I pull my lower lip between my teeth. Giving him all my trust would be stupid, but it’s clear he will do almost anything to secure his chance at the throne. Perhaps I can use that to my advantage.
It’s an opportunity. One I might not get again.
I suck in a shaky breath, my stomach coiling into knots. But despite the impulsiveness of Rorrik’s plan, it’s not a bad one. I’m already in the emperor’s territory. Half of my biggest problems have been solved.
Rorrik lifts one dark eyebrow, already guiding me toward the door.
It’s simple: I do this, and I get to my brothers.
I’m going to kill the emperor. Tonight.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The corridor is much cooler than the ballroom, and I lift my hair off my neck as we pass an open door, allowing the breeze to dry the sweat on my nape.
Rorrik cuts his eyes to my neck. “Flirting, darling?”
I drop my hair, sidling away from him.
He tuts, and my skin prickles with unease. I shouldn’t be following him anywhere. But this isn’t about me at all. How long has he been planning to kill his father?
Guards walk past, bowing their heads to Rorrik. They ignore me, but I keep my head ducked anyway, so I won’t be recognized later. He leads me down another corridor, and I mentally map my footsteps. When he turns toward a narrow staircase, I hesitate.
He turns, hand trailing down the banister. “Scared?”
I swallow. “No.” We can both hear the lie in my voice.
“Then keep up.”
We pass another group of guards, and Rorrik leads me to the right. A long, dim corridor stretches out before us, without a guard in sight. Trepidation slides through my veins. We’re entirely alone.
If Rorrik turns on me, my only chance is the dagger in my boot.
The blade is silver, which will hurt him. I’m fast, but I’d need to reach beneath my gown, unsheathe the blade, and slide it directly into his heart before he snaps my neck.
Leaving the safety of the ballroom was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done. I indulged in impulse. I seem to be doing that a lot lately.
Ahead of me, Rorrik lets out a deep, mocking sigh. “Your fear is only whetting my appetite.”
“I’m not afraid.”
He whirls, pushing me against the closest wall, and I cry out.
“I’m tired of you lying to me.”
His gaze drops to my throat, where my pulse races.
“Fine. You’re terrifying. Is that what you want to hear?”
I can’t get to the blade in my boot. Rorrik’s arms are planted on either side of me, those deadly fangs just inches from my throat. He’s close enough that I can see silver flecks in his eyes. Close enough that the icy scent of him burns through my nostrils. Close enough that he could lean forward and …
My thighs clench, even as horror sweeps through me.
Rorrik’s smile is cruel and filled with dark awareness. “Terrifying,” he muses. “And yet I can scent more than just your … fear.”
My cheeks flame. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
A low laugh. He turns and walks away. I take three deep breaths and force myself to follow him.
