Ravenborne

by Chandra Ryan

  “What are you doing?”

  She opted for showing instead of telling and stroked him several times. When he was hard and his eyes glittered with desire, she leaned forward to kiss him. “One shouldn’t gloat over a win. It’s unbecoming.”

  “As you wish.” He kissed her back, the passion echoing in his mind leaving her breathless.

  Pulling away from him, she took a second to catch her breath. “Truce?”

  “I don’t want a truce. I want unconditional surrender.” He nipped at her shoulder as he positioned himself above her. “I want you.”

  “Well, my good sir, you have me.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  They were, indeed, late to the feast, but not offensively so. And, as much as she hated to admit it, having to eat in her dress uniform did make getting ready a lot quicker. Even so, as they approached the massive doors of the banquet room, butterflies started flittering around in her stomach. Placing a hand on her abdomen to settle it, she took a deep breath.

  “Are you okay?” Kavin put a hand over hers, the gesture filling her with warmth.

  “I’m fine.” She forced her head back and her shoulders straight as she took another step. “It’s just been a while since I’ve done this.”

  “What? Eat?” His eyes sparkling mischievously as he watched her.

  Deciding to ignore the taunt, she shook her head. “Sat at a table with royals.”

  “Lucky you.”

  “I’ve gotten used to just being who I am, saying what I’m thinking, taking people at their word. I don’t know if I can jump back into all the game playing and manipulating.”

  “You do have a definite advantage over most of the people in there.”

  She didn’t need the reminder. She could already feel their thoughts brushing against hers. “You’re right. This is what the king brought me here to do, isn’t it?”

  “You’re smart and strong, Sara.” He put a finger under her chin and forced her gaze to meet his. “With or without your gift, you’ll do fine. Just remember, it’s all about alliances.”

  Visions of Devin and Ashlyn danced through her head menacingly. “And I’m known for my stellar choices there.”

  “Leave the past where it is. You’re starting fresh and you’ve made a good start of it. My sister may be young and a bit spoiled, but she won’t auction you off to the Rhuevians. And it’s always nice to have the King’s Right in your corner.”

  Taking a steadying breath, she nodded. She was off to a good start. And she was a lot older and wiser than she’d been the last time she had attempted this.

  “So, you ready to jump into the viper pit?” His teasing wink did wonders for calming the butterflies. She could do this. With him next to her, she could do anything.

  “Should be fun.”

  “I don’t know if I would go that far.”

  Walking through the heavy wood doors, Kavin removed his hand from hers to wrap it protectively around her waist. It was more than a show of support. Like everything royals did, it was a calculated maneuver. He’d just declared her off-limits. And, judging by the number of royals that stared pointedly at her waist, she was guessing the statement had been heard loudly.

  She held on to his upper arm and did her best to ignore the stares as they made their way through the room by concentrating on one of the many thick tapestries that lined the walls. Red, blue, green and silver dragons danced high in the sky above the army of knights. Pikes poised for attack, shields held protectively over their heads, the knights waited for sure death.

  As interesting as that time must have been, she was glad she’d been born in a time of peace.

  They were about halfway through the room when Kavin changed direction. “My sister’s right over there.” He nodded toward a table of royals. “And it looks like she’s got the pack with her tonight.”

  Eyeing the table of self-important aristocrats, Sara cringed. “It’s only one night.”

  “One very long night.” Kavin’s voice was bored but his arm around her waist tightened. As much as she hated to admit it, she had the sinking suspicion he was right.

  Once at the table, Kavin pulled the chair to his sister’s left out for Sara, but before she could sit she would have to endure the tedious practice of introductions.

  “Lady Guard Raven,” Alex began formally. “I’m so glad you chose to grace us.”

  “I was honored by the invitation,” Sara returned equally formal. “Would you be so kind as to introduce me to your dining companions?”

  “It would be my pleasure.” Alex rose from her chair gracefully. Normally the introductions would start with the person to the left of the hostess, but since those two seats still sat empty, the young woman started with the person in the third position. “Lord Elleum Quince.”

  The handsome man took her hand with nothing other than respect in his posture and facial expression, but there was a distinct air of hatred about him as he kissed the back lightly.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Sara’s voice faltered slightly, bringing Kavin’s attention to the man before her.

  “As is finally meeting you. We’ve been waiting some time for you to return to court.”

  The open hostility rolling off the man was enough to make her take a step back, a step closer to Kavin.

  But, untouched by the man’s hostility, Alex continued to the next man at the table. “And this is Orlan Lillyvander, first son to the Lord Lillyvander.”

  Following her friend’s lead, Sara turned to greet Orlan as Elleum took his seat. Orlan, she was surprised to find, towered over even Kavin as he stood. Feeling the calluses on his hand as he grasped hers, Sara had no doubt the lord’s son did more than his fair share at harvest time.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Sara said.

  “The pleasure is mine.” His smile was sincere as he dropped a light kiss on the back of her hand. Glancing up at Kavin, he nodded respectfully before taking his seat.

  “And.” Alex had made her way to her right. It was the seat of honor at the hostess’s table. “Prince Jaylem. The heir apparent.”

