As the young Lord Avery offered her a smile that was more of a facade than anything, Adelina took a moment to recall the details of each suitor, male and female, her mother and father had gone over with she and her siblings. The only point that really stood out in her mind about Avery Thatcher was the whispers of a change in the lord some years ago that no one had ever been able to explain.
Opening her mouth to ask about his familyâs farmlands, she was stopped short when all eyes were turned to Bastion Thorne, walking into the dining room without an escort and pulling out Westerlyâs chair, even though she was being escorted by Col. Although she felt for her childhood playmate and the awkward situation the bold action had surely put her in, Addy couldnât help the small smirk that danced along the corner of her lips. After all this was essentially a competition and everyone knew the Thorneâs were out to play.
âCheeky bastard.â She muttered under her breath, along with a small scoff and a shake of her head.
While she couldnât remember much about Lord Avery, there was plenty to be said of Lord Bastion, who seemed to be the equal if she and her brother had been born mixed in the womb.
The scrape of a chair brought Adelinaâs focus back to her escort as he pulled out her seat towards the head of the first table, only a seat away from her sister on one side, and Prince Declan on the other. While the king to be was handsome, of course, she wasnât too interested in shy and soft spoken. In fact, both the men to her right probably would have gotten along much better with Bryn in the romantic way, although Lord Avery seemed like a kind man and perhaps would make a great friend. Especially if he enjoyed animals and nature as much as she hoped he did from living in the farmlands.
âLady Adelina, wonât you tell me a little about what you like to do in your pass-time? Perhaps we have come common ground.â Addy looked down to see that he was filling her goblet up with red wine, which she loved, and smiled as her eyes traveled back up to his handsome face.
âI actually have been wanting to ask you of your familyâs land, Lord Avery. I love the outdoors. My brother and I run the trail outside of our walls every morning and I think my favorite part is always seeing which little creatures decide to join me when we reach our resting spot. Being up North we of course get caribou and foxes. Iâve even seen the occasional Polar Bear.â Addy knew she was rambling but didnât really care, and from the corner of her left eye she could see Brynlee look over and shake her head out of what Adelina could only guess was exasperation. Picking up her glass and taking down a gulp, she turned back and asked, [color#5ECA86]âWhat sorts of animals do you run into where you reside? Iâm curious as to if Iâve seen them all!â[/color]
After taking down another gulp, Adelina lifted her eyes to see Callum walking over with Lady Adriana on his arm and the two already in conversation. How fitting for him to ask her escortâs sister, and⊠of course to come and take the seat across from her. Flitting her eyes to the left, she was reminded that Princess Westerly also sat near the seat Cal had chosen. Although she was next to positive that his choice had to do with herself being there and not with the princess, the coincidence was almost too much to handle. Her lips curved into another smile as she braced herself for the awkwardness that was her brother with women.
âLord Callum, I have heard of your skill on the battlefield and the respect youâve earned from your men. I must say that is rather admirable. You must truly take your job seriously. Do you enjoy it as well? It is amazing when duty lines up with passion. It makes the duties easier,â Lady Adrianaâs voice cut through the haze Callum was in while concentrating on the chair across from his youngest sister, silently praying no one else would take it before he could get there. His face gave away no anxiety, however.
Reaching the table, he pulled one chair back for Lady Adriana before taking a seat himself and turning to answer her question. âThank you, mâlady. I would be nothing without my men, however.â Making quick eye contact with Adelina, he dipped his head into an acknowledging nod and found two full glasses, setting them in front of both he and Adriana. âBeing able to serve the King and my father in battle is one of my greatest prides. I hear youâre quite good with a bow yourself. Perhaps you and my sister, Adelina, would get along well in practice.â
Callumâs eyes looked over the ladyâs face, taking note of how breathtaking she really was. It made him nervous. Moving his hands under the table, he began to wring his fingers together - bam!. His eyes jerked upwards to find Addy giving him a side eye after kicking his leg. A not-so-gentle reminder to take a deep breath and calm down.
âIâm sorry, I know I shouldnât interrupt!â Adelina interjected, âBut should you ever want to go out in the early mornings and do a little practice with me I would love that! Callum here may be a wizard with a sword, but with a bow he lacks a bit. Iâve taught him all I can.â Her laughter carried down the table, reaching where Brynlee was sat with Alec Chambers.
Rolling her eyes at her younger sisterâs volume, Brynlee turned her attention back to her escort. âI would love some wine, my lord. Thank you.â He certainly was a handsome man, but there was something nagging her. A rumor sheâd heard passed through the lands about him. His interest in men. Not that it particularly bothered her, she just wasnât particularly wanting to fall for someone who would rather take her brother to bed. Maybe she would gain a great friend in him. âSo, Lord Alec, I hear of your love for plants and herbalism is great. I do so love admiring the scenery when Iâm out riding.â