Chapter 5: No Helpful Translation

Darian's invitation reserved Tavrian a place beside the repentant hostess.

Maerielle read the phrase twice before turning the card over.

There was no explanation on the back that made it less offensive.

Thessa waited beside her with a wastebasket.

"Not yet," Maerielle told her.

"I need him to see it."

Her companion lowered the basket with visible regret.

Tavrian was standing in the courtyard when Maerielle found him.

He had stopped to examine a horse's uneven shoe.

She waited until the groom took the horse away before approaching.

Waiting without announcing herself felt strange enough to require attention.

He noticed that attention and looked at her hands.

She was gripping the invitation by its corners.

"I didn't arrange this," she said.

He read the card.

His expression remained composed until he reached his own name.

"Apparently I've been reserved," he said.

"I haven't agreed with him."

"You haven't disagreed where the guests can hear it."

Maerielle felt the criticism land before she could make a defense.

He was right.

She wanted him to be gentler because she liked him.

That wasn't a useful reason for him to stop.

"I will," she said.

Tavrian handed the card back.

A breeze lifted one corner.

She caught it so sharply that he looked down at the fountain beside them.

She looked there too.

The memory of her old dance card made her fingers ache.

Keep reading free with an account. Start The Villainess Offered an Apology, the Duke Wanted the Truth from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.