Selena leaned toward him. "Please, Aragon. I've been looking forward to dancing with you again."
Tingling suffusing him, Aragon took her arm. He'd risk dancing with her. He escorted her to the shadowy ballroom then lit some candles. "We haven't any music."
A dimple quivered in Selena's left cheek as she glided into his arms. "We didn't need music at the brothel."
He jerked a nod, his body hardening when he inhaled her lymon scent. Goddess, she was tempting. As they twirled about the echoing ballroom, he managed to keep the proper distance despite his hunger. But he halted and released her after one dance. He'd kiss her if they continued. "Shall we go play cards or read aloud?"
Selena sighed but nodded, so Aragon whisked her back to the drawing room. Surely he could maintain control there.
Chapter 15
Four days after their solitary dance, Selena finally managed time alone with Aragon when
the duchess attended Lady Islaye's salon. She dimpled as she sat beside him on the sofa in the morning room. "What are you reading?"
Aragon tensed as he marked his place in his book. But then he relaxed with a shrug. "The Prince and the Truth Sword."
She leaned toward him. If only she could hold his hand, but he'd no doubt flee. He'd been painfully proper since their dance. Her heart squeezed. Perhaps he didn't want to court her after all. She clung to her grin as she replied, "Sounds intriguing. What's it about?"
Aragon's eyes crinkled. "A prince's quest to unearth a sword that reveals the truth after his uncle frames him for murdering his father to steal the throne."
Selena chuckled and shook her head. "Hopefully, my uncle never reads it. 'Twould only inspire his schemes." Although they'd no doubt founder like always.
Aragon winced and set aside his novel to take her hands. "We'll ensure his schemes never harm you again. Not that he knows your whereabouts at the moment. Although he's finally emerged, Midor is still hunting for you near the docks."
She squeezed Aragon's hands with a soft smile. The dear man was always protecting her. "I was jesting, you know. I'd enjoy reading your novel once you finish."
Aragon eyed her lips then swallowed and dropped her hands. "I'll lend it to you then."
Selena's heart fluttered. Had he wanted to kiss her? How could she encourage him to continue? She ached for another enthralling kiss.
But before she could reply, an auburn-haired lady breezed into the morning room. She beamed at Aragon and chirped, "Morning, Aragon." She turned to Selena. "And you must be Miss Selena Midor. My mother speaks well of you."
Selena shifted closer to Aragon. Who was this overfamiliar lady? "Your mother?"
With a blithe grin, the lady alighted on the chair beside Selena. "Lady Keyes."
Selena studied her. The dainty lady did resemble the duchess's best friend, although she was young to be the daughter of Lady Keyes, who must be a decade older than the duchess.
Aragon chuckled, his smile warm. "Selena, this is Miss Wren Keyes; she's Hawke's best friend and grew up with us on an adjoining country estate."
Wren's hazel eyes flickered. "We live two doors down in Ormas too. Our parents are inseparable. But please, call me Wren."
Selena forced herself to smile at Wren. After their lifelong familiarity, did Wren consider Aragon, Mel, and Hawke her brothers, or did she feel more for one of them? If so, 'twould be Aragon. Selena's stomach cramped. "Only if you call me Selena."
"Gladly." Wren leaned forward with a grimace. "I apologize for not visiting sooner. I meant to when Mother mentioned you last week, but I was directing a play at the orphanage."
Selena frowned. "An orphanage?" Why would a wealthy baronet's daughter be there?
Wren grinned and bobbed a nod. "Waterstreet Orphanage. I volunteer there. 'Tis near the docks."
Aragon nudged Selena. "Near The Gold Griffin."
Selena gaped at Wren. This dainty lady visited the brothel's neighborhood? "Your parents allow you to visit that part of Ormas?"
Wren shrugged. "At first, they insisted Hawke accompany me, but after nine years, they're accustomed to my visits. I spend most of my time there."
Selena stiffened. Wren's impossible perfection made her teeth ache. Fire flared in her chest. Goddess, was she why Aragon wouldn't court her? "I see."
Wren tilted her head. "Are you excited for your ball next week?"
Not really. Selena folded her hands in her lap with a glittering grin. She couldn't betray weakness to such a paragon. "Of course."
Wren wrinkled her nose. "I wouldn't be. I despise court events and rarely attend them. Although I'm glad to attend yours."
Hawke strolled into the morning room. "Meaning your mother ordered you to attend."
Her face radiant, Wren beamed at Hawke as he sat beside her. "She did, but I'm pleased to support a lady in need."
"Of course you are." Hawke shook his head but smiled at Wren.
Selena studied them, the cramp in her stomach vanishing. Wren did feel more for one of the Hawke brothers, just not Aragon. And from his sincere smile, Hawke probably felt the same. Selena grinned at Wren. "I'll be relieved for a female friend at my ball."
Wren grinned back. "I'm sure you'll meet others too."
Hawke rose, arching a brow at Wren. "Are you ready?"
As Wren nodded and leapt upright, Aragon cocked his head. "Where are you headed?"
Hawke shrugged. "I'm showing Wren some townhouses I'm considering."
