Lady Kenna (POV)
Kenna saw Devon staring at Aisling. She knew that look in his eyes. The one he had stared at her with not long ago. The same look she had gotten when they discovered they were mates. Her stomach dropped. She glanced at Aisling and noticed the girl tense. She didn't like it either.
They walked to the carriage and Aisling stuck to her side. Devon kept his eyes on Aisling though. His eyes raking over her body. Aislings hands gripped the dress in her lap, her hands fisted. Kenna could feel the nervousness seep from Aisling. She didn't blame her. Not with Devon looking at the girl as if she were his next meal.
It made Kenna sick. To think of the things Devon was planning to do to Aisling. The plans she saw through their bond before he shoved her out. He wanted nothing more than to ruin the girl further than she was already. Not that her families ruin had anything to do with Aisling. Kenna glowered at Devon and pulled Aisling closer to her. She would protect her.
Aisling was obviously uncomfortable with Devons attention. Kenna knew that Aisling knew what the looks he was giving her meant. Kenna felt bad. Had she known her husband was a predator she would never have gotten these gowns for the girl. They were the newest fashion and would entice her mate to the fullest extent. Nearly forcing the male to claim what belongs to him the moment he sees her.
Aisling though had doubts. She was so unsure if she had a mate, and it broke Kennas heart. The girl was so beaten down and tired. She thought so little of herself and Kenna would never understand. Aisling was a true beauty. Kenna hadn't expected it.
Kenna watched the other two girls. Beth was so abrasive. She didn't like her honestly. She hated the way they treated Aisling. Both sisters were horribly fickle people. Much like Devon. In fact Beth draped herself over Devon. Kenna snorted and rolled her eyes. The servants talked. She knew of their affair between the two and no longer cared.
Kenna was going to ask her brother to undo the bond between her and Devon tonight. She felt trapped with a man that did not care for her as he should. He was her mate. Yet, here he was, petting another woman in the carriage right in front of her. Devon watched Kenna for a reaction as he slid his hand under Beth's dress and up her thigh. Beth was giggling and whispering to Devon.
If she hadn't felt so pushed to the side, jealousy would consume her. But, Kenna knew what kind of man Devon truly was now and wished she had listened to her brother about him. He didn't beat her, but he had taken advantage of her niave nature. Devon had used her for a position at her brothers court and a title. His lands and wealth had been gifted to him by Torin.
Sighing deeply, Kenna focused out at the trees passing by the carriage as it moved through the woods to the palace. She felt Aisling grasp her hand and lean into her. The girl was rather intuitive with others. It seemed as if she could sense their distress often. It wore her down, Kenna knew that. But Kenna also knew that Aisling cared for her a great deal.
"What do I do if I find my mate?" Aisling asked softly and toyed with her hair. Kenna smiled at her and straightened her spine, sitting upright. Remembering her own strength. She was going to help Aisling.
"You go to him and bring him to me or Devon. If you find him, let me meet him. And then we will arrange for your things to be brought to where he lives. Don't worry, it will happen tonight." Kenna murmured and hugged her tight. Aisling was so worried and unsure. Devon straightened and coughed getting both her and Aislings attention.
"Yes. You do exactly as Kenna says. Enjoy yourself at the ball. Do not make a fool of yourself though. If one of the lords asks for a dance, you dance. You do what they want." Devon grinned at Aisling. Kenna felt her shrink back into her and glared at Devon. How dare he make her so uncomfortable? Devon turned to Kenna and his lip curled in distate. It made her stomach sour. Her mate was not a good man. She knew that well now.
The carriage came to a stop and the horses pulling it knickered in annoyance. Aislings eyes lit up and she chewed her bottom lip. Kenna giggled and tugged the lip from Aislings teeth.
"It's okay. You do not have to do anything you are not okay with. If someone touches you in a way you do not want to be touched, scream. Someone will help. You can also run and find me. I will most likely be with my brother." Kenna whispered softly and hugged Aisling. She knew Devon didn't hear as he was too distracted with helping Beth fix her skirts. Whoever Beth was mated to, Kenna hoped they rejected her when the scented another male on her. Aisling nodded and took a shaky breath to calm her nerves. It was time.
Devon hopped down first and Aislings sisters followed after. Beth clung to Devons arm as she clambered out and smiled triumphantly. The trio did not wait for Aisling and Kenna. It didn't matter. Kenna could handle Aisling and it was better for Aisling this way anyway. She wouldn't need to worry about the abuse that would be directed at her if she did something embarrassing somehow. Kenna led Aisling into the ballroom, squeezing her hand reassuringly. The girl gasped in surprise as she took in the room filled with food and guests.
"I'm going to go find my brother. You go ahead and mingle. Have fun. Dance. I'll find you when I'm done." Kenna whispered and left Aisling at the entrance of the room. Her heart beating against her ribs as she caught sight of her brother chatting with a noblewoman.