Page 94 of The Throne Seeker

“I hope you’re feeling better,” Princess Satin said to Tristan, her voice light and airy.

Tristan maintained a neutral expression. “I am, thank you.”

“That was quite the display of heroism,” said the foreign queen, her eyes reflecting a rare moment of acceptance—it was the first pleasant expression Rose had seen from the woman. “I have to say, not many survive an encounter with a sea beast. Most go through their entire life without ever even seeing one. I can see why Cathan is so strong if all your men fight with such valor as you.” She prompted a guard to come forward, bringing a small bottle. “We brought this soothing balm for your wound. It’s made from calendula that grows near the river by our home; it aids the tissue in regrowth.”

A flash of surprise flitted across Tristan’s face. “Thank you. That’s very generous of you.” He gave a constrained smile at the unexpected gift.

Rose’s mother emerged from the corner where they stood. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced,” she said, batting her lashes with a large society smile on her face.

The foreign queen shifted to face them, finally acknowledging their presence.

“Pardon my manners,” the king apologized. “This is Queen Isleen, and her daughter, Princess Satin.”

Rose’s mother bowed. “What a pleasure it is to meet you all.” She flashed them another smile as she, Rose, and Zareb bowed politely. “I’m Evelyn, and this is my daughter, Rosalie.”

Queen Isleen’s eyes finally met Rose’s, sizing her up and down, looking at her like a commodity instead of a human.

“It’s so lovely to meet you,” Satin said with a kind smile.

“Are you related to the royal family?” Queen Isleen asked.

“No,” Queen Lenna answered before anyone could speak. “They’re close friends.”

“But they arelikefamily,” Harriet added from across the room, beaming at Rose with bright eyes. “Rose is like the sister I never had.”

The affectionate compliment surprised Rose. She was sure Harriet was still upset with her for kissing Grant, but perhaps her almost dying had made Harriet find forgiveness faster than she’d expected. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Harriet had been distant ever since Xavier’s tribunal. Perhaps Harriet had partly blamed her for his banishment. There had been so much going on that she hadn’t really even had a chance to ask.

“I can’t believe you tried to climb,” Satin said to Rose, her brown eyes shining with admiration. “Where in Vallor did you get the strength?”

Rose gave a faint smile, warming to the girl slightly. “Survival instinct, I suppose.”

“It’s nothing but a miracle you both survived,” Queen Isleen confessed to Tristan. “I can’t imagine how you managed to wrangle the beast into letting you onto its back. It was the most magnificent thing I’d ever seen. How in Vallor did you ever do it?”

Apparently, it was a question everyone had been asking themselves as all eyes fell onto Tristan for an explanation. Tristan risked a glance at Rose as if asking what he should say. She gave him a discreet plea with her eyes, praying he wouldn’t spill her secret.

“It wasn’t without difficulty,” he replied, not giving any more detail.

“Well, it’s getting late. We should leave him to get some rest,” Queen Lenna said, looking at Queen Isleen and Princess Satin. “Join us, won’t you? I’m sure dinner is ready and waiting.”

Queen Isleen gave a silent nod, agreeing.

Satin stood, gazing at Tristan. “I hope you get better soon,” she said, bidding him farewell with a sweet smile. Then she looked to Rose. “You, too.”

After they left, Rose turned to her mother and Zareb. “Go and eat. I’m going to stay with Tristan a while.”

Her mother looked at her with soft eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m alright. You must be starving. Go.”

For a moment, she thought her mother would refuse, but instead, she kissed her on the forehead and left.

Zareb hesitated. Out of everyone, he looked the worst. The bags under his eyes were proof of it. “I’ll stay outside the door.”

“I’m alive, Zareb. I’m safe. I’m breathing. Please eat.”

Zareb hesitated a moment longer. “Fine, but I’ll be back later for you.”

Tristan glared at Zareb with narrow eyes as he left. Rose held off until they were alone before she went to sit on Tristan’s bed, reaching for his hand. “You shouldn’t blame Zareb,” she said softly, not letting the glare go unnoticed.