Aiden’s jaw clenched. “Go, then. Do what you must. I’ll be waiting for you.”
I had fled only two steps when he called out, “Kiera!”
He caught up with me, his helmet tucked under his arm, and pressed my hairpin knife into my hand. “Thank you for not stabbing me.”
A lump formed in my throat as he spun around and marched in the other direction. The dangerous truth was, I couldn’t bear the idea of stabbing him.
But betrayal cuts deeper than a blade.
My heart twisted, afraid. With trembling fingers, I jammed the sharp hairpin back in my hair.
Instead of going back to the party, I raced up the stairs to our dressing room. I stood in front of the mirror, trying not to stare too hard at the streaks in my body paint—a map of Aiden’s desire for me.
I quickly slathered on more sparkling gold paint and made sure my mask was secure. Then I slipped into the decidedly more drunk crowd. The musicians continued to play in their corner as if people were still paying attention.
Melaena’s bright eyes found me as she spoke with several nobles. One of whom was Garyth. Were they sharing secrets again?
I gave her a tiny nod and kept moving.
Asher still lounged in his alcove, completely oblivious to his missing key and the robbery that just took place in his vault. Tullia and Jayde and several other dancers were sprawled around him on cushions now stained with food and wine. They laughed loudly at something Asher said, and my heart lifted with hope.
Perhaps he had found another who interested him. Perhaps he wouldn’t require me to dance for him. After all, I only needed to get close enough to clasp his key necklace around his neck.
Tullia spotted me first, and her whole face lit up in a smudged, golden grin. “There you are! Where have you been, K?—”
“Just playing a little game, Tullia,” I spoke over her loudly in case she forgot my new name.
She giggled, waving her skirt at me. “Come join us!”
“Yes, please do,” Asher said in a deep, slightly slurred voice. “Then I can tell you I’ve won our little game.”
My stomach clenched, but I maneuvered through the mess and sank down next to him. “And how is that, High—Asher?”
“I want that dance,” he murmured in my ear, his breath hot on my cheek.
I swallowed. “And you shall have it. At the end of the night.”
He grinned, somehow looking ten years younger. “Fine, fine. Until then, we drink!”
The dancers cheered, and a servant carrying a jug filled everyone’s cup. But I continued to take small sips. Asher’s glazed brown eyes blinked slowly, as if sleepy.
Dear Mynastra, if only I were so lucky.
“I have decided!” Asher announced, startling Jayde, who sloshed more wine on her skirt. “You will all spend the night here!”
Gasps echoed around the alcove as my heart sank.
“Yes! Oh, that sounds lovely! How kind of you!” the women chirped over each other.
Asher grasped my hand in his sweaty palm. “Please say you’ll stay.” He threw back his head and laughed. “Gods, I should’ve been a poet! Yes?”
I smiled weakly and nodded.
“Yes! She’ll stay! I’ve... gotten my way!” He beamed proudly.
I took another fortifying sip of wine.
“Yes, everyone can take a hot bath,” he continued. “And I assume you all have other clothes with you? If not, I’ll send for some. Oh, this will be perfect. And breakfast in the morning!”
