Storm Unleashed: Phantom Islanders Part III by Ednah Walters

Author:Ednah Walters
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2017-06-26T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

I reached the antechamber with a painted dome ceiling, circular floor motif, and several doors leading from it. Two guards stood at attention beside each door. Music poured from the only open one. I headed that way.

The guard turned to announce me, but I caught his arm.

“Not yet,” I whispered. “I’m kind of nervous. Is it okay if I check out the guests first while I gather my courage?”

He gave a brief nod.

“Thank you.”

Blue Room was aptly named. The wallpaper, the lounges and chairs, the ceiling murals, and the carpet were all blue. Like the front entrance, the paneling on the walls, the sconces, and chandeliers were gilded.

About a dozen guests mingled around the room while a quartet played various wind and string musical instruments to the right. The women wore elaborate hairdos and dresses similar to the blue gown I’d rejected. Lace and bows galore. Men wore colorful silk frock coats with matching pants and cream vests. Lace peeked from the wide turned-up sleeves and their necks, and embroidered details decorated their coats and vests.

Tully was so not going to be happy with my choice. A few men and women vied for his attention in the middle of the room, where he lounged on an ornate chair. His royal blue frock coat would have matched the outfit he’d wanted me to wear.

Oh well, what could he possibly do to me for disobeying him? Public image was everything to him. It explained why he’d stashed his mother in the tower, and why he’d cleared the room the day I’d arrived in the palace.

Standing next to Tully in black, except for his white shirt, cravat, and the designs on his outfit, Lord Conyngham seemed more interested in the occupants of the room than the conversation. He saw me first and frowned.

I waved and smiled. The frown became a scowl. He leaned down and whispered something to Tully. I ducked.

“Now, lass,” the guard said. “They’ve been waiting for you.”

I sighed. “Okay. Go ahead. Throw me to the wolves.”

Surprise flickered in his eyes. Then his lips twitched.

“Hardly, lass.”

“If they turn on me, promise to come to my rescue.”

He looked thoroughly confused.

“Just kidding. Nerves talking. Go ahead. Tell them I’m here. I’m starving.”

He hesitated.

“You’ll be fine, lass,” he reassured me.

“I don’t think so, but that’s okay. I’ll survive.”

Nodding again, he stepped forward and banged his staff on the floor. Conversation died, eyes shifting toward the door. The women got to their feet, and the men stepped away from the prince.

“Alexandria Greendale,” the guard announced.

I started forward, my eyes locked with Tully’s. He frowned as his gaze trekked down my gown then back up. Maybe I should have worn the stupid blue dress. Since I couldn’t do anything about it, it was time to play the part of a tamed captive.

My smile broadened as I got closer to him, and his frown melted away. Unlike our first meeting, he stood before I reached him. I gave the perfect curtsy and stayed in the pose. Nereus had said it was a sign of loyalty and humility.

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