Page 155 of Forsaking All Others

Suddenly, she smiles, a genuine smile that lights up her whole face.

“You love him!”

118

“Are you still you, Lady Dragonspur?” I murmur as we stand in the gallery, ostensibly looking at the art while Falcon entertains my father with hunting stories, having already spoken to both girls and told me his favourite.

“I am, Jag. Nothing’s changed. I’m still me.”

“Then perhaps you’ll lend me your counsel.”

She turns to smile at me.

“Are you still you? Isn’t it usually the opposite way around?”

I shrug, and she laughs gently.

“I like Thorun. She’s sweet and kind and genuine and would make a wonderful wife and mother.”

“Yes,” I nod, “Falcon said the same. That’s true, if that was what I was looking for.”

“Jag,” she shakes her head, “don’t.”

She clears her throat and goes on as if I hadn’t spoken.

“But although she’s bloodthirsty and cutthroat and not someone I would ever have picked for you outside the Games, I think Catriona is the best choice. If you need any input at all, and I don’t think for a moment that you do, she’s the one to bring you happiness in the long run.”

“You know that’s not what this is about,” I scowl.

“Jag, I truly want you to find love. Falcon, deep down, wants that for you too. That’s what he, what we both, hoped you’d find on the show, as unlikely as that might have seemed.

“I didn’t find love; I wasn’t looking for it, Angie. I found some retrospection, though. I know that while my relationship with you was dishonourable, I had honourable intentions. Just as I do now. I went on the Game because I only want to be back in the Dragonspur fold to protect you as I’ve always done,” I murmur. “You don’t need to fear that I’ll do anything to try and rekindle what we once had. I know you and Falcon belong together.”

“Yes,” she sighs, “we do. But I know you still ache from my betrayal, Jag.”

“You didn’t betray me,” I look at the ornate ceiling for the words I wish I could find, “you were under someone else’s control.”

“And I’m not now,” she says firmly. “My mind is my own. I want you back in our lives because Falcon needs you, and I need you. As a friend,” she adds.

I take her hand in mine, but drop it as Cat walks down the corridor towards us.

“I’ll leave you two,” Angie smiles. “Remember what I said.”

I nod and watch as she leaves. The corridor is long, and both Cat and I say nothing until the sound of her steps on the parquet floor have receded into the distance.

When they can no longer be heard, Cat spins to me.

“You’re in love with her!”

‘Yes.’

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“You can’t deny it. I see it in your eyes; I see the way she looks at you too.”

‘Once, perhaps….’

“The Lady Dragonspur and I have long been friends,” I sigh, turning from her penetrative stare.