Chapter Fifteen

A fter a quiet cup of tea and a lot of not-reading, Evienne and Orion parted ways to prepare for that afternoon’s official event—a garden party.

One would think the late autumn weather would have saved them from any outdoor events, but unfortunately Ichorna was just temperate enough to make it possible. Though, instead of airy linen dresses and sun hats, everyone would likely be in lush wool coats.

Evienne chose to wear her blood red uniform to the event. It was unlike her, but for some reason, it felt right for the day. She slipped on the black leggings and long-sleeved black top before buckling the knee-high boots into place. She then put on her red coat, fastened the buttons, and added the silver gladiolus blossom pin that denoted her rank as High Sangviere to the lapel of her jacket.

As soon as she descended the palace steps into the garden, Evienne could feel the eyes of others on her. It made her feel powerful for once, instead of insecure.

She found Orion’s sea green eyes in the crowd. They were locked on her, and even from where she stood above him on the stairs, she could see his jaw flex as he took her in. If he kept this up, she would have quite the ego by the time this party was over.

She got to the bottom of the stairs and caught sight of Cecelia talking animatedly with a tall, pleasant-looking man with light brown curls—Jac. Solon stood with them, conversing easily. It appeared he had made some friends. She made her way over to them, grabbing a goblet of wine from a server as she passed.

“Well hello, High Sangviere , you certainly know how to make an entrance!” Cecelia laughed as she hugged Evienne in greeting. “You remember Lord Jac from Wellsah?”

“I do indeed! It is very good to see you again, Jac,” Evienne smiled at the man as he inclined his head to her. He smiled broadly, his countenance open and warm.

“It is wonderful to see you again, Evienne. I hope you have been able to relax and enjoy the festivities a bit?”

“Oh yes, you know Cecelia wouldn’t let me get away with working this whole time,” Evienne laughed. “And I see you’ve met Lord Solon! You’ve found the best people at the party, Solon; you have excellent taste.”

She noticed Jac’s gaze shift to a point over her shoulder, and she turned to see what had caught his attention, still smiling. Orion was approaching, only five feet or so behind her when she met his eyes. He looked at her as he closed the distance and smiled as he came to a stop at her side. He inclined his head to Cecelia and Jac as he spoke.

“Hello there. I am Professor Orion Doehlan. Evienne, would you mind introducing me to your friends?”

Orion’s face was relaxed, a friendly smile gracing his plush lips. Evienne was so wrapped up in staring at him that she waited a moment too long before responding.

“Yes, of course, Professor. This is my dear friend Cecelia Chandelle, the Head Librarian here in Ichorna. And this is Lord Jac Yarwood of Wellsah,” Evienne gestured to her friends with a smile. Cecelia caught her eye with her brows raised, and Evienne gave her a small wink.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Professor. Have you been enjoying your time here thus far?” Jac asked.

“I certainly have! It is rare that a Beitaran is given the opportunity to travel, as I’m sure you know, so I am attempting to make the most of my time here,” Orion answered, then took a sip of his wine.

“We are very lucky indeed. I’ve been particularly enjoying the variety and quality of pastries available here,” Solon added.

Evienne saw a flash of blonde hair in her peripheral vision just as she noted Cecelia’s eyes widening in horror. Before anyone else could speak, none other than Dominique Malinois cleared her throat as she stepped up to join their group. She dropped into a curtsey next to Orion.

“Lady Malinois, a pleasure to see you again,” Jac said. Cecelia grimaced and gave him a look, which he noted, and seemed confused.

“You as well, Lord Yarwood. And I believe these are our Beitaran guests—my name is Dominique Malinois. You are?” She extended her hand toward Orion, expecting him to kiss it, but instead, he bowed slightly at the waist. “I am Professor Orion Doelan; the pleasure is mine. And this is Lord Solon Lùtair of the Glenkoe province.”

Evienne watched the whole exchange with her breath held. She was glad Orion hadn’t taken the hand Dominique offered, for whatever ridiculous reason. She wasn’t sure what she would have done if he had, but she felt incredibly on edge. Dominique seemed to take genuine pleasure in humiliating Evienne by the end of their relationship, and that hadn’t changed in the years since their divorce. Her opportunities to be vicious had simply dwindled.

“So I heard,” Dominique said with a laugh. Her eyes glinted with joyful malice as she continued, “A little bird told me that you and our very own pretty High Sangviere were seen quitting the library last night in a bit of a… disheveled state.” Evienne couldn’t believe what she was hearing; Cecelia’s mouth was hanging open. Jac’s brows were at his hairline. Solon scowled. Evienne couldn’t see Orion’s face, but she was prepared to melt straight into the ground and live out her life as a worm if it meant this interaction could end.

Before anyone could respond, Dominique continued speaking with a laugh. “Well, I hope she’s improved since our divorce at least. You should experience the best Ichorna has to offer while you’re here after all, Professor.” She finished with a vicious smile. “Enjoy the party,” she added, turning away with another laugh.

Evienne thought she might simply perish. She knew Dominique was petty and horrible, but this was truly low even for her. She suddenly felt too close to everyone.

“Excuse me,” she said with an attempt at a smile. She turned quickly and fled into the vast arboretum that surrounded the gardens proper.