“Have a drink with me, Mr. Kregger. I insist,” she says once I let go of her hand. “The company is dull. I love a fresh face.”
Don’t they all.
With a nod, I offer her my forearm and she weaves our arms together. “I would be honored to keep you company tonight.”
I steal a quick glance at the bar. Noire and Phoenix stand there, having drinks and a chat.
Not ideal.
A waiter passes us then with a tray full of plum blossom wine. I swipe two glasses and offer one to Noblewoman Genji.
“Thank you,” she says with a smile.
I take charge and lead us a little farther away from all the eyes.
A couple of Caetras are playing instruments in one corner of the room where a group of noblemen lounge on a huge stack of plush pillows. They chat amongst themselves, watching a couple of Caetras dancing in the middle of the room.
It’s a mesmerizing sight as their bodies weave and sway with the rhythm of the music.
“Mr. Kregger, I must warn you, the circle that gathers here tonight is not very fond of Talbots. You may want to avoid mentioning Ezkai Daegel is a friend,” Noblewoman Genji says.
“So I’ve gathered,” I say. I lean in closer to her. “But let me tell you a secret.”
Her beige cheeks turn blush pink, but she leans into me.
I push the long silky hair away from her ear and whisper, “Very few people in Jaakii are fond of Talbots. Even those who call them friends.”
She chuckles, covering her mouth with a delicate hand. The biggest sky blue diamond ring with a gold band sits on one of her fingers.
A wedding band.
I straighten my back. “Tragic, if you ask me.”
Across the room, I meet Vera’s gaze. She’s with Nobleman Uringi, who’s so openly lusting for her attention and any signs of affection it would be pathetic if it weren’t so sad.
The steel gaze is all-consuming. I don’t need to see proof to know Vera dearest has Ezkai just waiting for her sign to end me.
I better find a way to get the thing we came here for.
And fast.
I turn my attention back to the petite fae at my side. Her eyes are hazed with desire. She bites her bottom lip and looks up at me through lowered lashes. “Mr. Kregger, I must ask. When you say you’re Vera’s friend…do you mean a patron or one of her apprentices?”
I can’t help the smirk that curls my lips. These damn nobles are so busy chasing Caetras, I’m surprised they have time to run the country.
“What are you asking me, Noblewoman Genji?”
She lifts her chin. “Who are you, Mr. Kregger?”
A liar.
A thief.
A con artist.
A murderer.
You pick.
