Author's Note: This was a monstrously long chapter with multiple scenes, many of which I had to remove because I made Corvin less of a villain in subsequent drafts. In the first draft, I was a bit enamored with dark romance, and wanted to add some of those tropes. When I rewrote the book, I removed almost every dark romance aspect because I decided I didn't want my writing career to veer in that direction. I also really wanted readers to get a chance to like Corvin. Most of my beta readers from my original draft HATED Corvin with a passion.
I much prefer the reserved, morally grey Corvin. :)
I searched for more wine, but noticed Corvin spoke passionately with the Northumbrian Senator Tiernan. I turned my back before he could see me and wave me over.
I wanted to escape. My feet stumbled toward the opposite side of the room. I kept my eyes lowered and pressed my way through the people. Being a lowly healer helped. Others were so busy building their social status, they didn’t waste precious resources on me.
Until I barreled into a pair of shiny black boots. He’d stepped right in front of me. I raised my head, registering that the crisp black uniform represented Kerulen. My apology died on my lips as I stared into the depths of Jase’s brown eyes. He was here.
My body couldn’t decide if I should laugh or cry, so instead I stared with my mouth open and no words. Jase took in my face, then wrapped his arms around me. I embraced him back with all my strength. For a moment, I was safe. I was so afraid others would notice, but they were too busy with their own conversations.
I finally pulled away. “I thought maybe you were gone. I didn’t know you were coming.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t seen you, Nirel. I came every day, but I was not permitted to disturb you in the palace. My uncle, Senator Hridaan, brought me tonight. I had to see you.”
I smiled. So he had tried to see me? I shouldn’t have been surprised that he was kept from me. It seemed like something Corvin would do.
“How are you, Nirel? I’ve been worried about you."
I cast my eyes down. How could I tell him about any of the myriad of people pulling me apart in this place?
“I'm alright,” I lied.
Jase sucked air in between his teeth. He knew I was lying.
“Has he hurt you, Nirel?” The concern in his voice tugged on my heart.
I chewed my lip, then abruptly stopped after remembering Corvin’s joke… or threat… I still couldn't tell the difference. I shook my head.
“He's not hurt me. It's just…” I looked up, trying to find the words. “He frightens me sometimes.”
He hugged me again and whispered, “Be strong, yen anpae. I will free you from him.” Calm washed over me.
A cold hand gripped my shoulder and I froze.
I'm not free yet.
Jase let me go.
“Nirel, you are not to embrace other men, is that understood?” said Corvin.
I nodded, shame burning my ears. If only I could disappear as well as heal.
“Say it.”
“I understand.”
Jase cleared his throat. "She can embrace whoever she wishes. You can respectfully request her to do or not do things, but until she is actually your wife, you have no say over her choices."
I stared at Jase. He clenched his jaw and glared at Corvin. Of course he wasn't afraid of him. He was a battle hardened soldier.
Corvin' nostrils flared, and his hand traveled from my shoulder to my waist and he pressed me into his side. A territorial move, and one I didn't appreciate. I jerked away from him.
He looked down at his hand as though I'd burned him, then brought those glistening pools of blue back up to me. He bent at the hip until he was inches from my face. Anger seethed under his cold features.
"Why don't you tell him the truth?"
Jase watched with narrowed eyes.
Corvin brushed a finger over my cheek and lowered his voice, just above a whisper, "Tell him how you got into this dress tonight."
Rage rushed to my cheeks and made my heart thump unsteadily against my ribs. He twisted the truth, making it sound like so much more had happened. I hated him for it.
Jase’s eyes widened and he shook with indignation. "If you have forced her…"
Corvin cut him off. "Nothing was forced, though I wonder how you wiggled your way into her bed before marriage. I respect her modesty enough to wait. If anyone should be angry, it’s me."
My breaths came in little gasps. How could he say these things in public? Shame weighed down my shoulders. Jase opened his mouth to speak, but I clenched my fists and interrupted. Corvin needed to hear this from me.
“How dare you?” I whispered. “You are forcing my hand and yet are angry that I loved someone before you? You’re… pathetic.”
He blinked. I’d bitten back and he didn’t know how to respond.
Senator Vesta inserted herself between me and Corvin.
“Nirel! You simply must sample the sweet table! There are fruits I think you'll especially like!” She pulled me from them and across the empty dance floor.
I glanced back. They argued, but I couldn't hear what was said.
Vesta dragged me to the sweets table.
"Nirel, have either of them forced you to his bed?" Senator Vesta asked. She lifted a small plate and glanced at me. I watched her smooth movements as she selected silver tongs.
Embarrassment flooded my already heated face. My reputation had to be ruined from this.
"No," I said softly, “But I fear Corvin might.”
I don’t feel safe. I wanted to add. Jase was my protector.
She pursed her lips as she piled fruit onto a plate.
"The King and Corvin are on shaky ground with this arranged marriage. I will address the escalating situation with the senate tomorrow." She gathered several scoops of opaque red seeds and splattered them over sliced orange and yellow fruits that I didn't recognize.
"May the Divine Ones bless you," I said, deep gratitude washing over me.
She shook her head and waved the tongs as she spoke. "Don't bless me until I end this madness. Saint Stella made sure there were protections for healers." She handed me the plate of fruit with a bright smile and pointed to the red seeds. "The pomegranate is especially good."
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