“You’re looking better. Are you enjoying the food?”
“Yes, thank you,” I said, my frosty tone in direct contrast to my polite words. “Where have you been?”
His grin widened. “Missed me, did you?”
I snorted. “Hardly. I just thought your mysterious ‘reasons’ for bringing me here might have been revealed by now. Time passes slowly when you’re all but alone and unsure of your fate—which is in the hands of a heartless ogre.”
Pharis just grinned and took a bite of a bread roll.
After chewing and swallowing, he gestured toward me with his butter knife.
“You’re not eating. Did you want something different… or are you so enamored of me that watchingmeeat is enough satisfaction for you?”
Without even looking down at my plate, I stabbed a bite of meat and shoved it into my mouth, chewing vigorously.
Pharis laughed. “Good girl. Wouldn’t want all this to go to waste. Chef’s feelings will be hurt.”
His facetious praise and infuriating smug face were spoiling my appetite. I wished I could get up and march out of the room.As I was trapped there with him, I decided to make use of the opportunity and try to get some answers.
“So I assume this is your castle?”
Gesturing to the feast displayed on the table between us, I asked, “How do you afford all this extravagance now that you’re on the outs with the King and no longer getting a ‘princely allowance?’”
“I have my own resources,” he said.
“Meaning you use your Sway and array of new glamours to rob the humans in the surrounding villages, I presume. You’re just like your father.”
Pharis didn’t laugh at that barb, just raised his brows and blew out a whistling breath. “You certainly know how to flatter a fellow.”
“Since you won’t give me any answers or allow anyone else here to speak to me, I have no choice but to assume the worst.”
He lifted his wine glass to me in a mock toast. “Assume away, my lady. Just finish your meal. You need to regain your strength.”
“I’m still not sure why you care,” I said.
As I’d had plenty of time for contemplation, I’d been puzzling over that mystery for days.
Whatever nefarious plans Pharis had, I was sure they were for his own benefit. But still, the net effect was that my life had been spared from the hangman’s noose.
And my “savior” seemed to be concerned for my health and comfort.
It made no sense based on his recent behavior and words.
Pharis gave me an enigmatic smile. “Let it suffice to say you amuse me… and so little does these days.”
“So this is all for your entertainment then?”
“Not exactly.”
What a frustrating non-answer. It reminded me of the old days with Pharis when he spoke in riddles and half-truths.
My fingers tapped noisily on the tabletop until I clamped them with my other hand to make them stop.
Being near him like this got my blood simmering and made me feel restless.
“Just how long do you mean to hold me here?” I demanded.
“You’re in no shape to go anywhere, my lady,” Pharis said. “Why don’t you concentrate on healing, and let me worry about what comes after that. I should think you’d be more grateful to be out of the King’s reach.”
