House of Shadows (Royal Houses 2)

The door shut behind Mereda, and Kerrigan breathed out a sigh of relief. “Gods, March is here? What is he doing here?”

“I don’t know,” Fordham said, shucking off his sheets and pulling on breeches. “But I intend to find out while you’re getting dressed.”

She dashed to him and pressed one more firm kiss upon his lips. “I’ll only be a moment.”

Kerrigan peeked her head into the hallway, and when she found no one, she darted into her rooms, where Mereda was waiting. She cocked an eyebrow. “My lady?”

“Yes, yes,” Kerrigan said, waving her hand. “Let’s skip the lecture.”

She grinned. “He is quite handsome.”

Kerrigan laughed. “Quite.”

A half hour later, she descended the grand staircase in a dress fit for a queen attending an audience. Mereda had insisted that she’d change her again for traveling but that she had to make an appearance if her betrothed was in attendance. She’d been right. The minute March saw her, something hungry shone in his eyes. He was pleased with her appearance, especially the giant ring she’d retrieved and put back on her finger.

“What a surprise,” she said, hoping for enthusiasm.

“My lady,” March said. He bowed extravagantly and kissed her hand as soon as she finished her descent. “Happy Geivhrea.”

“To you as well. How did you manage the roads in these conditions?”

“Me,” a voice called, and Audria Ather stepped out of the foyer, looking radiant and also perfectly apologetic. “He insisted that he had to see you for Geivhrea, and the roads were impassable.”

“Audria,” Kerrigan said. She pulled her into a hug, squeezing her a little too tight. “You shouldn’t have.”

“I know,” she whispered, barely a breath. “I’m sorry.”

Fordham strode out of the foyer as well with Kivrin at his side. His eyes landed on the ring on her finger with disdain. He looked ready to skewer Ashby March. Her father smiled at the irony of it all.

“Shall we break our fast and then open presents?” he suggested.

They entered the dining room. She was seated beside Audria and across from March. Fordham was across from Audria while Kivrin sat at the head of the table. He blessed the gods before eating, and then they dived into the food. Kerrigan ate as daintily as she could while also shoving food in her mouth at every opportunity to keep from speaking to March.

Kivrin and Audria filled the holes of the conversation with ease. But by the time they were finished and ushered into the sitting room, Kerrigan was well aware of March’s foul mood. His animosity toward Fordham was becoming clearer and clearer. And Fordham’s shadows hovering tightly around him helped nothing. Her betrothed and the man she loved in the same room was a disaster waiting to happen. If Dozan were here, it would have been the icing on the cake of the most awkward Geivhrea ever.

Kivrin distributed presents like Father Geivhrea delivering the goods of spring. He must have been quick with new gifts because he had a ruby bracelet for Audria and an embroidered coat for March. She hadn’t thought she would receive anything from her father. It was her first gift from him in twelve years, and when she peeled back the brightly colored paper, a diamond brooch landed in her palm. Her eyes rounded as she saw the livery of the House of Cruse in the design—a raven and a rose twined in flight.

“It belonged to my mother. Mistress Enara wore it on the battlefield and the ballroom. I thought you might wear it tonight,” Kivrin said softly. “You no longer claim the House of Cruse, but I believe it still claims you.”

Her eyes were wet as she looked up at her father. “Thank you … Father.”

He smiled, letting her know that using that word was present enough.

Audria broke the moment by standing and clapping her hands. “While this has been wonderful, Lord Argon…”

“Call me Kivrin, Audria.”

She nodded her head in acknowledgment. “We do have to get back to Rosemont for the party tonight, and Kerrigan and I have much to do to get ready.”

“It was a pleasure having you all here. Regrettably, I won’t be able to make the party, but happy Geivhrea, and send the king and queen my regards.”

Kerrigan tucked the brooch into her pocket and then pulled her father into a final good-bye. “Will I see you in the city again?”

“Yes, I’ll return with the snow melt. You can’t keep me away.”

She smiled. “Good. Perhaps we can do more of this.”

“I’d like that.”

He released her, and she hastened up to her room to change into her riding outfit. Mereda had already directed for her bag to be packed and taken to Tieran. When she arrived, Tieran, Netta, and Evien were clustered together, as if gossiping. Fordham stood stoic next to Netta while Audria chatted endlessly with March. As soon as he saw Kerrigan though, he broke off with Audria and came to her side.