Chapter 114
Chapter 114
WINTER
“Are you all right?”
Valtor’s gentle question pulled me back from the fog in my mind. I blinked, then offered him a small smile and shook my head.
We were having dinner together, something I’d been looking forward to all day. The food was delicious yet I barely tasted it. My thoughts kept drifting back to the orphanage no matter how many times Valtor had told me not to worry. Guilt clung to me stubbornly, refusing to loosen its grip.
Every time the memory resurfaced, I saw the rogue woman’s face as clearly as if she were standing before me, I saw the hurt in her eyes and the pain she hadn’t bothered to hide. It lodged itself in my chest, making it hard to breathe.
I hoped we would meet again someday so I could explain myself and make things right between us.
“It seems tonight’s meal doesn’t agree with you,” Valtor said, setting his cutlery down with a soft clink.
“No,” I replied quickly and smiled. “It’s so good. I think I’m just full.”
His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, searching, before he nodded. “Are you sleepy?”
I shook my head again.
Without another word, he rose from his chair. Instinctively, I followed. When he reached for my hand, I didn’t hesitate, I let him lead me, my fingers curling around his as if that was where they belonged.
When the doors to the dining hall opened, my eyes widened, but I wasn’t surprised to find Freya, Rosentine, and Cressida already waiting outside. Judging by their attentive expressions, they’d been trying to listen in on our conversation
Earlier, Freya had suggested the three of them join us for dinner so Rosentine and Cressida could 'get to know me better'. Valtor had refused without hesitation, stating plainly that when he was with me, he didn’t wish to be disturbed—that everything else could wait.
Freya’s disappointment then had been almost amusing.
“My King,” she said now, schooling her features into pleasant surprise. “You’ve finished early. Are you heading somewhere else?”
Her eyes flicked pointedly to where Valtor’s hand was entwined with mine.
“Just going for a walk,” he replied calmly.
I stiffened in surprise, then looked up at him.
A walk? He hadn’t mentioned it. But the idea warmed me instantly.
“A walk?” Freya echoed, her jaw visibly slackening. “G-great! I was thinking you should take a break from work.” She paused, then smiled too brightly. “Actually, I’ve just remembered something.”
She turned to the twins. “Lady Rosentine and Cressida haven’t visited here in quite some time. They said they want to explore. I thought perhaps the four of you could go together.”
“Right,” Rosentine added quickly. “We can go on our own, of course, but it would be much safer with you, My King."
Her gaze never once landed on me. Instead, she stared openly at my mate, lashes fluttering, fingers twisting a lock of her hair. Beside her, Cressida smiled sweetly, as though the outcome of this conversation was already decided.
Something sharp twisted inside me.
“Are you kidding me?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
The twins froze, their smiles vanishing. Freya’s head snapped toward me, surprise flashing across her face.
“No, my Queen,” Freya replied coolly. “Why would I be? It’s a sensible suggestion. It would be safer for the ladies to accompany you.”
“Then it seems you’ve forgotten the code of conduct, Freya,” I said, my voice hardening as I met her gaze. “What makes you think it’s appropriate to push strangers onto us when the King clearly wants to spend time alone with his wife?”
A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes. “You’ve already spent plenty of time together-"
“And it still isn’t enough,” I cut in sharply. “We need more. Just the two of us. Without interruptions.”
“Interruption?” Rosentine’s brows arched, offense dripping from her tone. “Did you just call me that, Queen Winter?”
“Yes. What else would you call it? Your presence here is already an interruption.” I slipped my arm through Valtor’s, feeling the tension in his muscles beneath my touch. “Surely you understand that newly married couples require… more time alone.”
The last words came out teasingly as I tilted my head up to look at him.
His raised brow, and unmistakable surprise almost made me laugh.
Instead of pulling away, Valtor wrapped an arm firmly around my waist, drawing me close against his side.
“You heard her,” he said, his gaze sweeping over Freya and the twins. “My wife doesn’t wish to be disturbed.”
His grip tightened possessively.
“You won’t be joining us tonight.”