The Blood Spell (Ravenspire, #4)(58)

“The root cellar.” Dinah smiled coldly. “Was that so hard, Blue? We’ll search tonight.”

“You can search without me.”

Dinah slapped Blue, sending her reeling. “You’ll watch your mouth.”

“Lady Chauveau!”

Kellan’s voice, thick with anger, filled the storeroom. Dinah froze.

“Oh! Prince Kellan, how did you get in here? Not that you aren’t welcome, of course, but it is a surprise.” Dinah sounded flustered.

“I spent half my youth in this shop. The de la Cours are close family friends, and we have a key to both the farmhouse and the Mortar & Pestle. The true surprise is finding you in this storeroom striking my good friend Blue.”

Blue turned toward the sound of Kellan’s voice. He stood in the doorway, anger blazing in his eyes. Heat flooded Blue, a spinning, tingling kind of warmth that made her want to smile and cry at the same time.

“Blue is my charge now. Her dear mother left the girl’s guardianship to me.” Dinah all but simpered as she stepped toward the prince. “I’m afraid her father spoiled her, and I’ve had to take measures to teach her the manners and courtesy that a girl of her station should display. I’m sorry you had to see that.”

She sounded as smooth and polished as river-washed stone now, but the fire in Kellan’s eyes remained bright and burning.

“On the contrary.” Kellan sounded as smooth as Dinah. “I’m glad to know exactly what kind of family the Chauveaus are. I have to take every aspect under consideration for my upcoming betrothal decision, as I’m sure you know.”

Blue blinked. Had he really just threatened to ignore Dinah’s daughters for her sake? The heat in her veins felt like sunshine, soft and pure.

What was she supposed to do with the reckless, charming prince who’d grieved with her over Papa, danced with her in a pub, nearly kissed her in the maid’s closet, and then stood up for her when she needed it most?

Dinah straightened her spine and spoke in a voice like honey. “If striking a disobedient girl upsets you, Your Majesty, then I will of course choose other ways to manage her.”

Kellan moved into the room, and Nessa hurried in behind him. She took one look at Blue and rushed to her side.

Are you hurt? The princess’s hands moved rapidly.

The pressurized pot behind Blue began rocking as the metal inside bounced against its sides. Blue took the pot off the burner and banked the fire before turning to sign to the princess.

It hurts, but I’ll survive. Why are you here? I told you to stay away from the shop until Dinah was out of my life.

Nessa’s face was grim. I don’t need your protection, Blue. She wouldn’t dare strike me. We’re here to take care of you. I told Kellan about you getting hurt, and he got mad and said we were going to find you.

Blue lifted her face and met Kellan’s eyes. Once again, he’d surprised her. She’d never dreamed she could count on the prince to be firmly at her side through the worst days of her life.

“I would appreciate it if you spoke clearly in front of me,” Dinah said, a gracious smile on her face, though her eyes were burning embers of fury. “I find it rude to have conversations going on that exclude some of the people in the room.”

And I find it rude that you’ve spent so much time in the castle as one of my mother’s closest friends and never bothered to learn a single sign. Nessa’s chin lifted as she aimed the signs at Dinah.

Blue opened her mouth to interpret, but Kellan got there first. “If your daughter is interested in being queen, perhaps she can learn Nessa’s signs. I couldn’t ever marry someone who didn’t make an effort to speak my sister’s language.”

That’s not what I said. Nessa glared at her brother.

He signed rapidly. I’ll deal with Dinah, but I don’t want her to be angry with you.

Who cares if she’s angry with me?

Something dark flashed in Kellan’s eyes, and Blue scooted closer to Nessa. Let Kellan handle Dinah. She has a mean temper, and there’s more at stake here than just how she treats me. She’s part of his royal council. He has to be able to work with her.

Fine. But I don’t want her in our family. Nessa aimed a glare at Dinah.

Dinah’s eyes darted between Nessa and Kellan, and then she said, “I do apologize again, Your Majesty, for upsetting you. And I’m afraid Blue and I have a rather pressing task waiting for us at her house. Perhaps we could invite you to tea with Jacinthe and Halette tomorrow afternoon?”

Kellan smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I would be delighted, but I’m afraid all invitations must go through my secretary, as I have no idea what spaces are available on my calendar.”

Dinah matched his smile. “I’ll send word to the castle, then. Now if you’ll excuse us—”

“I beg your pardon, Lady Chauveau.” Kellan’s charm was back in his voice as he sketched a quick bow for Dinah. “But I’m afraid I’m in need of Blue’s time for a short while tonight.”

Blue’s eyes widened.

“May I ask why?” Dinah said, her fingers pulling at the edges of her dress sleeves.

“Royal business.” Kellan nodded solemnly, and Blue quickly wiped the surprise off her face as Dinah shot her a glare.

“What kind of royal business could Blue possibly have with you?”