THE NEXT day, Ezekiel strolled through the palace gardens with Velia. He was trying hard not to feel the walk was a capitulation to his father, but he couldn’t ignore Velia out of resentment either. Whatever Father thought, Ezekiel knew his duty to country and family, and he would fulfill it to the best of his ability.
Velia wasn’t bad company. Her ability to carry a conversation was smooth and practiced, and she could be witty and clever and flirtatious without crossing a line that she shouldn’t as a betrothed woman.
Between those abilities and Tanya’s support, it was no wonder she was becoming quite popular at court. But he rather wished everything she did or said was a little less practiced.
He still had no idea what was behind the perfect image she projected, and he’d like to. He’
