With so many to bear witness, Leanna had gotten me into a real bind. What was supposed to be an evening to unify had turned into the opposite, and I needed to right it quickly.
“Well, Mister Sanson,” I said, intentionally addressing him improperly, “when you take the throne and outrank me, I will be sure to inform you. But until that time comes, I recommend you understand your place in Rivale.”
It wasn’t my finest moment, but I knew I was fucked either way. If I allowed him to question me, the others would see the disrespect I’d permitted. And if I offered a lie, he could ask me to prove the magic I said I possessed.
“Very well,” the lord conceded. “Apologies if I’ve offended you.”
“You haven’t,” I lied again. “I’m here to strengthen the relationships my father established long ago. I see no reason to give these matters any further thought.”
I would give it thought, though. In fact, I would go to my father immediately following this soiree and demand the man have his title revoked for flagrantly disrespecting me. Maybe I’d also have Leanna removed from attending all official business.
“We have pledged allegiance not only to your father, but to you.” Levi Faldor stepped forward. “You have my full support, asI’m sure you have among everyone in the room.” He dipped into a low bow and remained.
It wasn’t a typical act of bowing at the waist and placing his hand over his heart. He’d placed his right hand on his chest, but he fell down to a knee on the rug-covered floor. With a chin dipped so low it was nearly against his chest, the bones at the back of his neck protruded. One by one the lords and ladies dipped down and stayed. The only person standing, aside from me, was Leanna.
I kept my stare steady as time passed between us. My magic was thrumming, and I knew it filled the air with a buzz, but I didn’t let that distract me. If there was one thing I was certain of, it was that I needed to finally put her in her place. Our father had let her step out of line too often and kept her at my side as a backup. But she was no longer necessary; she needed to prepare herself to serve me. I would be her king.
The tension between us grew. And when I felt the familiar hum of her magic dance upon the sea breeze, I prepared myself for battle. She released a drawn-out exhale, and finally submitted into a low bow.
23
RYDER
The rest of the evening was anticlimactic. With Maris at my side, we worked the room in tandem. She tackled the conversation with the ladies while I spoke with the lords. Levi also remained nearby and consistently showed his support with every topic, even the difficult ones.
The bans on magic and travel seemed to be the biggest points of contention. It came as no surprise that the travel ban had unintended consequences. As the years passed, the prices of imports had increased so high that most commoners could not purchase them. Most lords had plenty in their coffers to continue as usual, but the high prices were draining their surplus quicker than they liked.
As for the ban on magic, they were agreeable to continue if the sentries protecting their property could use their abilities like the Rivale Guardsmen. The argument made was a sensible one, yet my father had always refused it. I told them I would take it under advisement and we’d revisit the matter as soon as I took the throne.
At the end of the evening, I said goodbye and wished them all safe travels. Leanna had lingered, but left half of an hourbefore the gathering concluded, leaving me to apologize for her absence. She’d been quiet after her little stunt. And though I wished to speak with her, I wouldn’t waste another moment entertaining whatever game she was playing.
“Will I see you tomorrow?” Maris asked. “I understand if you’re busy—you have so much going on.”
“How about tonight?” I looked down at her mouth. “I have some business to tend to, but I will come by and wish you a goodnight afterwards.”
“Please do.” She smirked and turned to leave.
My gaze lingered on her swaying hips as she proceeded down the hall. The gown she’d chosen was perfect for the evening, but would look even better on the floor.
“Your Highness.” Vexley’s voice was loud. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we must speak.”
“Say what you must—my eyes are busy, but my ears work well enough.” I chuckled.
He blew out a breath and waited.
I turned. “Get on with it.”
His face was pale, and his red eyes reminded me it was later than what he was used to. I scanned his uniform and realized he’d even missed a button.
“We’ve caught a member of the resistance red-handed, and they’ve been brought to a holding cell at the prison.”
I threw out my hands. “What was he caught doing?”
“She, sir.Shewas caught throwing a brick through a window at the Faldor’s estate,” he said, hesitating. “The word 'traitor' was painted in red on the brick.”
It was no surprise the resistance would target the Faldor family, especially since Maris was now associated with the Sutton name. Plenty of people saw her in the market with me, and Levi attending an official gathering only confirmed the ties.
“Send a few guards to stand watch,” I huffed. “I’m sure Levi has been targeted before.”
