Bowstrings & Velvet (Spellbound #1)

Chapter 19: A Private Dinner

"Isn't it exciting?" The dark-haired lady-in-waiting from Nolde looked around the room of gathered women as Shae tried her hardest to remember her name.

It was Ilione or Idelle. She always got those two mixed up. One blonde from Goethe, and one dark-haired from Nolde. It was embarrassing to think that she still couldn't remember who was who after three years. They were all sitting in the drawing room with their needlework as they discussed the upcoming ball that would kick off the Championship Games.

"I can't wait," Rhonwen, an auburn-haired woman from the kingdom of Breoch, said. "It's been quite some time since we had a proper ball."

Was that her fault? Shae stared down at the gloves she was embroidering. As the queen, was it her duty to ensure there were balls held often enough? It seemed likely. She added it to her mental list of things to change. It might foster more companionship between the kingdoms if she invited their rulers and other dignitaries for a grand ball in Messina from time to time. And they needed as much of that as they could muster after the past sixteen years.

"The ball will be entertaining," Hedda said, "but I must admit I'm looking forward to seeing the competitions during the Games. My landsmen from Bergen are excellent in most things. I will enjoy watching them win."

Everyone laughed—some more strained than others. Truth was, Bergen was known for breeding fierce warriors, so it wouldn't surprise Shae if they did win several games. Fortunately, not every game relied on strength and prowess. She touched her hand to her arm. It was tender, but no longer ached after Felix had brought an elven woman to see her. She had cleaned the wound out and given Shae a salve to apply twice daily. It had worked wonders already.

She looked out the window and was shocked to see that daylight was waning. How had the day disappeared so fast? Had she actually enjoyed herself with her ladies-in-waiting? If only they could stop with the needlework. It wasn't something she relished. How would they feel about archery? She had to hide her smile behind her hand at the idea of some of these gentle-bred ladies hefting a bow. Some of them would probably take to it quickly, though some—like Hedda—might already know how. She could easily imagine the tall Bergener with a bow or wielding a sword.

If she was having dinner with Felix, she ought to get ready soon. Her cheeks heated at the memory of what had happened the last time they had been alone together. She had literally flung herself at him. Had they not been interrupted, she wasn't sure how far she would have let it go. Or how far she wanted to let it go. The thought of his 'more' was far too enticing, especially if last night had been any indication.

"I will need help to change into something for a private dinner with Felix soon," she said, and every eye in the room turned towards her. She groaned inwardly. Was it truly so shocking that she was spending time with her husband?

"Your Majesty?" Hedda queried.

"There is not much else to say," she muttered, her face burning. "I am having dinner with my husband."

Dywana from Ler cleared her throat. "That may be so," she carefully said. "But it is the first time you have done so."

Unable to meet everyone's curious glances, Shae looked down at her hands in her lap. "I'm aware."

There was a moment of silence, and then Hedda stood. "Well then! Let us get you ready. The High King will not be able to resist you."

"I... I don't know if—" Shae stared at the tall woman.

"It's about time," another one said with a giggle. "We've been waiting for this, Your Majesty."

The room erupted in giggles and tips of what she could do to drive her husband mad with need. Shae listened with wide eyes and hot cheeks as the suggestions became lewder and lewder—it was no secret that she and Felix slept separately—or because they wanted to give her an edge over Sorceress Isobel. In any case, it humbled her that they seemed to care after she had been so aloof around them all this time.