Chapter 77
In her mind, Draven was this imposing, seemingly untouchable figure, so accustomed to command and deference that she could scarcely understand how something as singular as her opinion might hurt him. It simply did not make sense to her. And yet, judging by the displeasure in his expression, it had.
Despite her attempts to smooth over the slight, she knew she had done a poor job of it. Somehow, she had managed to make things worse rather than better, and the uncomfortable awareness settled heavily in the space between them.
Cassandra pushed the door open when they were done, Draven only a few steps behind her.
Adrian, who had apparently been standing far too close to it and was most likely trying to eavesdrop, stumbled backward with a guilty look.
Cassandra narrowed her eyes to slits.
Behind Adrian stood the Prince Consort.
Theodore, for his part, managed to look less guilty.
Cassandra fixed the two men with a look of unmistakable displeasure, making no effort to conceal her annoyance. Her disappointment was directed chiefly at Adrian, who seemed determined to avoid meeting her gaze.
At least the door was thick enough that there could not have been much for him to overhear.
Theodore cleared his throat, evidently attempting to recover what little dignity the situation had left him. The effort was somewhat diminished by the fact that he had been caught loitering outside a closed door with his son.
"Delphine thought I ought to see whether you required anything," Theodore said eventually. "I had no wish to intrude."
It was a remarkably poor explanation and her deadpan stare said as much.
Before she could formulate the words, she became aware that Draven had stopped behind her, so close she could reach back and touch him.
But it was fleeting. A second later, he stepped forward and offered Theodore a respectful bow.
"I was hoping to take Lady Cassandra for a turn through the gardens," he said. "If you have no objection."
Theodore’s gaze moved briefly between them before he smiled.
"Of course, but you don’t need my permission."
Oh no, Cassandra thought, horrified. Was it too much to hope that Theodore did not entertain fanciful notions like his wife?
Draven nodded, pleased by the response before turning the full force of his attention to Cassandra.
"Would you care to join me?"
"I would." She turned toward the corridor, expecting him to follow. But when he didn’t immediately fall into step with her, she glanced over her shoulder to see that he had paused beside Adrian and Theodore.
"Cassandra is dear to me," she heard him say. "You have nothing to fear from me where she is concerned. I would sooner see myself harmed than knowingly do anything that would hurt her."
This, coupled with how poorly she behaved earlier, was enough to make her feel wretched all over again.
Before she could examine the thought too closely, he turned and followed her.
They walked in silence until they reached the path that led to the gardens.
Outside, the afternoon was bright without being oppressively warm. A mild breeze moved through the hedges, carrying the faint smell of freshly watered earth.
Cassandra descended the shallow steps and soon he fell into step with her.
Then, he offered her his arm, a gesture that confused her. Was he no longer cross with her?
Her gaze fell on his proffered arm, trying her best to gauge what he was thinking right then. An impossible feat.
Still, she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm like it was the most natural thing.
"You’re taking this very seriously," she tried to joke.
"I told you I would." He replied seriously
Cassandra cast about for something to say, anything to bridge the gap rapidly forming between them. "I’ve thought of a way to get you more supporters in parliament."
"How do you intend to do that?" His interest was thoroughly piqued but he still sounded skeptical.
"I thought I might ingratiate myself with the councillors who are more flexible in their opinions. The ones who are willing to listen rather than simply oppose anything that threatens the old order."
At the mention of the more conservative members of the Queen’s Council, two names immediately came to mind: William Ravenshire and Simon Hartwell.
Both men were notoriously rigid in their views, and Cassandra knew better than to waste her efforts trying to win either of them over. They were unlikely to change their minds.
"There are others who might be persuaded." She added.
Draven regarded her thoughtfully. "And how do you propose to persuade them?"
"Through their wives, of course. I plan to worm my way into their good grace. Most tend to underestimate how much sway they possess. But I’m not the type to overlook such an opportunity."
One corner of his mouth lifted, and his eyes were once more alight with mirth.
She was glad to see it. So glad, it stole the breath from her lungs.
It took her some time to recover.
"I know how these things work," Cassandra said. "If I form a good relationship with their wives, I may have a better chance of gaining their confidence. And once they are inclined to look favourably upon me, it becomes much easier to make them receptive to you. And you should do the same with the men themselves, where you can. Get them to see things your way. Befriend them, if you can."
"You make it sound remarkably simple."
They had walked quite a distance by then, and if Cassandra strained her ear, she could almost make out the gentle rush of the fountain not far ahead.
"I did not say it would be simple." Cassandra gave him a sidelong glance. "What you are proposing could change the way this kingdom is governed and, more importantly, the way the nobility understands its obligations. You are asking men who have benefited from the existing order to reconsider it. They will not all welcome that."
"No," Draven agreed. "They will not."
"Which is precisely why you need as much support as you can get." She paused before adding, "You do not need every man in the council to agree with you. You only need enough of them to believe that your position is worth defending."
Draven studied her for a moment, and Cassandra had the distinct impression that he was taking her suggestion more seriously than she had expected.
"You have given this some thought."
"I have had plenty of time to think about it."
He fell silent, lost in thought once more, and she could have sworn there was a f
licker of admiration in his eyes as he looked at her.
"I understand now why Her Majesty favors you so."