The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1)(28)

“Yes,” I replied, resurrecting the smile on my face.

She inspected the many rings on her hands. “If I told you, would you even recognize the name?”

“Well . . .”

“I doubt it. From what I hear, you’ve lived your whole life between your family’s manor and Keresken Castle,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

“Between the two, I’ve had all I could want in the world,” I admitted. “Perhaps I could show you some of the architecture later? Some of the stonework on the—”

“No,” she answered quickly, cutting me off and placing her hand again on her stomach. “It is very important that I have my rest.”

She lay back in her seat, looking bored, and I felt sure that I was failing Jameson. I sighed, looking away. I’d spent the better part of the last twenty-four hours worrying that I wouldn’t be able to speak to Valentina at all, and now I’d be fine if I never heard her speak again.

I looked out among the guests, searching for my parents; they would know how to restart the conversation. Delia Grace might have an idea, too. . . . But I saw no one I recognized save for the Eastoffes.

I left my place to go ask for their help, catching them as they were warmly greeting another family.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” Lord Eastoffe was saying, gripping an older gentleman tightly. “I’m glad we get to tell you about how we’re settling in face-to-face; a letter never quite catches everything.”

The gentleman and his wife stood with a young man who was clearly their son, based on his nose and cheekbones. Though the couple was all smiles at being reunited with their friends, their son looked as if he’d rather be mucking out a stall.

“Scarlet,” I whispered.

She turned. “Lady Hollis, you look radiant!” She smiled brightly, an almost sisterly warmth on her face.

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling a little more at ease with her. “Listen, I need your help. Please tell me you’ve thought of something for me to say to the queen. She clearly has no interest in speaking with me.”

Scarlet sighed. “She’s like that with everyone—it’s probably why she only has one lady. But I did remember this morning that I’ve heard she’s interested in food. If there’s a chance to show her a new dish, she’ll probably enjoy that. Here.” She grabbed my arm, pulling me forward. “Uncle Reid, Aunt Jovana? This is the Lady Hollis. She is to be queen.” Scarlet beamed with pride, and I placed a hand on hers.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady,” Scarlet’s aunt said. “News of your upcoming betrothal has reached Isolte. People have spoken frequently of your beauty, but they have not done you justice.”

I felt my heart beat a little faster as I tried to take it all in. It was surreal to know that people in other countries had heard about me, knew my name.

“You are too kind,” I answered, hoping to come across steadier than I felt.

“These are the Northcotts,” Silas explained. “Our aunt and uncle, and this is our cousin Etan.”

I looked at the young man, who was content to glower at me.

“Very nice to meet you,” I said.

“Yes,” he replied curtly.

Well, he was about as abrasive as Valentina. He only let a tiny smile come to his face when Saul came and wrapped his arms around him. Saul’s head barely came up to his chest, and Etan scratched his hands playfully through his cousin’s hair. After that moment, he was back to being as impassive as a suit of armor.

“We hear there is to be a joust,” Lord Northcott said. “I hope I will see one of you out there.” He pointed between Sullivan and Silas.

Sullivan merely ducked his head, and Silas spoke for them both. “We might be on the sidelines this time, but I’m very excited to watch. This is the first time we’ve been here for something this festive; I don’t know if things are done differently in Coroa. I’ve never seen.”

He looked to me for confirmation. “I doubt it,” I said, my tone teasing. “Seeing as so much in Isolte is, well, let’s say imported from Coroa, I’m sure it will all be quite familiar.”

Most of them allowed that, chuckling at the observation. But not Etan.

“Isolte is just as sovereign as Coroa. Our traditions just as valuable, our people just as sacred.”

“Absolutely. The privilege of knowing your cousins has taught me so much already about the world beyond Coroa,” I said, smiling at Scarlet. “I hope to visit Isolte myself one day.”

“I hope so, too,” Etan spat, his tone sarcastic. “I’m sure you’ll be greeted with fanfare at the border.”

“Etan,” his father snapped. There was a shuffling of feet and many ducked heads, but the comment went above me.

“I don’t understand, sir.”

Etan looked at me as if I were a child. “No. Of course you don’t. Why would you?”

“Etan,” his mother whispered urgently.

“How have I offended you?” I asked, genuinely confused how both he and Valentina were so quick to find fault with me.

He smirked. “You? You cannot offend anyone.” He motioned to my headpiece, which was still making light dance every time I took a step. “You are an ornament.”