Selena blinked. Ormas townhouses were so costly even wealthy families shared one, and most only rented a townhouse for a few seasons. If their youngest son could afford to purchase one, no wonder Aragon's family had loaned her that sumptuous bedroom.
Yet Aragon frowned at Hawke. "How are you purchasing a townhouse?"
Hawke flashed a crooked grin. "Remember that investment I made last year once I received my inheritance?" When Aragon nodded, Hawke chuckled. "Well, Buford's ships returned last month to Ormas with a fortune in goods. My profits are enough to purchase a townhouse—and then some."
Selena eyed Hawke with new respect. Despite his irksome flirting, he could be shrewd. Many younger sons squandered their inheritances rather than growing them.
Aragon arched his brows. "Mother shan't like that."
Hawke shrugged. "She must become accustomed. I'm of age and free to do as I like. I'm not the heir who must remain tied to the family properties."
Aragon shook his head. "True enough. You'd best warn Father, so he can prepare Mother."
Hawke snickered. "Don't we always?"
Wren wrinkled her nose at him. "Hawke!"
Hawke widened his eyes until Wren sighed. He chuckled then stepped forward to capture Selena's hand. Kissing her fingers, he slanted her a smoldering look. "Perhaps you'd care to join us? I'd love an artist's opinion."
As Aragon and Wren both stiffened, Selena extracted her hand. At least she wasn't the only one irked by Hawke's flirting. "I'm content to remain here, thank you."
Hawke sighed. "Very well, dear lady." He offered Wren his arm. "Shall we go?"
Wren took his arm and gave Selena a tight smile. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise," Selena called while Wren and Hawke strode from the morning room. Hopefully, Wren would forget his empty flirting by the ball. A female friend there would be comforting. Once they were alone again, Selena turned to Aragon. "That was interesting. Shall your mother truly be upset?"
Aragon's lips quirked. "She'll fuss, but I suspect she's proud of her youngest son's independence. I know Father is."
Selena cocked her head. What was he not saying? She leaned toward him. "Oh?"
Aragon shrugged and glanced away. "He once told me they were fortunate to possess three sons they could be proud of for different strengths. Hawke for his independence. Mel for his compassion. And me for my dedication." He grimaced with another shrug. "I was lowered by Father's faint praise."
Warmth suffusing her chest, she touched his knee. Again, he was too modest. "Dedication is important."
Aragon leaned toward her as his gaze jerked back to her face. "Oh?"
Selena held his gaze. "Dedication helps accomplish your goals and inspires others to trust you. And trust is the bedrock of love." Her breath stilled. Perhaps instant attraction wasn't enough to inspire lasting love—but trust could grow that attraction into love. "And you're the most trustworthy gentleman I've ever met."
Aragon's eyes turned ebony as he began bending his head.
Tingling heat flashed across her skin. He was definitely about to kiss her this time. At last. She must remember to praise dedication in the future.
"Ahem."
At the duchess's cough, Aragon jolted back.
Selena suppressed a sigh. So much for another enthralling kiss.
A faint smile curved the duchess's patrician lips. "Your father requires you in his study for estate business, Aragon."
"Very well." Aragon stiffened but ro
se. He held Selena's gaze for a moment before striding from the morning room.
Fighting not to blush, Selena lifted her chin to face his mother. Was the duchess going to scold her for almost kissing her son?
Yet the duchess merely beckoned her. "Come along, I've a surprise."
Selena's pulse skittered as the duchess led her upstairs to a room at the end of the guest bedrooms. What kind of surprise?
The duchess smiled and gestured for her to enter. "I had this little room prepared for you."
Prepared how? Her mouth drying, Selena stepped inside then halted. She goggled at the large windows facing north, neutral gray wallpaper, a large drawing desk, two easels, several chairs, and a bookcase of art materials. Tears prickled her eyes. The duchess had created an art room for her!
The duchess glided about the room. "Since you always have your sketch journal, I thought you might enjoy a private room for sketching or painting. I consulted artists from The Arte of Spells to design it. Does it suit?"
Selena blinked at the duchess, clutching her sketch journal to her breast. Laughter bubbled in her throat. "Does it suit? I've never seen a more perfect room. My deepest thanks, your grace."
The duchess flashed a grin. "I'm pleased you like it."
Selena's heart swelled as she glanced about the wonderful room again. She must find some way to thank the duchess. Perhaps a portrait? As the duchess began to leave, she called, "Would you mind being the subject of my first sketch here?"
The duchess turned with a smile. "If you like. Where do you want me?"
Her movements fluid, Selena directed the duchess to the nearest chair and set an easel into position. She swiftly sketched the outlines of the portrait then changed her enchanted pencils into shades matching the duchess. As she began filling in the duchess's blush dress, she asked, "You've been extraordinarily kind to me, your grace. Could I ask why?"
The duchess merely smiled with a shrug. "Why not?"
Selena stilled, tingling filling her chest. "Because your son discovered me in a brothel." Most ladies would have shunned her knowing that.
The duchess shrugged again. "That has no bearing on your character. Aragon thought you were worth championing, and Eldridge seconded his opinion. Plus, everything I've seen so far has only confirmed it."
The Spellbinding Courtship: Calatini Tales Book 0.5 Page 9