“Has the tail you put on Ksenia led anywhere?”
He squeezes his lips. “Only to the Voshnan human district, where she’s spearheading the reconstruction ofOloho Samov.”
“For when Svyato and Mestyla return?” I deadpan.
He stays quiet.
“Allies shouldn’t have secrets between them.”
His eyes narrow. “Because you tell me everything you do?”
“I tell you everything that impacts your niece’s case.”
He regards me a long while, as though weighing the pros and cons of confessing. The cons must outweigh the pros, given that he remains unforthcoming.
I cross my arms. “If cooperation on the case isn’t the purpose of your visit, then what brings you to my door, Vizosh?”
Konstantin’s features harden. “I stopped by to inform you that we will be supping with my governors and their spouses this evening at the Lodge.”
“How fun.” I nod. “Will your siblings be joining us?”
“Ilya just got back from his trip to Nebba and mentioned he’d come. Izolda and Aodhan have decided to sit this one out.”
“And Ksenia?”
“She’s not interested.” After a beat, he says, “Wear light-blue to underline your position as my fiancée. That’s what my mother and Milana always wore to state events.” And then he’sjourneying across the room. “I’ll knock on your door when it’s time to depart.” He grasps the handle but doesn’t pump it immediately. “What isyourfavorite food?”
“Birdseed.”
He hefts up an eyebrow. “Right. And your favorite libation is blood?”
“I see you’re keeping tabs on more than just Ksenia.”
“If it’s not too much to ask, I’d prefer if you don’t sip any tonight.”
Is he even aware that I only did it because the hostess set it in front of me? Apparently, she’d heard it was a Shabbin’s drink of choice.
“Why are we dining with your governors?”
“Because governors have influence. They can keep High Fae content and facilitate the introduction of shifters in the regions they oversee. Not to mention, I’m finalizing a land grant that will let humans buy property in any neighborhood. I need their support on this matter, or it will lead to further civil unrest.” His fingers drum against his trouser leg. “Please be on your best behavior.”
There’s very little I like less than being told to behave. “Think of all the headaches you could’ve spared yourself had we wiped Izolda’s memory.”
Before letting himself out, he pierces me with a chilling stare that lingers in my marrow long after he’s gone.
24
ISLA
Iselect a black dress, not a blue one.
One sewn in Luce, not in Glace.
I don’t feel like acting like Konstantin’s doll tonight. His earlier condescension about my apparently paltry manners has my talons lengthening and stabbing through the silky fabric.
“Focá,” I mutter, before deciding to work the holes to my advantage by carving a slit that goes from hipbone to hem. Though I wear tights beneath, they’re just sheer enough to reveal the edge of my underwear.
Perfect.
