He offered her another berry. Truth was, he was a lot bitter toward the fae. He knew it was something he needed to get over, but that was easier said than done.
She took a berry but didn’t immediately eat it. “So what would you have said to the people of Limbo if you’d been given the opportunity to defend yourself against the queen’s accusations?”
Robin studied the dark purple berry between his fingers. The tiny geometric sections that made up the oblong fruit reflected the soft light. He tossed it into his mouth. “I appreciate you asking me that, but I’m not sure what good it would have done. I was given no trial. No chance to refute her accusations. Just drugged, poisoned, removed, and imprisoned. And as much as I would like for you to believe I’m innocent, that’s something you need to decide for yourself.”
“But isn’t there something you can tell me that would prove it?”
He sighed and shook his head. “Not really. The orcs even sided against me, but then, why wouldn’t they when I captured their king? They had no reason to defend me. Having me on the throne was a constant reminder of their failure.”
She sighed. “Right.”
He looked at her. “Anyone who was around when I was king should be able to tell you that Vesta’s overthrow was hostile, except that I suspect very few are willing. Which I understand. She puts fear into people. And promises great things. It’s a heady combination. Enough that the masses decide it’s easier to go along with her than fight.”
“I’ve never heard anyone question what she’s done.”
“Why would they? Those who oppose her have a way of disappearing. Or being so maligned that their own reputations are left shredded and their lives in ruins. Who would willingly bring that upon themselves and their family?”
“No one. Very few, anyway.” She squinted at some point in the distance. “You had no chance, did you?”
“Not much.” He took a breath. “None, actually.”
“I’m sorry.”
He looked at her, mostly because it sounded like she genuinely meant it.
She made a curious face. “Why are you looking at me with such a serious face?”
“Because I think you mean that.”
“I do.” She stole another berry from his hand, her fingers barely touching his palm, but that was enough to make him aware of her. “I know what it’s like to have things stacked against you and feel powerless. To be shown something wonderful only to have that thing snatched away.”
There was sorrow in her eyes, but no self-pity. This woman was not only beautiful but remarkably strong. She was the kind of woman who should have been at his side. Not Vesta, may wood fleas infest her person. Theodora would have made an extraordinary queen. He nodded. “I know you do.”
She answered him with a brief smile, then ate the berry she’d swiped. “I believe you.”
“Good, because I really do listen when you talk about your past.”
“No. I mean I believe that you didn’t betray the kingdom.”
His mouth fell open. “You do?”
She nodded, wiping a little juice from the corner of her mouth. “Until proven otherwise. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you’re laughing at me on the inside, but you don’t seem like the kind of man who’d do the terrible things Vesta claims you did.”
He closed his mouth and made himself swallow. “Thank you.”
It was impossible not to be shocked. And happy. But then, Theodora was a smart woman. And obviously a keen judge of character. She deserved better than cleaning his bookshelves for a year. Along with a sudden rush of affection for her, a new idea came to him.
“Can I ask you something?”
She nodded. “Anything. Although I reserve the right not to answer.”
“Fair enough.” He held out the last berry. She shook her head, so he ate it. “What’s it like downstairs?”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Is it comfortable? Your room? The living quarters for the staff? How is it all?”
“It’s fine.”
“So it’s not comfortable.”
She laughed softly. “My room is exactly what I expected. It’s perfectly adequate for my needs. The gathering room where we eat is definitely big enough. Really, I haven’t spent much time down there. This is only my second day here. Mrs. Baton has kept me plenty busy.”
“Doing things that don’t really need doing, I’d imagine.”
Theodora bobbed her head back and forth. “You’re not wrong. I think. I don’t really know what it takes to maintain a house of this size and grandeur. Maybe the linen closet really did need to