All things considered… “Probably for the best. Okay, let’s step back out.”
I went ahead of him only to find the knights were already searching the bodies and pulling masks off. Efficient, weren’t they?
“Anything?”
The first knight I’d spoken with lifted his head to answer me. “Sadly, no. There’s no marks on this man. He doesn’t have a purse or even a single coin on his person. I don’t recognize his face, but types like this normally have a criminal record, so someone likely can identify him.”
He was correct. It was something we’d have to look into.
Edwin took a look at each face before coming back to me, mouth tugged down into a frown. “I fear there’s too many people to suspect for this attack. Is this Victor’s work, the queen’s, someone else’s?”
True, I had too many enemies. My first thought was Victor’s cronies, but they were all in jail after what had happened four days ago, so surely it wasn’t them? Unless I had missed someone? I’d have to do another investigation to verify whether that was the case. As for who else could do this, well…I didn’t think Beatrice would, but she did have a wide petty streak, and she might have given the order to hurt Edwin. I knew she wanted him gone, and roughing people up was well within her bounds of comfort.
Victor, of course, wouldn’t shed a single tear if we were both dead, so it was entirely possible he’d hired thugs to attack us. He was currently on a ship, however, so I wasn’t sure how he’d even issue the order, unless he’d left it in the hands of some crony.
I wished I knew who the object of the attack was. Was it me? Edwin? Just that fact alone could help us narrow the possibilities.
“It seems we have multiple things to talk to the priestess about.” Edwin sighed. “Let us go back in.”
“Sure.” I turned, staying in step with him, but couldn’t help a wry glance back at the bodies. Never had I ever regretted killing someone, but if I’d known they were going to be this nondescript, I’d have checked my killing blow.
Hopefully we’d get to the bottom of it before we got attacked again.
Fifty-three
James
The aftermath of the attack was unfortunately not fruitful. At least, not as yet. I had people looking into the attack and who might have been behind it, I just hoped they found results quickly. For now, we were all under closer guard, as I wasn’t taking any more chances. Helena and Royce were livid we’d been attacked, especially at a temple, which should be holy ground. I felt rather the same way, but there was nothing more I could do except try to find the mastermind.
We did notify all the major temples about the demonic energy, and I wrote up a quick list of how to tell if someone was possessed and how to undo the possession. It was good information to have out and about anyway, no longer lost to time, and Edwin was thorough in sending the notices out.
Today, however, had nothing to do with assassination attempts and demons. Today was the day I could hopefully propose. My emotions were all over the place. Part of me was relieved to be able to have this moment where I could propose.Part of me was excited, as this day had been a very long time coming.
Mostly, I was nervous. What if he felt I was rushing things? Would he say no? Would he say wait? I was all right with wait, as to him, it probably would feel rushed.
As long as he didn’t reject me, I could handle any response.
Just please, oh please, let it be a positive answer.
Because of the importance of the Founder’s Ball and how many eyes would be on us, I made sure Edwin had proper assistance in dressing for tonight. We both had assistance, with someone doing light makeup, dressing our hair, and making sure everything was just so. I was well used to such, having spent the better part of my adult life doing it, and just went through the motions. I wore a hunter green suit and an embroidered vest of real gold threads, my hair neatly slicked back into a ponytail at my nape.
I was most excited about seeing Edwin. He was sure to be stunning all dressed up. I’d never gotten to see him so before. Tonight would be a feast for my eyes.
Finally, they were done with me, so I stepped out of my dressing room and into the main sitting area. At practically the same time, Edwin exited our bedroom—he practically lived with me at this point, so I considered it our joint bedroom—and spied me. His eyes roved over me from top to bottom, expression lighting up with appreciation.
Me? I was speechless.
Godsdid he dress up well. I’d seen this man in every possible condition—exhausted, sensual, heartbroken, triumphant—but I’d never seen him like this. The black suit was indeed perfect on him, tailored to highlight the broadness of his shoulders, the curve of his ass, the length of his legs. His black hair had been styled and waxed back so it did this swoop over his forehead and away. Kohl lightly applied around his eyes brought out the bluein a sensual way, making them appear larger behind his glasses. I always felt some level of lust when I was near Edwin, but the sense was heightened now, my fingers twitching to seize him, the anticipatory tingle spreading through my groin. I was torn between wanting to muss him immediately and standing right here so I could admire him longer.
The first words out of my mouth were, “Oh no. Other people are going to see you like this. What the hell was I thinking?”
Edwin laughed like I was jesting and lifted up to smack a kiss against my mouth. “Like they’re going to notice me while I’m standing next to you. I didn’t know you could get more handsome, but you’ve proven me wrong.”
I’d accept the compliment from my lover, of course—who wouldn’t?—but I was truly worried. Even his cologne was wonderful, a clean and citrusy scent that made him utterly decadent and lickable. Edwin was scrumptious right now. Deliciousness on legs. I was going to need to stick next to him like glue to keep people off.
Surely by now everyone knew he was mine? Even my adoptive mother had bought a clue, after all, a good indication of mine and Edwin’s relationship being known around the palace.
“Come,” Edwin urged, looping his arm through mine. “We must go. We’ll be late if we don’t.”
