“Feeling better?” Adeline whispers, her eyes twinkling.
I shrug. “Sometimes real confidence doesn’t show up until after you pretend for a bit.”
Adeline takes a sip of her own cider and holds it up in a toast. “Wise words. And with that said, let’s find Sebastian. I have some pretending to do.”
The crowds are thick, and we are constantly stopped. There are plenty of people who only treat me as a novelty—the evening’s scheduled amusement, but there’s admiration in many of their expressions, and I feed off it.
Avery glances our way, and then he does a subtle, but very satisfying, double take. The handsome captain is as at ease in this ornate ballroom as he is on his ship, always comfortable in his own skin. Still leaning against the pillar, he loosely crosses his arms, and a promising smile plays at his lips. He’s like a panther, a lion—all sinewy muscle and grace. And his eyes are on mine, his smile for me alone.
I’m not immune to him, and I doubt I ever will be. My stomach flutters; my mouth goes dry. I want to check my hair, check my makeup, find something to do with my fidgety hands. But mostly, I want to quell the memories which insist on playing in a constant loop through my head.
So, I do the only thing I know to do—I give him a feline smirk of my own, playing coy because I know it will make his smile grow. It works, and his response is enough to take my breath away.
Sebastian glances at the ceiling when he notices the exchange, perhaps asking for strength to make it through this evening where Avery and I will be praised, but there’s no anger in his expression. When he looks down, he smiles briefly at me. Then he lets his eyes wander to Adeline.
He gives away nothing, but I have a feeling there’s something there, something he’s hiding.
Adeline tugs me back and says quietly enough no one will overhear her, “Let them come to us.”
“But…” I glance at the women hovering near the pair of cousins. The bejeweled nobles might as well be harpies for how they leer at Avery and Sebastian.
But before I can argue, His Semi-royal, High and Mighty Handsomeness himself steps up to us, blocking our path. Gerard bows low, looking dashing in his masculine finery. “Do you have a need for a shield again? I am here, gladly offering my services.”
He smiles cheekily, raising his blond brows with good humor.
“You have excellent timing,” Adeline tell Gerard as she peeks over his shoulder.
Sebastian and Avery are already making their way toward us.
Gerard narrows his eyes with good humor and glances behind him before he turns back to face me. “I see how this is. Tell me, which one have you set your sights on?”
I didn’t like the man when we first met—especially after he assumed I was Sebastian’s maid the first time we first came to Teirn. But he’s growing on me—much like a barnacle on the hull of a ship.
“The captain,” Adeline supplies for me. I shoot her a murderous look, but she only smiles.
“It’s always Avery.” Gerard chuckles darkly and shifts his weight, getting comfortable. “There’s no competing against a captain. The title alone sends girls all aflutter, and then you add in Avery’s roguish, devil-may-care attitude.” He lets out a lingering mock-sigh. “It’s a lost cause.”
I glance away, trying not to think of how many girls Avery’s “set aflutter.”
From across the room, our young queen catches my eye. She’s mingling with the crowd, waiting for her husband to make his appearance. And wouldn’t you know it—she’s wearing a silver gown. It’s almost identical to mine.
Trying to ignore Minerva, I look back at Gerard. Then, thinking it might help to know—perhaps help me quell this inconvenient infatuation, I give him a wry smile. “And just how many girls have you lost to Avery?”
The man gives me a knowing look. “Do numbers really matter?”
“That many?” I ask, laughing though the thought makes me queasy.
“Well, let me tell you about this time in Baywhite—”
“I’m quite sure Lucia doesn’t want to be bored with tales from our past,” Avery interrupts as he joins us.
“Lucia’s quite sure she does,” I say to him sweetly.
The captain chuckles under his breath and expertly directs Gerard’s attention to the current price of silver. Gerard, who apparently owns several mines, is immediately diverted, and just like that, I’ve lost my informant.
Avery glances at me with a smug sort of look as Gerard speaks of the fluctuating market. Before I can draw the conversation back to Avery’s numerous past exploits, a pair of trumpets cries out from the front of the hall, announcing the king’s arrival.
