The Steele Wolf (Iron Butterfly #2)(60)

Gloria noticed my odd behavior. “Is there something wrong with the food? I find the beef to be quite delicious.” She took a small petite bite and chewed slowly as if savoring every bite.

My stomach cramped uncomfortably and started to burn. I bit my bottom lip until the pain made it disappear and licked my lips nervously before answering her back. “No, everything’s delicious; it’s just my nerves are getting the better of me.” I took a bite of the beef, chewed, and smiled, giving her my best attempt at looking like I enjoyed what I was eating.

She nodded encouragingly at me. “Yes, see, it is good, isn’t it? You know, you are quite pretty; I think you would make a good match for Joss. Give us fine looking grandkids. Yes, yes, you would.” Her voice drifted off dreamily.

Taking advantage of the moment, I turned away and did my best to make myself swallow the meat. A slight pressure began to build in my side and I identified the poke of a hand. Recognizing the presence immediately and without drawing attention or turning around, I slipped my right hand nonchalantly under my left elbow as strong fingers pushed a few dried leaves into it. I waited a few heartbeats before opening my hand to recognize the same leaf Kael had given me while on the road. Slowly I lifted each leaf to my mouth and chewed them until the pain in my stomach went away.

I stared at the window, which was now empty and waited until I saw his form take up his spot again. Kael had taken care of me; he was still watching over me as he promised my father and had noticed that I was in distress. This small act of kindness proved that he wasn’t angry with me. When I felt sure he was looking in my direction I slowly mouthed the words “Thank you.” Kael nodded his head once in answer. I felt heat rush to my cheeks.

The conversation at our table traveled from weather, to dorabill racing, to crops. Gloria spoke very little and seemed to forget I was at the table. But when she did speak to me it seemed as if she had forgotten her animosity towards me. It wasn’t until a tray of chai drinks was brought to our table that I once again remembered Kael’s warning. Mona filled Gloria’s cup to the brim and the pale haired beauty drank it down greedily as if it was the essence of heaven in a cup.

Mona’s hands rested lightly on Gloria’s arm as if giving her a reassuring pat. A cup was placed enticingly in front of my plate and I slowly pushed it out of reach. Gloria watched me; her back stiffened and she turned on me, eyes blazing.

“Do you think you are too good to drink with us? This was specially made for your party tonight. The least you could do is to honor our guests with a toast.”

What had I done? Why the sudden change in tone and demeanor within a few minutes? I thought fast. “Oh yes, a drink sounds lovely but my hands are shaking so badly with nerves that I’m scared to even take a sip for fear of spilling on myself and embarrassing you or your family in public.” The words came rushing out in an awkward attempt to appease Gloria. It seemed to do the trick as I saw her eyes take on a glazed look and she seemed to calm down again.

“Yes, that is smart. You mustn’t embarrass us. No, never.” Gloria looked off into the crowd and seemed to get lost in thought.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I looked over at Joss to see if he had seen any of that last exchange with his mother, but he was leaning towards his father and was in a deep conversation.

“Oh, no!” I thought to myself. I had forgotten to tell Joss not to drink anything either. Grabbing his cup, I lifted it to feel that it was already emptied. Whatever had gotten Kael on edge, he obviously wasn’t concerned enough to share his suspicions with Joss.

Mona had gotten up and brushed past Gloria to stand behind Joss and personally refill his cup. Her hand brushed his arm as she placed the drink very carefully on the table. Mona’s eyes met mine over Joss’ head in a challenge and then she left the room. Joss had barely given Mona a glance during this whole silent scene but no sooner had she left than he started to reach for his cup again. I had no choice.

Reaching out quickly I beat him to it and knocked his cup over in an awkward attempt at pretending to hand it to him. The brown gold liquid spilled out of the cup and all over Joss’ pants. He jumped up, covered with the chai, and gave me an exasperated look, which pierced my heart.

I had disappointed him. He didn’t understand. How can I tell him in front of all of these people about Kael’s warning? Would he believe me? Joss looked at me sadly and touched my head before promising to return as soon as he changed.

The whole room had stopped to stare at the young girl who had spilled a drink on their lord’s son and had embarrassed him. My cheeks burned in embarrassment. Berry shot me a worried look and Avina looked horrified. I felt tears burn in my eyes. Nero just looked at me and tried to tell me it was fine. That he’d had drinks spilled on him numerous times at dinner. His try at consoling me only made me feel worse. What I was most surprised at was Gloria’s reaction. Once no one was looking at me, she leaned into me and whispered in my ear.

“Leave. You are not wanted here,” Gloria whispered.

“I’m not going to leave,” I shot back quietly. “I have no reason to.”

“Even if I told you that he is only doing all of this to make Mona jealous?”

I looked at Gloria to see if she was serious, to see how much she could possibly know. Joss and his father had decided to not tell her about our pretend engagement, so. So what was she talking about?