My brother spotted us and cut through the crowd like a shark through the sea. My stomach clenched. If he insulted Emmeline to her face again, I didn’t think I could hold back from dueling him. But I couldn’t cause an incident the night before the heist. I was so damn close.
“Split up,” I murmured to Emmeline. “He’ll follow me.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Don’t let him get you alone.” I put a hand on the small of her back. “There. The group with Florina and Felina. Go.”
Emmeline walked briskly without looking like she was hurrying. I went in the opposite direction toward the refreshment table. If anyone was watching (and people always watched and judged at these events), it would look like I wasgetting us drinks while she chatted. Nothing suspicious about that.
Drudon hesitated but then followed me. My stomach unclenched. I hadn’t been completely certain he’d target me instead of Emmeline.
He stalked up behind me as I surveyed plates of hors d’oeuvres. A few other people milled around the table, close enough to hear anything we said.
“Stars, Drudon. Do you have to loom behind me like some kind of evil shadow?” I held up a canapé. “Want one?”
His stance was wide, chest thrust out as he looked down at me. His eyes gleamed with malicious triumph.
“I’ve figured it out.”
Chapter 25
Valen
My mouth went dry. He was bluffing. He couldn’t have uncovered my plans.
“Go on.” Somehow, I kept my tone light. “Tell me what that genius mind of yours has deciphered.”
I popped the canapé into my mouth and chewed obnoxiously at him.
“Why you’re screwing that human when you could have any woman in the Court you wanted,” he spat.
I swallowed. “That’s an exaggeration. There are plenty—”
“You’re using her. Whatever scheme you have planned, she’s a part of it.”
My pulse sped up, and stars, I wanted to punch him again. I hated that my own brother stalked and harassed me. I hated that he could never get over his foolish jealousy, that he used it tojustify the cruel brute he’d become. But most of all, I hated that he was right.
I’d sought Emmeline out because she had a skill I needed, and I’d coerced her into becoming my accomplice. She’d become someone I cared for, but that didn’t change that I still planned to use her skills for the heist. I was putting her in danger, and she didn’t even know why.
“I pity you, Drudon,” I said coldly. “That you can’t comprehend love even when it’s right in front of your face—”
Whispers swept through the room like a sudden rainstorm, and everyone craned their necks to look toward the entrance. I followed their gazes and found the reason for the palace guards’ presence.
Prince Caelestus had arrived, two more armored guards flanking him. Dressed in white and gold, he looked suitably regal, his silvery white hair falling freely down his back. He kissed Symphorosa’s hand in greeting and smiled at something she said. It was a wan smile, but at least he’d dragged himself out of the palace. Or maybe Queen Verena had kicked him out. The party should distract him from his grief, if only for a short time.
Guests flocked to him once Symphorosa moved away, and his smile grew even more strained.
I seized two glasses of sparkling wine and stepped away from the table.
“I’m not finished with you, Valen,” Drudon growled.
I paused and looked back at him: the brother I’d once loved, now the biggest threat to my mission.
“Fuck off,” I said, and kept walking.
I found Emmeline alone, Florina and Felina having flocked toward the prince. The nobles and court officials seeking to discuss royal policy with him would have to wait. A group of admirers surrounded him, flirting as if their lives depended on it.
“So that’s the prince,” Emmeline said, watching the scene with amusement.
