You Are Mine (Mine #1)(74)
Cynthia holds her hand out to him and he envelopes it with his own. He stares into her eyes. It's uncomfortable to watch. I brush a speck off my dress. This is silly. She's bound to be like me. We shouldn't have him check. It could get us in trouble if someone finds out.
“Amazing,” he whispers. They let go of each other, but he stays next to me.
Cynthia looks like a Chancellor's wife situated above us. Straight back. Head lowered. Hands clasped on her lap. Her silver earrings and necklace wouldn't be allowed, but otherwise, she's perfect. Except it's not her. I'm the one who will fail at it.
“Well?” She says.
“I almost don't believe it,” he says, “but it's true. You possess even more magic than your sister. I've rarely, if ever come across such strong magic. Just think what you could do with that kind of power.”
“Father will be anxious to marry me off.”
“No,” I shout. Their gazes flash toward me. I swallow and lower my voice. “She doesn't need to worry about a husband, yet. There are a few months left.”
When she doesn't contradict me right away, I wonder if she's too angry to speak.
“Surely not,” Zade says, his voice going cold. “I forgot myself. If you ladies will excuse me, I've had a long day.”
I bound to my feet. “Yes, of course. Will you be joining us for dinner?”
“No, I'm afraid not. I asked cook to send a tray.”
Cynthia stands. “Thank you for checking.”
He nods, but says nothing.
With no sign of hesitation, she wraps her arm around me. The gesture is new, but feels as if it's meant for sisters. She must not be cross with me. “We'll see you later.”
I follow her example and we're out the door. When we're part way to our room, I work up the courage to ask, “Are you well?”
“I'm fine.”
“Indeed?”
She sighs. “It wasn't a shock, but something I hoped for. Now that I know for sure, well, I guess I'm glad.” It takes her a moment to continue while we walk through the passage. “It's just, seeing your relationship with Zade, I don't know if anyone who asks for my hand will be able to compare with that.”
Our feet shuffle through the hall. I let her words absorb into me. She's right. No one can compete with how Chancellor Zade treats me, but does he see me as more than just a possession? I want him to, but I'm afraid to hope.
Chapter Thirty-One
A knock startles me awake. It's still dark. I groan. It sounds again. Not one of the servants or my sisters, they would just come in. Who would want to bother me? There's no one else. I haul myself out of bed. After throwing on my robe, I rub my eyes. The knock comes a third time before I answer it.
Zade stands before me, dark circles under his eyes. “Better get dressed if you're coming to the council meeting with me.”
I slam my door closed and stare at it. Did he really just say that? I open it again. One of his eyes is partially closed and his forehead wrinkled.
“What did you say?” I ask.
“If you still want to go to a council meeting, get dressed.”
“That's what I thought.” A long moment follows. He's really going to let me do this. Do I really want to? I don't think anything like it has ever been done. My pulse accelerates. “Why did you change your mind about letting me come?”
The line of his mouth tightens on one side. “Women in Envado are part of parliament. Did you know we have a queen?”
“What's a queen?”
“She's sort of like the equivalent of the Grand Chancellor.”
“How can that be? A woman not only in government, but ruling? It's not possible.” I try to imagine what it would be like to have a woman on the council with Father. I can't picture it.
He looks away from me. “The use of magic isn't a requirement for parliament.”
“What a different place you come from.”
In a voice so quiet, I almost can't hear him. “You have no idea.”
It's even more different than I think? I can't imagine what else would surprise me more than a woman leading their government, but right now I need to focus on the council meeting. “I suppose I'll get dressed then?”
“It's up to you, but if you're going to come to one, you'll want to make it to this one.”
What does that mean? I'm not sure if I dare ask and have more of my curiosity make him change his mind again. I can't believe he's asking in the first place.
“There's a condition.”
Holding the door steady, I brace myself against it. “What is it?”
“You'll practice using your gun more and carry it with you at all times.”
Which do I want more, to go to the meeting or to avoid the gun? I lick my lips. “I'll be ready.”
A black cloak appears from behind him. “Wear this over your clothes. You'll stand out less.” He starts down the stairs and calls over his shoulder. “Remember, forty minutes. If you're not there, I'm not waiting.”
Without bothering to close the door, I ring for Waverly. I rush to my wardrobe wondering what to wear. None of my new things will suffice. Something more conservative. I grab the dress Father most approved of, though it doesn't have a slot for a gun like the others. I suppose I could still strap it to my leg, though I doubt there'll be time to grab it if needed.