Harold steps into the room from behind the crests hanging behind the thrones. Immediately, the room goes silent. Respectful of our monarch, the men bow and women dip into deep curtsies. I must be getting the hang of it because Adeline doesn’t shoot me a reproachful look.
“Rise,” the king says, already smiling. Wasting no time, he begins, “Tonight, we celebrate. For the first time in eighty years, a captain has successfully sailed a ship through the forbidden waters and returned unscathed. And, for the first time in history, Kalae may claim their very own siren slayer. Captain Greybrow, Lucia Linnon, please come forward.”
The crowd parts like a curtain being drawn. They sweep out of the path in front of us, every eye on Avery and me. Without a moment’s hesitation, Avery takes my arm and escorts me forward.
Oddly, I’m reminded of our peculiar wedding, of the way the people of the island watched us so intently as we exchanged those unknown vows. My heart begins to pound, and my breath quickens.
We reach Harold, and he gives me a quick wink. The simple, familiar gesture eases my nerves, even if only slightly. Minerva stands next to Harold, eying my gown. She looks as pleased about our near-matching as I am.
“Captain, for your bravery and steadfast loyalty to the crown.” Harold extends his hand to Minerva, and she places a huge gold medallion in his palm. He hands the token to Avery, and the captain bows again. The two look almost bored of the process, as if they’ve both been through it numerous times.
Then Harold turns to me, and a large smile grows across his face. “Lucia Linnon, daughter of William and Marta Linnon of Reginae, for your service to Kalae—for the protection of our people and your prowess with a bow, I hereby induct you into the Royal Order of the Stag. Henceforth, you will be addressed as Lady Lucia and you shall receive all the honor and respect the title is due.”
I stare at him, dumbfounded.
His Majesty leans close. “You should probably curtsy now.”
“Oh, yes.” I snap out of my stupor and sink in front of him, only stumbling slightly. When I rise, Harold sets a golden arrow in my palms. I stare at the token, unable to fully comprehend the events of the last few moments.
To me, since Avery obviously has done all this before, Harold whispers, “You’ll turn now. Stand for a moment while the crowd basks in your glory, and then you may join your companions.”
Still numb, I nod.
As one, we turn. I search for a familiar face, someone I can rest my gaze on. As they have for the last twenty-one years, my eyes find Sebastian. He stares back, an odd expression on his face. It’s not cloaked as it usually is—it mirrors my own shock. And there’s something else there, something that makes me remember an imagined future from not so long ago.
To show polite respect, the men in our audience bow their heads and the women once again dip in curtsies—though these are not as low or sweeping as the ones they graced the king with. Sebastian, though, doesn’t move. He stares at me as if in a trance.
Avery stiffens beside me, obviously noticing. Then he puts on a carefree smile, takes me by the arm again, and escorts me into our crowd of admirers. But instead of taking me to Adeline and the rest of our group, he steers me to the left, toward the back of the throng.
I recognize Lord Thane’s gray head first, but then I blink several times because with him is a group
I cannot believe is standing in the king’s hall.
My brother Anderson, who towers a head above most in the crowd, grins when he sees me coming, and then the rest of my family looks my way. I gape at them as Avery sweeps me along, right to their tight little cluster.
“Little duck!” Father bellows as soon as I’m near, and he crushes me against his chest in a bear hug. “Or I suppose I should say Lady Duck now!”
“What are you doing here?” I manage as I’m passed to Anderson and Erik, the eldest of my brothers, and they too try to squeeze the air from my lungs. George and Hansel join them, wrapping themselves around my back, and little Kiersten joins the fray.
“Let her breathe,” Mother chastises as she steals me from my exuberant siblings. Someone has done her hair, twisted it up into a beautiful updo, and she wears a simple gown in midnight blue. She’s gorgeous, more beautiful than any of the courtiers in attendance.
The last words we spoke were not friendly. I stare at her as she stands there, an expression on her face that’s as hesitant as my own. And then she offers a small smile. “I’m proud of you, Lucy.”
