Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(24)

He had gained weight since my last remembrance of him, his hair and beard now gray. He strode toward us, two guards following behind him.

“Welcome back, my dear,” he greeted with a smile lining his face. He stopped before us and looked at his sons. “What in Femme Fatale’s name happened to the both of you?”

“We were attacked yesterday,” George snuffed.

Edward’s wrinkled eyes narrowed, landing on Garrett. “Who?”

“Pierce.”

“The pirate who rape—who assaults women and kills for fun?” he snapped. Garrett nodded, and Edward inhaled deeply. “Where is he?”

“Dead,” George replied. “I ran him through.”

“We’ll talk about this later tonight,” Edward advised, and looked back at me. “How is your father, Ava?”

“Very well, Your Majesty,” I replied flatly.

“I hear you are heading that trading business of his. I must say, I’m not surprised. You’ve always had spunk.” He looked at George purposely. “Always was a clever girl.” He gestured down the hall. “Go, get comfortable in your room. You’ve had more than an exciting trip. We’ll have a small dinner tonight to welcome you back.”

Before I could tell him I’d rather not, a bustle ricocheted in the corridor.

A lavishly dressed woman swept toward us in a rush of ruby skirts, adorned in jewels. Lady’s maids followed, as well as six guards, and I knew instantly it was Queen Cecilia. She wore red, to match her King, and her dark blonde hair was pinned in curls. Cecilia had aged extravagantly, which was no surprise; she was always over the top in everything she did.

"My dear!" she exclaimed. I flinched at the loudness of her voice, laced with forged sincerity. I forced a smile and curtsied. Cecilia held me and kissed my cheek. "Did you have a satisfying journey?"

“They were attacked on their way home, my darling,” Edward reported.

Cecilia’s eyes widened. “You are still pure, are you not, my dear?”

My mouth dropped as I clenched my fists to my side.

Of all the—

“She is fine, Mother. Everyone is fine,” George reassured her.

Cecilia gasped when she looked at him. “Oh, my sweetheart! Your eye!” She reached to touch his face, but George batted her hand away.

“I’m all right, it’s just a black eye. Ava gave me at least two of them, and I lived through those,” George retorted.

“Yes, well”—Cecilia straightened her skirts—“as long as our Ava was untouched, we won’t need to worry.”





“We took diligent care of her,” George assured her in an irritated tone.





“We are going to arrange a small dinner tonight,” Edward said, clearing his throat.





“That is a splendid idea,” Cecilia chimed, grabbing her husband’s arm. “I’ll invite a few friends and—”





“No need,” George held up his hand. “This is just a small affair. We’ve all been through enough this week. Don’t want to have to speak to a million people.”





Edward nodded. “Whatever you want, George.”





“I understand you’ll be staying with us for some time then?” Cecilia pried.





“I will be,” I replied. “Until this situation is taken care of.” I looked into her eyes. “Then I will go back home. I have things to do when I return.”





Her forehead crinkled. “Such as?”





“My father’s business, for starters,” I began. “And I have children from the orphanage that I am taking care of.”





“We’ll see you at dinner.” George ended the conversation and yanked me around his parents.

Cecilia frowned, her eyes following us. Turning to look at Garrett, I held a hand up to say goodbye.

∞∞∞

Stretching lazily, I woke up from my nap. Pushing myself up on my elbows, I studied my surroundings. Across the room, on the closet door, hung a maroon-colored gown I didn’t recognize. Hopping out of bed, I found a note pinned to it.

Because all your dresses were ruined, and I owe you one from years ago. I hope you like it.

Garr

A little thrill flicked down my spine. The dress was beautifully made. Roses laced in gold adorned the bodice and plain maroon silk flowed from the waist. I took the dress off the door and glanced around for a mirror. Finding one at the vanity, I walked over, placing the dress against my body.

I cringed as I stared at my reflection.

My hair was tangled from the bath I took earlier, and a purple bruise plagued my cheek from Pierce’s blow. I looked as though a carriage had run over me and then came back around again to do it again.

Laying the dress over the bed, I sat down in front of the vanity. Raking my fingers through my hair, I pulled it up, then to the side, thinking about how I should wear it. Opening one of the drawers, I found a brush and various blushes and eye pencils and pulled them all out. I needed all the help I could get right now.

A knock sounded at the door as I rubbed my hand over my colored battle wound.