The King of Hearts - Jovee Winters Page 0,50

Though father despises you and does not care if the rumors are true or not.”

I blinked, growing irritable and wishing I’d never invited my tiresome sisters over. What had I been thinking? Having them here was curing me of any need for outside company. My days were never brighter than when I shared them with my Phin.

“What rumor?” I groused, pinching the bridge of my nose between my fingers. I was getting head pains.

Rose sounded almost delighted as she said, “Oh, that he’s a terrible sorcerer. A vile and monstrous beast with scales for hide and no eyes whatever. That the only reason he’s kept you away from the world is because he’s fattening you up so that he can bleed you for one of his darkest and cruelest spells.”

I frowned. “What nonsense!”

I had half a mind to stand, to demand they leave my palace at once. But royal breeding was a bitch to break.

Phin had been teaching me very naughty words lately, words he’d said he’d learned in a distant and far off land called the Americas. I’d never heard of such a place, but it sounded wonderful. Women were free in that world. They could tell a man no. In fact, some women even decided no man was better and bedded one another. The land was wildly fascinating to me and I wanted to see it with him one day.

Rage bubbled in my belly. But I kept my voice tightly controlled. “You come to our home and insult my husb—”

Rose reached for a fig and took a large bite before laughing, “You’re not married, if that’s what you’re thinking. That was a farce too. That priest was not real. He’s made you a fallen woman, Psyche, but I suppose that makes no difference considering your prospects are pitifully low. Since you’re now ugly and all.”

“Rose, hush!” Adelia hissed and then Rose yipped and I knew Adelia must have kicked at her shins. They’d always gotten into shin fights growing up.

But I could not laugh at the silly memory because Rose’s words had deeply wounded me. “What do you mean we’re not married? Of course, we are. I heard him whisper the vows in my ears.”

Rose rolled her eyes. But Adelia grimaced and it was that look that convinced me, in this at least, they were not lying.

“I’m sorry, KeeKee, but you’re not,” she said, using my nickname she’d had for me when I’d been a young girl. “He’s been lying to you. About many things I would suspect. Don’t you find it odd that he refuses to let you leave this palace? Ever?”

I tried not to show how devasting her words were, considering that I’d been harboring those same questions myself for months now.

But then I thought of his touch. Of his tender caresses. He loved me. I knew it. No man could fake that for so long. He’d never said one cross word to me. He was always gentle. Always kind. And I’d worshipped his body, he had no scales. Just smooth, beautiful skin like mine.

I shook my head. “You’re lying.”

Rose snorted, even as she shoved a Turkish delight into her mouth. “I told you she was already far too brainwashed to ever—”

Adelia held up her hand, cutting off Rose. Adelia had been cruel to me after the curse too. Everyone had, but in our private moments she’d also been the kindest to me. I knew she loved me, she simply feared father and mother’s censure more. I could never blame her for that, I’d feared them too.

Her dark brown eyes searched mine. She had a smudge of kohl lined around them, making them look large and sensual. I wondered if she was already feeling the pressure of father’s heavy hand? She must be getting married soon. He was now her greatest prize. My heart ached. I knew the pressures she must be facing. We shared a moment of pure sisterly love before she quietly said, “I’m not lying. And father did not wish for me to tell you what I learned, but I…” she paused swallowing hard, “I care for you.”

Rose snorted, continuing to enjoy all the treats Phineas had lain with his own hands out for them.

So much kindness he showed me. Even in this. In setting up this ridiculous party for me and my sisters so that I could be happy. I wished I’d never pushed for this. Wished I’d never asked for them to come by.

This morning I’d felt cherished in my Phin’s