  She had never been seated at a table with the heir apparent. He had been a young child when she’d left court. “I’m truly honored.” Not knowing proper procedure, she bowed and hoped he would overlook any mistakes as unintentional.

  “Yes, yes.” His general air of boredom seemed out of place to her. “Please do sit so we can start eating.”

  Startled, she did as she was bid. She was forever grateful for Kavin’s presence next to her, though, as he took the seat between her and Lord Quince. Seeing as she had never met the man, she had no idea how she’d managed to slight him.

  Then again, with royals it could be anything. It could be something as simple as being offended that he had been seated at the same table as a guard, or it could be something more delicate—like her family rejecting an alliance with his. Yes, it had been seven years since the raid, but royals were known to hold grudges.

  With the formalities completed, Sara turned her attention to Alex. Kavin’s sister was the one royal Sara felt comfortable with. They had been friends, real friends, before either of them had been introduced to politics and posturing. “Your dress is absolutely gorgeous. Is it of Duncan’s hand?”

  “It is. Thank you for noticing. One of the downfalls of being at a table of all men is that none seem to care about what you’re wearing. They’re all searching for the most efficient way to get you out of it.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Alexandra. Your mother would wash your mouth out for speaking like that.”

  Alex only shrugged. “It’s the truth whether we speak it aloud or keep our silence.”

  Sara looked hastily over at Kavin to see if he was paying attention to his sister. Fortunately, he appeared to be in a very intense conversation with the Lord Quince about tariffs.

  “You’re lucky your brother didn’t hear.”

  “Kavin is many things, but he’s not a hypocrite.” Alex kept her voice j
ust low enough for Sara to hear as she continued. “He couldn’t possibly complain about my statement while plotting ways of getting you naked and in his bed.”

  Sara felt her cheeks burn with the truth. With anyone else, she’d never dream of discussing her personal life. But this was Alex, and she couldn’t be anything but happy to have her friend back. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Only if one has eyes.” Alex’s smile was one of affection as she glanced between Sara and Kavin. “In all honesty, though, I’m very glad things have finally worked out for you two. But you could’ve saved us all a lot of time and a great deal of grief by just agreeing when the arrangement was set.”

  “What? And miss all the adventure?”

  Alex’s smile turned from affectionate to mischievous in the span of a heartbeat. “Sometimes I truly think you are the sister of my soul. I’ve missed you greatly, Sara.”

  “And I you, Alex.” She had. There were only a handful of people she missed from her old life, but none more than the two that sat next to her that evening. “Do tell me, what are your plans of love and marriage? I’ve heard you have more suitors than you know what to do with.”

  Alex looked around in disinterest before looking back at Sara. “And yet, somehow, they’re all exactly the same. No, none has caught my interest so far.”

  She dropped her voice to be certain only Alex heard her next question. “Not even the heir apparent?”

  Alex shook her head and picked up the fan of lace that rested in her lap. Putting it to her cheek, she spoke just loud enough for Sara to hear. “Especially not. He’s a child in all ways except age. He’s conceited, arrogant, manipulative, and has no love but for himself.”

  “But still, you’ve no desire to be queen?” It seemed rather unthinkable. It was what all girls desired.

  Alex merely shrugged. “Have you any desire for the role?”

  She had Sara there. “Sisters of the soul we are.”

  Alex took a long drink of her wine and then smiled sadly. “To be honest, I sometimes wish Devin would pick one and be done with it so I know my fate.” Her gaze rested on the wine as she swished it around the bottom of the glass. “He was close to an agreement with the first son of an old line, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

  Her heart ached for her friend’s future.

  “Don’t look so sad, Sara. There are some advantages to being a bartering piece. And I plan on exploiting each of them to the fullest.” She raised her glass in mock salute before finishing the wine in a single gulp.

  “Sounds like you’ve got it all planned out.”

  “We must do what we can with the cards we’re dealt.”

  “That, I’ll drink to.” Raising her glass, she followed Alex’s example and drained it.

  The conversation ended, though, as the servants returned to place large serving plates that held thick venison steaks, warm slices of bread and seasoned vegetables in the middle of the table.

  The divine aroma of rosemary, thyme and pepper that wafted from the steaks tempted her, but because of where she had been sat she would be the last served. It wasn’t the best of arrangements given how hungry she was, but it did give her time to find out more about her dining companions.

  “Lord Quince, your lands lay far to the south. Did you travel all the way to King’s Keep for the festival?”

  “Festivals are petty girlish things. Business has brought me here.”

  Reading him, she saw hurt and anger. Maybe even felt the tang of love lost.

  “And what of you, Lady Guard? What brings you here? Loyalty to the king or personal advancement?”

  “I was summoned and so I came.”

  “And is that how Right Hunter got you into his bed. He summoned and you came?”

  Alex gasped and Kavin’s hand went to the hilt of his dagger as Orlan looked away self-consciously. Sara wasn’t offended by the remark, though. Something wasn’t right with the man. He had an illness in his soul. “I think the lord has had too much to drink and not enough sleep. His discretion and tact are sorely missing this evening,” she said calmly.

  “Do you think I give a whit about what you think of me?”

