Claimed by Night_A Reverse Harem Fantasy by Elena Lawson

Author:Elena Lawson [Lawson, Elena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-07-26T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

The assembly was mostly made up of nobles, courtesans and council members, but I found the faces of a few townsfolk among them. In the front stood Edris, looking regal in white trousers, with a deep purple tunic embroidered in gold. Near him stood Ronan, his jaw set in a grimace, and Silas, the Captain of the Horde armies.

My skin bristled at so many eyes staring up at me. Alaric was at my side on the dais in the Great Hall, hands clasped behind his back. And when I turned to look at him, he gave me an encouraging nod. I kept my eyes downcast as instructed, even though Thana styled my hair to swoop low over my forehead, concealing the ever-changing colors in shadow.

Until we knew what it meant, we had all agreed it was best to keep it hidden.

“I apologize for being absent these past days,” I began, not remembering what to say, even though Thana had drilled the words into me over and over when Kade and I returned from the sparring courtyard. “I was taking rest in my chambers but can assure all of you I am well.”

Tiernan caught my eye, standing alone in the corner of the hall, close to the dais. His gaze travelled the length of me, making my stomach tighten. Darius had designed me another gown, this one silver, fitted, with a deep ‘V’ shape cut into the front. It was beautiful, and comfortable, but also the most revealing thing I’d ever worn. Keep their attention here, he had said with a wink before I left to address the assembly, and they’ll forget why they’re even there.

It seemed, in Tiernan’s case at least, Darius’ trick had worked.

“Were you Graced?” one of the nobles near the front of the room asked outright, a few others around him whispering and nodding.

I was prepared for that question, Thana had given me the perfect response, something that would neither confirm, nor deny anything—but the words eluded me, and I froze.

“Why did the water cause you pain?” another noble shouted from somewhere else.

And yet another shouted, “Why is the emissary still among us? Send him away!”

I clenched my jaw, wanting desperately to hold on to something sturdy. “I—well, I—”

I realized then how neither of the questioners addressed me with the proper title. I bit the inside of my cheek to regain control. And I was about to command silence from the crowd when Edris stepped forward and the people hushed.

“The queen was only Graced just days ago. Surely you all remember how long it took to control your Grace?”

“If she has one,” I heard someone say, but couldn’t decipher who’d said it.

Edris stood tall, his jaw set, “Rest assured, she was Graced. Our queen simply needs time.”

Time, yes, I need time. But for now, the people had to know I was in control. That I would not go quietly. And I didn’t need to be pitied or protected by someone who would rather have the crown for himself.

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