“Of course.” I nodded.
I began my descent down the worn steps, each one bearing the marks of weather and time. As I neared the bottom, I discovered that high tide had come, and the cove lay entirely submerged. Even the last few steps were engulfed by water.
Hovering on the final step, with storm-cloud colored water lapping below, I closed my eyes and listened to the ocean. Today, its call was a sweet melody. Entrancing me with promises to lull away my worries. All I needed to do was take a step forward and give over to its comforting embrace.
Not yet. For now, just being near the sea would have to be good enough.
Closing my eyes, I felt its rolling pulse and inhaled its salt-sharp scent. Just as I hoped it would, the ocean air helped lift the fog in my brain.
My mind turned to the murder. Since I learned of Lord Hywell’s fate this morning, I’d made the decision that I would not speculate on his murder or involve myself in any capacity. Not that I didn’t care that Hywell was dead, but it was mortal business that didn’t concern me. I would keep focusing all my attention on succeeding in my task. I had less than two weeks left now, but that didn’t worry me—things with Tarben were going exactly how I wanted.Well, almost.
I’d hardly given any thought to the night before. A small mercy because, when I did, I was reminded of my humiliation.
But I was not one to sit around and wallow in self-pity. I would focus on the positives of the evening. Tarben had basically confessed he was falling for me and had asked to keep seeing me. He was well on his way to being wrapped around my littlefinger—only to be crushed beneath my thumb.
The fact that he wanted to wait to have sex was a little snag, but I could work around this. I didn’t need sex to seduce him. Not with the way things were going. Forget the full moon, I’d have him confessing his love for me by week’s end.
When the first drops of rain came, I decided to return to the castle. My body, which was heavy and slow before, felt considerably lighter. Even ascending the steps and returning through the maze felt like less of a struggle.
By the time I reached the warmth of the castle, I was so deeply lost in my own thoughts that I almost collided with someone in the entrance hall.
It was Hugo, flanked by the young guard I had seen him talking to at the ball.
“Back from a swim?” Hugo drawled, his sharp eyes not missing the dampness of my dress.
This ought to be fun.“No, Your Highness, I went for a walk to the cove,” I said, adopting a simpering tone, imitating how courtiers addressed my grandmother.
His eyes narrowed. “You picked an interesting time to go for a walk. By yourself. When the castle is in disarray and there’s a murderer on the loose.”
I blinked back at him, lost for words. Where was he going with this?
“You do know there’s been a murder, don’t you?” His tone was cold, accusing.
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ve heard the awful news about Lord Hywell. It’s tragic.” I was impressed with the steadiness of my voice, considering I felt like I was under interrogation.
He took a step forwards, closing the gap between us, his eyes never leaving my face. It wasn’t friendly.
In such close proximity, it was impossible to deny how handsome he was. His features so clearly resembled his fatherand brother’s, except for his eyes. While his eyes were the same shade and shape as his father’s, they were devoid of any warmth. From the way they bore into mine, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was scrutinizing me. It made me deeply uncomfortable, but I couldn’t let him see that.
“Tragic indeed.” He lowered his voice. “And how unfortunate that it should happen so soon after your arrival.”
I fought against the impulse to take a step backwards. “The timing certainly is unfortunate.”
He barely blinked. “And yet here you are, skulking around, seemingly not a care in the world...”
I straightened, hackles raised. I could hazard a guess as to where this was headed, and I was certain I wouldn’t like it. “I’m not sure I understand Your Highness’s meaning.” I furrowed my brow.
“I know you are hiding something, and I intend to find out what that is.” His threat was dished out in a deadly calm voice.
I was grateful that his mortal hearing would not be able to detect the thrashing of my heart against my ribs. I couldn’t allow him to believe I was hiding something, even if his suspicions of me were valid. Keeping my voice deferent, I feigned surprise. “You’re mistaken, Your Highness, I’m not hiding anything. I apologize if I have done something to offend you, but—”
He held up his hand to silence me, an unspoken command that made me see red. “Just know that I am keeping an eye on you,Alara Veradis.”
The way he said my name with such venom made my blood chill. I needed to get away from this mortal before my mask of composure slipped. That would not be in anyone’s best interest.
He indicated to his guard that it was time to leave, but not before offering me a snake’s smile.
Once he was a safe distance away, I loosed a breath. Hugo had always come across as an unapproachable and suspicious ass,but, after this encounter, it was clear that he positively despised me. I really shouldn’t draw any negative attention towards myself. I couldn’t afford to make enemies while I was here, but it seemed I unwittingly had.
