The Heir Apparent - a historical why choose, rh, poly, MMF, spicy romance ✅

Chapter Twelve

Anevay

He was an extraordinarily handsome man. In a way that I had never seen before, which only seemed to add to his good looks.

Penn was a tall man with a sturdy, muscular build, tan skin, inky black hair, and eyes almost as dark.

There was something light and easy about the way he held himself, too. A calm confidence that he exuded that I found myself instantly drawn to.

I had never even heard of a land called Tallimay.

Admittedly, though, geography had never been one of my strengths. It was entirely possible I had been taught everything there was to know about his land, but did not recall a single fact.

"You delivered a very moving speech," Penn said, and it was then that I realized he was still holding my hand, his palm and fingers warm and reassuring.

"Thank you."

"It was wise to begin your reign with something heartfelt. I have been to a great many kingdoms during times of upheaval and new leadership. It does not always go as well as it did just now. You should be proud."

There was a flush that moved across my chest and up my neck at his praise. I'd felt something similar when Tolliver had said I had done a good job.

I guess I had never often been on the receiving end of so much praise.

What with my father dying many years before, and my mother long dead, I had always been surrounded by servants. It was never their job to praise me. In fact, it could likely have been seen as impertinence for them to have done so.

I never could have known just how much I needed to hear words of praise and encouragement until I felt myself reacting to them.

"I thought I might come and offer to escort you through your evening," Penn explained. "You do not know any of the faces here. And I know all."

I immediately wanted to agree.

I had been dreading going through the rest of the evening alone, without anyone to help guide me through a wholly new experience, one where I knew I needed to make a good impression.

Still, despite my readiness to say yes, I felt my gaze slide over toward Tolliver for guidance.

Had I already defied him more than once?

Yes.

Would I do so in the future?

I was almost certain of it.

That did not mean, however, that I did not trust his judgment or believe he had the interest of the kingdom at heart.

And he was the most knowledgeable of anyone else gathered there.

Of course I would seek his opinion.

"It would not be inappropriate," Tolliver said, giving Penn a hard look that I could not decipher.

"No one will find it strange?" I pressed, wanting to understand his sudden stiffness and irritation.

"They should not," he confirmed.

But then why did he seem so irritated?

"Allow me, lady," Penn said, taking my hand and tucking it around his arm, then leading me off before I could get more information from Tolliver.

I did notice that Riven stayed back for a moment to speak with Tolliver before he rushed to catch up, staying no more than five feet away for the rest of the evening.