Page 89 of Keeper of the Word

She gratefully accepted it, and he whirled her away from the crowd who still shouted questions about their fortunes to her.

“My hero,” Elanna breathed out.

Hux’s dark eyes twinkled.

“I do not think anyone has ever said those words to me before.” Gracefully, he slowed to the rhythm of the music and turned her twice, Elanna all too aware that his hand touched hers, and his other hand guided her at the waist. “Did you learn anything?”

“Aye. More than I counted upon.”

Hux raised an eyebrow before his expression cut to someone in the corner. “That brother of yours is glaring at me as if he’d like to duel. Pity I do not have my sword.”

“Once an older brother, always an older brother.”

Hux scanned the room distractedly. “And what do you know of your brother besides his glorious rise to the Warins?”

“What do you mean?”

“The corridor. Remember.”

Elanna simpered. “He is obviously honorable if he’s guarding the sovereign.”

“Never acted dishonestly, eh?”

Elanna flashed to the memory of hearing the news of her father’s death. The death that she had Seen. The death that Daved had allowed to occur anyway.

“Nay.”

Hux nodded and continued his survey of the Great Hall as they came to the final steps in their dance. Elanna’s eyes followed, wandering over the many faces, both familiar and unfamiliar.

It had been almost a fortnight since it had occurred. But asElanna allowed herself to enjoy this moment holding Hux’s hand, the rumble of thecrackresonated through her mind.

It rattled a shriek from her.

The music ceased, and the Great Hall stared.

Panting, Elanna scanned the Great Hall, seeking the source, knowing already that the racket had come entirely from her mind.

“What happened?” Hux asked, squeezing her hands and searching her face.

She released his hands and smoothed her skirts. “Nothing. I think ’tis time I retired.”

The chancellor was suddenly next to them, followed by three of the sovereign’s councilors.

“M’lady, how may I be of service?” Chancellor Griffith asked.

From his height on the dais, King Rian regarded the scene. Whatever discreetness she’d hoped for between her and Dashiell, the nature of their conversation had clearly been observed. The sovereign wanted answers.

“I believe I am merely warm, Chancellor Griffith. I shall have my guard escort me back to my rooms.”

“Oh, but the sovereign would like a word, m’lady.” The chancellor’s face was taut in apology.

“Of course.” Of course he did. They started toward the exit.

“No need for your escort to follow,” the chancellor said, wringing his hands. “His Majesty bids you come alone.”

Elanna nodded at Hux, who openly knitted his brows together at the sovereign’s council. “I’ll be outside your rooms, m’lady.”

The chancellor led Elanna down the stretch of corridors to where she thought was the direction of the Royal Solar, but at one point they turned right instead of left. The four men seemed to know where they were headed.