Shades of Truth (The Summerlynn Secrets) (35 page)

“What?” I attempted to crane my own neck at the same angle and only succeeded in twinging a muscle.

“I cannot be certain, but these are familiar.” His finger skimmed the humps on the left I’d taken as mountains. “If I am not mistaken, this is the Galeon Pass.” He named the mountain pass connecting Bolien and Goran. It was difficult to navigate in the summer months. Being fall, it would be mere weeks before it became impossible to cross.

Now I had a location, or at least a landmark. “But where does that put the X?” Taking in account the X on the map was located past the Galeon Pass, it still didn’t tell me which country it was in, since I didn’t know which country was on what side.

I hated maps.

“Well, if this is the Galeon Pass, that would make this the Waring Sea. Your X is in Bolien.” With a finger, Rob indicated what I originally thought was a lake to the left of the X. The edges trailed off the side of the paper, so I could be excused for not guessing the size of the water.

Hmm. So I needed to traverse the Galeon Pass, wave to the Waring Sea and go where? The X was in an area without any distinguishing landmarks, unless those jagged lines were meant to indicate the Hovering Canyon. “Please tell me that is not the Hovering Canyon.” I hated heights in addition to mystical maps.

“Either that, or the person drawing the map had a sudden seizure.”

I sighed. “I suppose the Galeon Pass is nice this time of year?”

“It’s never nice at any time.” Finally lifting his eyes from the map, he raised an eyebrow at me. “Are you honestly leaving the comfort of the palace for the outdoors?”

“Yes.”

“I have long suspected it and here is proof. You are crazy.”

“Probably.” I turned my gaze to the window. My room overlooked the pond in the back. “Has your father ever asked you to do something you didn’t understand, but you did it anyway?”

“My father would never ask me to risk my life on his say so.” Crossing his arms, he tucked the map beneath his arm.

“Are you certain of that?”

“I know my father. He loves his family more than anything in the world.”

“Even the throne?”

“It would help if I knew what you were talking about.”

“You’d be the first to know if I knew what I was talking about. I know only pieces.” I looked at him over my shoulder. “One of those pieces is that map you’re holding. I’d like it back.”

“No.”

Turning, I tilted my head to meet his gaze. “It is not a request.”

“I reserve the right to protect you when you’ve taken complete leave of your senses!” One of his hands (not the one with the map) loosed itself and flew into the air to make his next point. “You cannot honestly believe my brother or I will let you risk your life because you think your father wants you to find an X in enemy territory!”

“If you drop your voice a smidge, you’ll sound exactly like Sorin.” I narrowed my eyes.

“At least we both agree keeping you safe is more important than a father’s request.” Reaching for my elbow, he implored, “Cadrian, please. Be reasonable. This map may be decades old, and your father probably did not mean for you to find it. Stay.”

Oh, I wanted to. I wanted to happily sweep all my father’s lies and any miscellaneous secrets under the Brazilian carpets littering the palace and stay forever with Sorin and the Norths. Only I couldn’t. Questions would prick at my mind until I followed the path my father chose for me. What was worse, marrying Sorin now and leaving him later, or leaving him now when no vows bound us?

“I can’t.” I met Rob’s gaze squarely. I would not beg and I would not plead, but I would have my way.

“Is this why you and Sorin argued?”

Partially. “Yes.”

“Then I am on his side. Might I remind you he usually wins?”

“There are ways around him.” Such as sneaking off in the middle of the night.

“Not many.”

“Give me the map.” I reached for it, but he backed away.

“Not a chance. If you leave and Sorin finds out I identified the destination for you, he’ll murder me.”

“That’s unfortunate.” Giving up I glared. “If you do not give me the map, I will personally inform Lady Melanie she should expect a proposal from you very soon.”

His navy eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would.” For a moment, he matched my glare. With an eye roll, he relinquished the map.

“This isn’t the end of it,” he warned, lower lip sticking out in a pout.

“Of course not.” I slipped the map into my pocket. “It is your parents’ thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration tonight and you cannot sulk at the ball.”

I almost saw the internal debate as Rob decided whether to allow the subject change. His shoulders briefly sagged. “My manners are impeccable, Miss Summerlynn. Would that yours were as good.” Noticing two dresses hanging on the inside of the wardrobe, he asked, “Blue or red?”

Taking one in each hand, he held them up to the window to analyze cut and fabric.

“The blue.” It was more conservatively cut and I always felt more comfortable without having to worry what showed when I bent over.

“If you wish an argument free evening with my dear brother, wear the red. He will be hard pressed to remember his name, much less your argument this afternoon.” He neatly hung the blue dress back inside the wardrobe, leaving the red on the door.

“That hardly seems fair,” I returned.

“I am disappointed in you. I thought you’d have more of a backbone when confronted with Sorin’s almost fiancé.” Leaning lazily against the wardrobe, Rob appeared nonchalant. I knew better.

“Lady Constance is attending?” I was extremely curious to see Sorin with his old love. All right. Curiosity wasn’t quite the word for the burning need within me to ensure that relationship was over.

“Wear the red.” He bent to kiss my cheek before leaving my thoughts to claim me.

Faced with his almost fiancé, I knew I would need something extra to snare the man’s attention. I knew his feelings for me were complicated and very deep. I refused to call them by name, even though I knew very well what he felt.

I again looked at the red dress. Our time together had always been limited. I would wear the red dress and I would sear Sorin’s memory so deep he would never forget me, even when the edges of his memory dulled with age.

I was not confident as I descended the front staircase fifteen minutes before the guests were due to arrive. The red dress hadn’t looked quite so provocative in the mirror upstairs. Upon further inspection, the neckline was entirely too low for an anniversary party! I hardly felt decent, as the clingy satin hugged my hips and breasts.

