"Primsyn." He uses my name, which he only does when genuinely worried. "Be careful. The council has always watched you closely since your husband's death. Any sign of impropriety could be used against you."
"Noted." I soften my tone. "Thank you, Corvask. Truly. But I'm not going to stop."
His shoulders sag. "Then at least be discreet. No more meals in the dining room. And for the love of the gods, don't let anyone from outside the household catch you in his quarters."
"I'll be careful,"
I spend the next few hours bathing, dressing, and then trying to focus on estate business. A task made almost impossible by my wandering mind. Wandering to thoughts of Oliver. Always back to Oliver.
Around midday, I'm in my study reviewing accounts when Corvask appears in the doorway, his face pale.
"Madam, I apologize for the interruption, but Councilman Thrain is here. He insists on seeing you immediately."
My blood runs cold. Thrain. Of all the council members who could have shown up unannounced, he's the worst possible option.
Thrain served with my late husband. He's powerful and has made his interest in courting me abundantly clear over the past five years. I've deflected his advances repeatedly, but he's persistent.
"Did he say what he wants?"
"No, Madam. Only that it's urgent council business."
I take a deep breath, smoothing my skirts. "Send him in. And Corvask? Make sure Oliver stays in his quarters. No matter what."
Corvask bows and disappears. A moment later, Thrain enters.
He's a large Lactari male, his skin marbled in deep purples and blacks, his eyes a dark amethyst. He’s brutally handsome, with a presence that commands attention. Wearing his council robes, he’s all formal and proper.
"Primsyn." He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "You're looking well."
"Thrain. This is unexpected." I gesture to the chair across from my desk. "What brings you to my estate?"
"Can't an old friend visit without a reason?" He sits, and his gaze roams over me, making my skin crawl.
"We both know you're not here for a friendly visit."
His smile fades. "No. I'm not." He leans forward, his expression hardening. "I've heard some concerning rumors, Primsyn. About you and one of your livestock."
My heart stops. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't insult my intelligence." His voice drops. "You've been seen with a human male. Dining with him. Spending excessive time in his quarters. Some servants claim you didn't return to your chambers at all last night."
Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.
"My household affairs are my business," I say even as panic claws at my chest.
"Not when they threaten the reputation of the council." He stands, moving around the desk toward me. "Your late husband was a respected member. His widow engaging in...relations with livestock? It's scandalous. Disgusting."
"Watch your tone, Thrain."
"Or what?" He's standing over me now, using his size to intimidate. "You'll what, Primsyn? You have no power here. No husband to protect your position. You exist in elite society by the council's grace."
I stand, refusing to let him loom over me. "I've done nothing wrong."
"You've fucked your livestock!" His composure cracks, rage and jealousy bleeding through. "Do you have any idea how that looks? How it reflects on all of us?"
I meet his eyes. "You're not concerned about propriety. You're angry because I wouldn't let you into my bed, but I let a human there instead."
His hand lashes out, gripping my arm hard enough to bruise. "You will dispose of the human. Today. Sell him, kill him, I don't care. But he will be gone by nightfall, or I will bring this before the full council."
