Beloved in His Eyes (Angel's Assassin #2)(18)

Throughout the day, Linda showed Justina and Adam around the castle. During it all, Justina found it difficult not to look for Gawyn. She expected him around every corner, in every room. Why wasn’t he back? Where was he?

As the sun began its downward descent in the sky, Linda led them back to their chambers where she presented Justina with gorgeous dresses and said she could wear them. Wear them? She was afraid to touch them! But she couldn’t resist. She ran her hand along the soft fabric; material that was softer than the cotton smocks she always wore, softer than any material she had ever touched. She yanked her hand back. She couldn’t wear any of these dresses! It wasn’t right. She was not a noble. And yet… it might be the only chance she ever got to wear clothing like this, to pretend she was something more than a farmer.

She cringed. She couldn’t wear the elaborate, beautiful clothing Linda had laid out on the bed. She looked down at her stained brown cotton dress. Then, she sighed, and her shoulders slumped. Linda had told her she and Adam would be dining at the head table with Lady Aurora. She couldn’t wear what she was wearing now. She looked at the dresses. A thrill rushed through her as she made the decision.

Linda picked out a green velvet dress with beautiful red embroidery. It was much too fancy for her. But Justina had to admit she loved the dress. When Adam was being dressed behind a curtain, Justina spun around and looked at her reflection in a metal bowl. She didn’t recognize the woman looking back. She looked like a princess. Her hair had been washed and combed out. It hung about her shoulders in dark waves. Her skirt whooshed around her legs when she walked. She had never, ever, been close to material like this, let alone got to wear it!

Adam emerged from the curtain with his head down. He pulled at the dark blue jupon. “I hate this,” he grumbled.

Justina wanted to laugh at his awkwardness but choked it down. She knew exactly how he felt. “Just one night.”

“What if I spill something on it?”

“Just be careful.”

He scowled and tossed his head of dirty blonde hair to the side. He looked at her with a scowl etched into his brow, with wildness in his eyes. Like he was going to run. Like he wanted to run.

“Imagine what your princess will think of you!” Justina added quickly.

The wildness vanished from his eyes as they lit with hope. “Really? Do you really think she will like it?”

“Most certainly.”

Adam didn’t complain after that.

Linda led them to the Great Hall and Justina was grateful for that because she never would have found it without her guidance. The castle was, perhaps, as big as the entire village of Auch. Justina would have gotten lost after the first turn.

When they came to the Great Hall, Justina paused. The room was crowded and loud. Wooden tables stretched before her on either side of the room. Men and women sat on benches at the tables. Some wore commoners clothing, brown breeches, and tunics. Beyond the commoners, the knights sat. They took up most of the tables. Before the head table were the nobles. Their glorious gowns and rich jupons proclaimed their heritage.

Linda moved up the middle aisle, Justina and Adam following. Nervously, their gazes shifted from side to side. The entire room echoed with raucous talking and laughter.

Linda guided them up to the head table, which was empty. She signaled they should take the two chairs near the center.

“Are we early?” Justina asked, feeling her stomach knot with discomfort.

“Lady Aurora and Lord Damien will be here shortly. You are not early.”

Damien. Again, the name sent unease through her, but she couldn’t explain why. Justina nodded, thanked Linda, and took one of the seats closest to the center chairs. Adam took the seat beside her.

Linda bowed and moved away.

Justina wished she wasn’t the center of attention. She wished she wasn’t at the front table. She didn’t like the way the nobles were leaning in to talk to each other and casting glances her way. She looked at Adam. He was staring out over the crowd with wide-eyed awe. “This is grand!”

Justina smiled at her brother’s enthusiasm. It was the only time she would ever be here, dining at the head table. She could do it for Adam. Still, she clenched her hands tightly in her lap. She gazed this way and that, her stare moving over the gathering, searching. Disappointment nestled in her chest. Gawyn was not here.

Suddenly, a murmur swept over the crowd and the conversation quieted. Lady Aurora walked up the center aisle, as royal and beautiful as an angel. Justina stared, as star struck as everyone else at the elegant way in which Aurora moved, at the stature of her body and the way she carried herself. She was stunning. And Justina wanted to be like her. She found herself sitting straighter in her chair, lifting her chin.

Aurora seemed oblivious to the way people looked at her. With adoration. With breathless fascination. She nodded greetings to some, smiled at others. She took her seat at Justina’s side, and for a moment the silence lingered. Slowly, the conversations resumed. “I am sorry I am late.”

Adam quickly moved to the seat next to Aurora.

Aurora smiled at him. “You look very handsome, Adam.”

Justina knew Adam was infatuated. He had the attention of his princess, who told him he looked handsome. What more could his heart ask for? He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

The servants emerged from the kitchens, carrying large silver trays with various meats and vegetables.