Chapter 48

Atkin of Iceforge was a brute of a man, and not in the same way that Cassius and Landon were—he wasn’t the least bit attractive. Just very large and bulky, and she almost wished he hadn’t bothered to come from such a great distance when she was fairly certain she’d be sending him home within a few weeks’ time. Still, she’d greeted him and his entire delegation and wore a pleasant smile even though her mind wandered to Jecob endlessly.

At least it hadn’t taken hours to meet just one Representative. Kit was hesitant to return to her chambers because she knew she’d have to think of something to say tomorrow. She looked out at the crowd now, before she turned to go inside, and wondered how many of these people would be there in the morning. Her mother had not made a formal announcement yet. That would come through couriers out into the queendom shortly, but Kit was certain the rumors had already begun to spread. Even now, there seemed to be much more whispering than usual. And once the chopping block was brought out, there would be no doubt the villagers would begin to discuss what might be happening.

Her mother didn’t wait for her. When Kit turned back around, the queen was almost through the doorway already, and Kit thought perhaps Rona was avoiding any questions. She’d hardly spoken at all as they waited for the delegation, only muttered that her hair looked “better—thank goodness.” Kit had wanted to ask where Jecob was being held, thinking perhaps she’d be allowed to visit him, but she realized that wouldn’t happen, and if she went about looking for him, she was liable to get him into further trouble. Besides, she wasn’t sure what she would even say to him. She was angry that he’d allowed this to happen, and part of her wanted to slap him across the face herself. The other part wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him tight.

“You seem lost in thought, my child.” The sound of her father’s voice at her shoulder had Kit’s head spinning around.

“Oh, yes. I suppose I am. You startled me.”

“Forgive me. I only wanted to say… I heard about what happened, and I’m truly sorry for your—friend.”

“Thank you, Father,” Kit replied, happy to have a moment to speak with Remont. It seemed as if she saw less and less of him these days. She knew her mother didn’t want him to have anything at all to do with her Choosing, but times like these necessitated some fatherly advice. “I’m quite worried for him.”

“I have no doubt you are, my child. But try not to be. When the time comes, you’ll know what to say. The fact that you managed to persuade your mother speaks volumes as to what you are capable of.”

Kit stared into her father’s warm eyes, not sure how to respond. He patted her lovingly on the shoulder and then stepped behind her to proceed down a side hall that would take him to his own chambers, far on the other side of the castle away from both Kit and her mother.

Glancing around, Kit made sure her guards were still with her. They were, both tall men with dark hair she didn’t recognize. Where her cousins had gone off to, she couldn’t say, but she supposed it didn’t matter. She’d return to her chambers and write down her thoughts about what she would say the next day. It would’ve been nice to spend some time with the other Representatives, but she felt she needed to take advantage of every moment she had to help Jecob.

Approaching her chambers, she saw a familiar form leaning against the wall across from her door, and immediately let go a sigh of contentment. She didn’t have to be too close to recognize the broad shoulders and height of Cassius, and a genuine smile came to her lips, despite the harshness of the day.

Once she came to a stop before him, he bowed low, and said, “I hope I’m not intruding, my Princess.”

“No, not at all.” He stood, and she caught that twinkle in his green eyes that might’ve had her swooning if her emotions were her own, but since they were not, she only smiled in return.

“I won’t try to keep you. I only wanted to let you know how truly sorry I am about… what happened. I’ve been thinking of you all morning—we all have, to be honest—and if there’s anything we can do….” His voice trailed off, and she knew he would do anything she asked, that most of the men would. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much that could be done.

“Thank you so much, Cassius,” she said, reaching out and resting her hand on his arm. “I truly appreciate it.”

“We were all shocked to hear. It was such an awful situation.”

Curiosity overcame her, and she realized he had to have been there when Armant made the discovery. Dropping her voice, she asked, “What was it like?”

Cassius raised an eyebrow and looked around. “Pardon?” He seemed conflicted as to whether or not he should answer her question.

Her guards were across the hall, and she appreciated the fact that they were giving her some privacy. “You were there, when Armant made the diagnosis, yes?” Cassius nodded. “Was it… traumatic?”

“My Princess, I’m not sure I want to say.”

“I understand that, Cassius, but I need to know.”