“I’ve been between your thighs, and this is what I get from you?” the man says.
I gasp, genuinely surprised. That fades quickly when I realize that if this man is telling the truth, he bedded the princess and can’t even tell I’m not her. And he said he’d known her since she was a child? My stomach churns. The more I learn about Sabina, the more anger I feel on her behalf.
Caiden extends his arm, then lifts his hand and dark shadows flow so quickly I almost don’t even see them before they slice across the man’s neck. His head hits the floor and rolls toward the bars, then his body tips and lands with a thud.
Blood spreads in a dark puddle from the severed neck. I step back before it can get on my shoes.
Caiden glares at me. “Is that true?”
“No, I swear,” I say.
He glances at Brevan. The enforcer nods. Caiden seems satisfied with the response, and his shoulders ease a little before he looks at me again. “You can return to your room. He takes a few steps away, then turns back to me. “Tell me, Sabina, do you still think death is beautiful?”
“When it’s needed, yes,” I say.
He smiles. “I look forward to introducing you to my court tomorrow. Sleep well, little raven.”
Eleven
My ladies insiston filling the tub for me. They add rose petals, herbs, and scented oil before adding soap that results in a thick layer of bubbles that float atop the water. Marian practically demands to wash my hair, but I concede since she turns away as I step into the water. Some days are harder than others to hide my scar. At least she agrees easily to let me scrub everything else myself.
As I await the dress I’m to wear, I sit in a soft white dressing gown. It’s thicker than usual and so cozy that I wish I could stay wrapped in it all day. We’re gathered in the dining chamber, sitting casually around the table. Trays of fruit and cheese and other snacks are artfully arranged for us, but I’m too nervous to eat. The memories of yesterday haunt me, reminding me how quickly I could lose everything. I need information, and so far, all I’ve discovered is that the emperor is alive. Probably.
“Do you think the enforcer will be allowed to dance tonight?” Antonia asks as she bites into a strawberry.
“He never dances. I don’t know if he would, even if they let him,” Charlotte says.
“He’s not technically part of the court,” Katherine pops a grape in her mouth. “He’s just risen through the ranks. I don’t think your father would be happy with that arrangement.”
“How do you know?” Antonia asks. “The enforcer might not be from a noble house, but he’s the emperor’s right hand. Everyone knows that.”
“Wait. I thought you said you have to be noble to get a god’s gift. He has magic, right?” I ask.
“Well, he clearly has noble blood from wherever he’s from,” Antonia says with a glance toward the door. “But it’s this big mystery.”
“I heard he volunteered to go to the temple even though he knew he might die. He was so determined to serve the emperor.” Katherine passes me a plate of fruit. “You should at least try to eat.”
I accept the plate and make myself eat a berry. The tartness makes me pucker, but I eat another to pacify Katherine who is watching me intently. “What do you all know about the enforcer?”
It would be helpful to learn as much as I could. At least that’s what I tell myself. Don’t get me wrong, I still want him dead, but there’s something intriguing about him. He’s not what I expected.
“Not much, really,” Antonia says. “He was rescued from a shipwreck and brought here. The emperor raised him alongside the prince. They’re practically brothers.” She looks over at Katherine. “Which is why any woman would be lucky to finally tie him down.”
“I think we all know who you’re hoping he decides to court,” Katherine teases.
Antonia’s cheeks turn pink. “I don’t get to choose who I marry, but I wouldn’t turn him down.”
“Maybe he’ll be there dancing tonight.” Genevieve spins, then holds out her hand to an imaginary suitor. “Perhaps I’ll ask him to dance.”
“That is not at all proper,” Marian scolds. “In fact, none of this conversation is proper.”
“Don’t be too hard on them,” I say. “It’s good distraction. It’s not like he’s promised to someone.” I set my plate down on the table, giving up on eating anything.
“Find another topic. Something more befitting a lady,” Marian warns. “I’m going to check on your dress.”
We’re silent until Marian is gone but conversation returns the second the door closes.
“Does he ever even look at women? I swear he’s the most disciplined man I’ve ever seen,” Katherine says.
