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All night I paced inside the suite, awaiting his return. He never showed up. Nor did I see him outside the window, though many men worked in the backyard, building some sort of stage.
Morning arrived, ushering in the very day I should start teaching. Still no word from Callen. My stomach churned.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and I jolted. I rushed to open the entrance and discovered a formally clad Gavina. Disappointment weighed down my shoulders.
“I’m here to help prepare you for the punishment,” she intoned as she entered. A swath of white lace draped across her arm.
“Where’s Callen?” I rushed out. Imustspeak with him.
“He’s making arrangements for the ceremony.”
Dread oozed over me. “Talk,” I commanded. “Explain what’s to happen.”
“I will do so after your shoulder. We’re pressed for time.”
Fine. In the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and hurried through a shower. Covered by a robe, I returned to find Gavina sitting at the edge of the bed.
She ushered me to the vanity. Arranging my hair in a series of braids, she told me, “We’ll go outside. Once we leave this room, we aren’t to speak unless specifically addressed by Mr. Bruce. He will have a spot on the dais, and you’ll join him. Sentinels are going to fill the yard. The prince will be escorted in and ordered to kneel. When Callen delivers the whipping, you are to watch, and you are not to react with anything but satisfaction. To do so is to reveal doubt in your king’s actions. When he finishes, you must inspect the wounds.”
I started to whimper. Inspect a pulpy back without reacting? How could I? Then I remembered I’d survived a wolf attack. I wouldn’t let the king down by displaying weakness.
She applied thicker than usual makeup, helped mestrap on the gown, and anchored a diamond tiara to my crown. “Why am I dolling up for this?”
“Tradition says the queen must show the people she supports and celebrates her king’s decision. And believe me, you do. Because he could’ve and should’ve ordered the prince’s death.”
Put like that… And, really, I’d decided to stay with Callen, if he’d have me. To live in his brutal world and give up my own. This was my chance to prove to both of us I could succeed.
When Gavina finished with me, I cast a glance at my reflection. A majestic white gown studded with hand sewn pearls hugged my body. Around my neck hung a pearl necklace of varying lengths. Pearls graced my ears, wrists and ankles, too. I looked ethereal and lovely. Every inch a queen.
Gavina clasped my upper arms. “You can do this.”
Deep breath in. Out. “Yes, I can.”
We headed out the front door, where Buzz and Ponytail waited. The two guards escorted us outside, around the house and into the backyard. A crowd of people already congregated, dressed in their own finery. I recognized some from the reception. No one spoke a word, but gasps rang out, accompanied by murmurs of “brightest mark I’ve ever seen.”
Buzz and Ponytail ushered us through a narrow path, bypassing a wooden pole. We climbed to the stage. An emotionless Callen stood in the center, bathed in sunlight. His posture appeared steady but relaxed. Head high, hands at his sides, feet braced slightly apart. But I could see beyond his mask. He brewed with anger and uncertainty. Because he regretted what was soon to occur? Or did he fear I would reject him, as Isobel had done in the past?
I straightened, more determined to prove myself.Though his attire didn’t mesh with my gown, I was glad he wore what he wore. A black T-shirt and leather pants, with his hair tousled. How delicious he appeared.
The guards took a giant step backward, stepping behind me, as if presenting a gift to their king. My husband met my gaze, nodded in greeting, and looked away.
That was it? All I got?
“Are you kidding me?” I muttered.
His attention shot to me, returning as if drawn by an irresistible force, and tremors rocked me. Laser focused, he ran his gaze from my top to my feet, his irises heating. Would I have received this same look as Elizabeth?
Stomach in knots, I claimed my place at his right without tripping, thank you. Gavina took a post just behind me and placed a supporting hand on my shoulder, and I loved her even more for it.
In the back of my mind, a thought stirred. If ever there was a moment to denounce my husband, as Tavish demanded, it was now.
I lifted my chin. I’d made my choice. Callen all the way.
He raised two fingers and motioned to someone. Seconds later, Jamie strode around a wall of bushes and followed the same path I’d taken; he stopped at the pole and bobbed his head in greeting. His gaze darted between Callen and me with so much rebellion, I feared he planned to sign his own death warrant.
“Speak,” the king commanded.
The prince studied me intently, slid his tongue along his teeth, and bowed his head. He dropped to one knee. “My humblest apologies, Mrs. Bruce. As my friend explained this morning, you are my king’s greatest treasure, and for that alone, I owe you my utmost respect.”
