Eloping with the Princess (Brotherhood of the Sword #3)(37)

“After the appropriate time of mourning,” Lilith said.

“It seems rather ridiculous that you’re expected to mourn such a horrible man,” Isabel said. The maid behind her pulled her hair into a tight line and then divided strands up to form them into an elaborate concoction.

“Indeed. Well, we did start on the honeymoon activities a little early,” Lilith said with a grin.

“It is about time that you both have your happy ending,” Evie said. “I believe Bennett said Gabe has loved you for years.”

“And I him, if I’m perfectly honest.”

“Why did you not pursue him when you first met, if I may be so bold to ask?” Evie asked. “If you both desired each other.”

“It wasn’t that simple,” Lilith said. “Perhaps I should have been bolder, told my father precisely what I wanted.” She shook her head. “It matters not what happened then. We found our way back to each other.”

Lilith had an entire life that Isabel knew nothing about. That shouldn’t surprise her, considering Thornton had drastically limited the time they had spent with each other. But she was so very happy that Lilith had finally found someone who would love her. “You could have avoided your life with Thornton,” Isabel said.

“Then I wouldn’t have you, squirrel,” Lilith said. “You were worth everything I endured with him.”

Isabel wasn’t so certain, but she wouldn’t argue the fact.

“I’m just thankful that you have avoided the mistakes I made. You won’t be trapped in a loveless marriage with a cruel husband. Ellis will take good care of you,” Lilith said.

“Yes,” Evie agreed. “And I have seen the way he looks at you. The two of you will have a wonderful marriage.”

Isabel wanted to ask Evie what she meant, what she’d seen in how Jason looked at her, but didn’t dare. She need not tell them the truth, that her marriage to Jason was nothing more than a charade, an unconsummated charade.

“He is kind to you?” Isabel asked.

“Gabriel? Yes, very much so. He can be brusque if you don’t know him,” Lilith said. “But he treats me quite well. Bought me my own townhome and an amazing telescope.”

“Whatever for?” Isabel asked.

Lilith smiled wistfully. “Many years ago, I fancied myself an astronomer. I suppose now I can study such things.”

She knew that ache that had settled in her chest. A longing for that kind of love. Specifically, from her husband, but Jason had shared his exercising room with her as well as his library. That was enough, she told herself. She didn’t need the kind of love these ladies had found. She was safe. The queen was safe. That was what truly mattered.





Chapter Nine


Jason met her on the third floor so they could descend the staircase together and be introduced to the ballroom. His eyes traveled the length of her, but he said nothing. She knew she looked different. She’d seen herself in the mirror. The dress was daring. A low-cut, square neckline accented her décolletage, and the bodice molded to her curves. It deviated from the fashion of the day, as it had no added ruffles or flounces; it simply flowed around her. Perhaps it was too much, too brazen.

“Do you like it?” she asked cautiously.

He swallowed visibly. “I do. Very much.”

She grew warm beneath the weight of his stare.

“I’m glad you are pleased.”

“Very much.” Then he gave his head a slight shake. “I already said that, didn’t I?”

“You did.” She took his outstretched hand. “You look rather dashing tonight, Jason.”

“I stand but in your shadow,” he said.

Her heart stuttered.

He led her forward to the staircase that would deposit them in the ballroom. But the closer they got, the more anxious she became. Panic seized her, and she froze.

“I can’t do this. I don’t know how to talk to such important people. They shall all be looking at me.” Judging me, and recognizing that I’m nothing more than an imposter.

“There is no one in that room more important than you or me. You are a princess. Moreover, you are a hero. Your quick thinking has helped remove the queen from danger.”

“No one in the room, save you, will know that,” she said.

“Yes, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.”

“I do not feel like a princess or a hero. I feel like a girl who was raised in a small school on the outskirts of town. Like a girl who never dared dream of balls or beautiful dresses.” Or a handsome husband.

“They are all people, just as we are.” He tilted her chin up so she met his gaze. “Isabel, breathe. You can do this, I promise.”

She looked away to the staircase that beckoned them forward. She shook her head.

“Isabel, look at me.” His voice was soft. Again, he pulled her chin to face him.

She reached up on her toes and kissed him. The moment his lips touched hers, calm spread through her. She backed away and gave him a tight nod. “All right, I’m ready.” She didn’t know why she felt stronger with him at her side, but it seemed to reinforce something in her.

“May I present to you Viscount and Viscountess Ellis,” the footman said loudly.