  “No. But you would be wise to consider everyone you’re insulting before you let your comments fly,” she answered.

  “Is your lover going to kill me? Do tell him that aiming for my heart would be a waste of his time as it has recently gone missing.” Without another word, he stood abruptly and then left. Kavin moved to follow him, but she put a hand on his arm.

  “He’s drunk and heartbroken. Let him go.”

  “I will not let him talk about you in that way.”

  “Shouldn’t I be the one who gets to decide if I’m offended?”

  “No.”

  She smiled and moved her fingers down his arm to grasp his hand. “We’re not married and we’re not keeping our attachment to each other private. People are going to talk. And even if they’re silent, they’re still going to judge. Are you going to challenge them all?”

  He looked dumbfounded for a moment before turning to his now full plate. To anyone else, he may very well appear to have given in to reason. He hadn’t, though. He was searching for a suitable counterargument. She could hear them as they raced through his mind. He wouldn’t find one, though. Of that, she was certain.

  “Are you not hungry? Or is something not to your liking?”

  Sara looked up at the young servant and then back to her plate, which was now full of food. “Oh, no. Everything looks perfect.” And it did. But the servant seemed to be waiting for something more than just words. Cutting off a bite of the tender steak, Sara placed it in her mouth and sighed. It was beyond perfect. “Thank you.”

  The young woman nodded curtly before taking her leave.

  Taking another couple of bites, she chewed slowly, savoring each second. But it wasn’t long before she felt the pull of the prince’s thoughts. Stealing a glance at him, she found the sullen man was mostly pushing his food around aimlessly, but every once in awhile his lips would twitch in a sinister smile as his attention focused on one of the women in the hall. It was that sinister smile he wore when he looked up and caught her staring at him.

  Alex was right. Everything about him set her on edge in the worst possible ways. Glancing away from him, she instead began to wonder about the hardworking, soft-spoken Orlan. She remembered his father from the parties of her youth. He had always seemed of the rational sort.

  “And you, Lillyvander? Did the festival bring you to King’s Keep?”

  He smiled gently as he looked up. “No, we’ve been here for some time. The king summoned my father months ago and father decided it was time I started thinking more about court and less about harvest.”

  “You’ve been here for months? You must be terribly homesick.”

  “A little. But I’m glad we left when we did. Travel now is far too dangerous.”

  “Dangerous?” she asked.

  “What with the raid on the Lyman temple at Jasper, of course.”

  Alex stiffened next to her, but Sara didn’t look away from Orlan.

  “There was a raid?” Sara’s voice trembled as she said the last word. Memories of her own loss caused her caused her eyes to burn and her throat to tighten with emotion.

  Orlan nodded solemnly. “You hadn’t heard? About seven days ago. The fire burnt it to the ground.”

  Her hand went automatically to her chest as her heart raced. “Were there any casualties?”

  Orlan looked down at the table. “Many. But Lord Jasper’s sons were the only royals lost.” His gaze caught Alex’s as he continued. “My condolences, Alexandra. I heard your brother was in talks with them about joining your lines.”

  Jaylem snorted loudly as he looked up at Alex. “Lord Hunter is in talks with half the kingdom. If he doesn’t make a decision soon, you may very well end up a second wife. After all, you aren’t exactly getting any younger.”

  Alex glared at the young prince in open disgust. “There ar
e worse fates than that of a second wife.”

  His only response was to shrug.

  But Sara wasn’t convinced. The practice hadn’t been done in generations. And with so many offers on the table, Sara couldn’t imagine why Devin would be considering it for his sister. “Second wife? Why would Dev—Lord Hunter even consider that as an option?”

  “It’s not set yet,” Alex said. “But he’s very interested in joining the Jasper and Hunter lines. One way or another.”

  “And you would really be okay with that?” Sara asked.

  “One husband is as good as another. Besides, I’ve found that a woman’s touch can be just as pleasurable as a man’s. Sometimes more so, depending on the woman.”

  The girl really was good at making the best with the cards she had been dealt.

  Music rose from across the room where musicians had started to play. And with their notes came the perfect opportunity to be in Kavin’s arms again, not to mention the chance to get away from the awkward dining experience.

  “Care to dance, Right Hunter?”

  “I’d love nothing more.”

  “Really?” There were several things she’d love more.

  He lowered his voice so only she could hear his answer. “Nothing in such a public setting, that is.” He took her arm and led her to the dance floor.

  “No one would miss us were we to slip off to a more private setting right now,” she pointed out.

  He wrapped one arm around her waist and brought her body close to his. As he led her in the classic steps of the dance, he leaned in to whisper, “But before we do slip off to that more private setting, I have a question for you.” When thoughts of marriage brushed against hers she nearly took a step back. He was still offended for her by Lord Quince’s remark, but it seemed to be a rather drastic solution.

  Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately—she didn’t have time to decide which—his question went unasked as a rather disheveled and panting Jar placed a hand on Kavin’s shoulder.

  “Kavin.” He stopped to take a couple of gasping breaths.

  “Jar? I distinctly remember telling you to take five days leave.”

  “King Davad has asked that we investigate a possible intruder. And he outranks you. But just barely,” Jar teased.