Was there enough time to change? If I doubled back, I might be able to change and still be down in time to greet the first guests. Intent, I turned and nearly smacked into Rob.

After steadying me with a knowing look, he asked, “Where are you off to?”

“How did you get here so quickly?” The last I’d looked, he’d been nowhere in sight.

“My movements are always quicker than the eye.” Grabbing my arm, he looked me up and down, and snickered. “I cannot wait to see Sorin’s face when he sees you in that dress.”

“Where is he?” He hadn’t been at the bottom of the stairs with his parents. Not that his was the first face I looked for when I entered a room. Or left it. Or decided whether or not to even enter it.

“He had a last minute detail to attend to but will join us shortly.” Practically dragging me behind him, Rob led me all the way down the stairs and to his mother.

“Cadrian, you look lovely!” Cassie kissed my cheek. In a dark blue gown that nearly matched her eyes, the queen’s blonde daintiness was emphasized. How she had two sons over six feet tall was beyond me. Her smile was a warm glow across my otherwise chilled skin.

“Thank you. I had better collect the compliments now, as no one will notice me beside you,” I teased.

“That is not true, my dear, but thank you for saying so.” She turned to her husband. In a fluid movement, she corrected the jacket collar that had rolled over in the back.

“Good evening, Your Majesty.” I was always carefully correct whenever I addressed the king. I knew he was as likely to throw me into prison as return my greeting.

“You look exceptional this evening, Miss Summerlynn.” King Richard turned, hailed by Cedric informing him the first guests had arrived.

Smoothing her dress, Cassie asked, “Ready?”

Rob grunted. “As ready as I ever am to be ambushed by marriageable females.”

“Lord Conway’s daughter is quite attractive
. I will introduce you tonight—“ My attention wandered as we arranged ourselves in the receiving line. Despite my protests, Cassie demanded I stand beside Rob, so I was part of the line whether I wanted to be or not. This was as good as announcing I was nearly engaged to one of her sons. I imagine the odds were now equal for both Rob and Sorin.

The door opened and a steady stream of people began filtering past. I limited my greetings to a polite “Hello” and smiled. A few of the faces were familiar, but not many.

A slight draft alerted me our line had extended by one. Of course, I knew the moment he entered the front entryway, looking insanely handsome in a formal black suit, bright white shirt, and black cravat. His blonde hair had been newly trimmed, lending more crisp edges to the perfection of his features. I looked away before our eyes met. I felt his scrutiny as he took his place beside me in line.

Thankfully, the man I was greeting appeared to be a friend of Sorin’s, because he immediately engaged him in conversation. Hiding my smile, I continued greeting the other guests, leaning over to speak with Rob when the line jammed because of Sorin’s conversation.

“How much longer?”

“I believe there are over three hundred invited guests.” Rob smiled at the next lady in line, meaning I must resume my own position. Sorin’s friend moved on, and the line once again smoothed.

Unfortunately, Rob became engaged in conversation to my right, meaning Sorin and I now stood with no one to speak to except each other. One mental sigh later, I looked over.

Big mistake. He had taken a step sideways, bringing his shoulder nearly against mine. When I turned, it only served to put his shoulder squarely against my breasts. I sighed. This certainly isn’t what I’d planned would happen when I faced him. I should say something. Though I couldn’t think what to say because the thoughts I had at the moment were not considered acceptable behavior in receiving lines.

I watched his eyes skim my body. “I’m torn between throwing you over my shoulder or forcing my jacket on you.”

“Why?”

“Because that dress is sinful.” With a finger, he traced the front swell of the bodice. “No man can resist you tonight.”

I stepped back, fighting the tremble in my knees. “I am only interested in one man tonight.”

He smiled, a distinctly slow, hot movement of his lips. “You shall have to convince me.”

My cheeks warmed. In the next instant, I turned to greet the lady waiting patiently in line for my own greeting, saving me from a reaction.

The rest of the guests arrived, but I barely noticed, too busy thinking about Sorin’s spine weakening smile. I shouldn’t be so aware of the man beside me. Every not so accidentally brush of his shoulder against mine, every word spoken in his smooth tenor, and every laugh thrust my heart tighter and tighter into his hand.

Eventually, the line of guests ceased. Alone for a moment in the entryway, Cassie sighed. “On to the next battle, I suppose.”

“Wherever you lead, my dear, I will follow.” King Richard gave his wife a soft kiss.

Embarrassed to witness such a tender moment, I averted my gaze. In the process of attaching my hand to Rob’s arm in the hopes I could delay the reckoning with Sorin, he proved remarkably hard to catch.

“I believe my brother would like a moment with you.” The coward fled toward the ballroom behind his parents.

Now there was no protection to be found. Slowly, I raised my eyes to meet Sorin’s gaze. That familiar shock traveled from stomach to toes and back up into my heart.

Without saying a word, he lifted my gloved hand to his mouth. Then he placed my hand against the back of his neck, drawing me close with a hand at my waist. My body began a slow simmer at the intense blueness of his eyes. Unable to resist, I tilted my head upward in preparation for his kiss.

Before he could close the distance, the door opened. Though I would have sprung away, Sorin’s hold at my waist was such that I was unable to do so. Whoever arrived was certainly getting an eyeful.

“Ah. Once again I find myself intruding at the most inopportune moment.” A tinkling laugh accompanied the velvet words.

Releasing me, Sorin turned to greet the woman standing in the entryway. “Good evening, Constance. Are your parents here as well?”

Her reply was lost as I examined her. Though Rob had told me she was beautiful, I wasn’t prepared at all for the long black hair or pale white skin coupled with eyes of the darkest blue. Her features were dainty, her cheekbones more of a suggestion, her nose almost tentative above the deep red of her lips. There was nothing hesitant about those.