And just like that, to my great horror, I burst into tears.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Stalker in the Castle
I dab at my eyes, thoroughly humiliated, and Mother wraps her arms around me like she used to do, laughing like she hasn’t a care in the world.
“Who’s watching the farm?” I ask.
“Connor’s family volunteered,” Mother says, speaking of the man who I’ve declined marriage offers from twice. She was especially angry with me the second time, and that’s what created the rift between us. But her tone carries no chastisement now.
“I just don’t understand—how did you find out?” I blink quickly, thankful the tears are ebbing. “I didn’t even know what was going to transpire this evening. I thought I’d get a small purse of gold and be sent on my way.”
Father turns to Avery, who I almost forgot was standing behind me. “Captain Greybrow sent us a personal invitation. We wouldn’t miss this for anything, Lucia.”
And my poor, poor heart—it cannot take this. I turn to Avery, overwhelmed with gratitude and something else I cannot put my finger on. He sent for my family? Knew me well enough to know I would want them here?
“How? There was no time.”
“I sent the message by pigeon.”
“Thank you,” I murmur because there is no way I’ll be able to manage anything else without crying again.
It’s very embarrassing.
Avery simply nods, his eyes warm with understanding.
Oh, this man. He’s going to be the death of me. Just when I convince myself our time on the island, on his ship, was fleeting, he does something like this.
“Tell us how you killed the sirens,” young George demands, tugging on my arm. “I want to hear everything.”
The rest of them chime in, pouring out more questions all at once. I end up regaling them with the tale more times than I can count.
Lord Thane stands quietly by, ever watchful. My eyes meet his once, and he nods, thinking. I’ve seen that look before—but it was directed at Adeline.
My stomach knots with confusion. What I would have given for him to look at me that way last autumn. I glance at Avery. Oblivious to his uncle’s thoughts, the captain gives me his cocky smile, the one that tells me I’m doomed.
After my brothers have properly stuffed themselves with enough food to last them a week, and my sister finishes her fifth icing-ladened petit four, we say our goodbyes. Though the night is nowhere close to finished, Father says they want to make Clear Creek before nightfall. It’s a week’s ride back to Reginae, longer if you take your time.
I hug them all and thank them for coming at least a dozen times.
“Visit as soon as you’re able,” Father says before he leaves.
“Thank you for convincing Mother to come,” I whisper.
He gives me a knowing smile, and then he follows the rest of them out of the castle.
When they are gone, I feel as if my heart has been mended. I didn’t realize how the disagreement between Mother and me weighed on my shoulders.
Soon after their departure, Avery and I are swept apart by admirers. By the time the evening is nearing its end, I’m so sick of the story of our adventure, I feel I’ll never want to speak of it again. Every time I’m free, someone else corners me, wanting to talk with me, wanting me to entertain them. It’s exhausting.
“Lady Lucia!” someone exclaims just as I’m attempting to make my way toward Avery. The captain is deep in conversation with Gerard and the queen, and the sight makes my stomach squirm in the most uncomfortable sort of way.
I turn, holding back a sigh.
Dante, the apothecary from the alchemy shoppe Sebastian and I visited, stands in front of me. He gives me a crisp bow, his eyes sparkling. “Good evening, Lady Lucia.”
Grateful for a familiar face, even one who’s only an acquaintance, I relax. “Hello, Dante. How’s your shoppe?”
“Happily intact, thank you for asking.” He glances around the room. “My congratulations are due—this is quite the party.”
“Thank you.” Exhausted, I look around as well.
Dante cocks his head to the side, studying me. “You’re looking a bit weary.”
“I am,” I admit. “I’m unused to this glitter and extravagance.”
He steps forward, leaning closer. With a teasing quality to his voice, he asks, “So I don’t suppose we’ll hear rumors of our favorite siren slayer attending one of the dark masquerades this evening?”
I turn to Dante sharply, taking him by surprise. “What masquerades? A beggar in the street outside your shoppe was hollering about them when we left, but we assumed he was on night floss.”
Dante’s eyebrows rise. “That’s all you’ve heard about them?”
I nod.
Glancing around us, he steps in closer and lowers his voice. “If the rumors are to be believed, they’re taking place under the city. Apparently, it’s all very secretive, and you must have an invitation to attend.”
“Have you been to one?”
“Me?” He chuckles like the thought is very humorous. “Oh no. I’m not quite noble enough. It’s said the masquerades are for certain courtiers, the rich, the notable. Do not be surprised if you find yourself an invitation at some point.”
“I’m not noble or rich,” I point out, and then I pause. Am I noble now?
Dante angles a bit closer, giving me a good whiff of the subtle earthy, musky scent of his cologne. “Lady Lucia, you are more than just noble—you’re famous, and that might be even better.”
I’m not sure how to answer that, but it doesn’t matter because Avery has broken away from his conversation, and he finally joins us.
“Ah, the real Captain Greybrow,” Dante says, taking a subtle step away from me. “What an honor it is to meet you.”
Avery nods and settles next to me, tucking me against his side like it’s the only place I could possibly belong. My breath catches, and I work to keep it even.
The men exchange pleasantries, and soon the shopkeeper excuses himself, leaving me with thoughts of dark masquerades swirling in my head.
“How much longer must we stay?” I ask Avery quietly.
“Avery!” Minerva calls from across the room, waving her hand in the air to get the captain’s attention.
I pull away. “It appears you’re being summoned.”
Avery groans low, but his face is a perfectly pleasant mask.
“Go on,” I say, nudging him. “Your admirers need you.”
He gives me a wry look and brushes a chaste kiss over the top of my head before he casually walks their way. The sweet gesture startles me, and my eyes linger on him as he mingles with the crowd.
“Why, hello there, Lady Lucia.”
I jump at Adeline’s voice, and I whip around, feeling as if I’ve been caught doing something wrong. Adeline’s eyes narrow
with concern. “You look almost dead on your feet.”
Sebastian’s with her as well, and he crosses his arms. I can feel his gaze on me, but I purposely avoid his eyes.
“I’m exhausted,” I admit.
“Did you tell Avery you’re ready to leave?” Sebastian asks, his tone giving away nothing after the look we shared earlier.
I shake my head. “No. He’s very popular this evening. I’ve barely had a chance to speak with him after the…”
“The ceremony?” he supplies, and his dark green eyes lock on mine when I make the mistake of looking up.
I clear my throat and nod. The air grows thick, and Adeline’s gaze flickers between us. Her bright expression dims.
“I noticed the shopkeeper from Convill and Midtown visited with you for a few minutes,” Sebastian says, ending the awkward silence.
“Dante.”
Sebastian nods. “Is his shoppe well?”
“Yes, he said it’s fine.” I lean closer to the pair. “He also spoke of the masquerades the beggar was going on about. Do you remember that?”
“It would be difficult to forget.” Sebastian frowns. “What did he say?”
“Only that they’re by invitation only, and it’s all very secretive and elite.”
Sebastian shakes his head. “There aren’t any catacombs underneath Teirn. They’re rumor, that’s all. The city has been searched dozens of times.”
I nod, still intrigued, and then I cover a yawn with my hand.
“It’s late. Fetch your cloaks,” Sebastian says to Adeline and me. “I’ll say our goodbyes and escort you across the courtyard to your rooms.”
Before he can turn, I catch his arm. “Thank you.”
He glances at my hand and then nods.
As we’re walking to the coat room, Adeline stops to chat with someone she met earlier in the night. I go on without her, telling her I’ll fetch her cloak.
The attendant is just slipping mine around my shoulders when I notice my stalker’s face in the hallway. I hurry away, forgetting all about Adeline’s cloak, and race after the man. By the time I’ve turned down the hall I’m sure he disappeared into, I’ve already pulled my dagger from its sheath.
Wildwood Larkwing (Silver and Orchids Book 3) Page 9