“We are all understandably shocked and devastated by this loss. In particular,” he added, his gaze turning towards a figure draped in black, “our deepest sympathies go towards Lady Livia, whom he has left behind.”
Despite the king’s words of consolation, Livia remained motionless, her expression devoid of any visible reaction. It was as if the news of her husband’s fate had drained the essence of life from her, leaving behind a shell.
“You may have heard details of how he came to pass,” the king continued, his voice grave. “I am saddened to confirm that Lord Hywell was murdered.”
Once again, not a single person in the hall looked surprised by this revelation.
“Who could have committed such an atrocity remains to be seen, but I assure you all that wewillfind the murderer and show no mercy. The Royal Guard has begun its investigationand I have no doubt the culprit will be apprehended and severely punished.
“In the meantime,” he continued, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, “I ask for your cooperation during this process. The Royal Guard will be questioning every person that was on the castle grounds last night. Please be truthful with them and report any unusual behavior so we may identify this monster.” There was a brief flicker of emotion in his eyes. “Finally, as is customary, we shall spend the next few days grieving Lord Hywell. His Ceremony of Rites will be held on the third day at dusk. The Autumn Hunt will go ahead as planned. Until then, you are all dismissed.”
The king turned on his heel and strode purposefully out of the great hall, escorted by half a dozen heavily-armed guards. They disappeared through an exit at the rear of the room, undoubtedly reserved for royal use.
People began filing out the room, talking amongst themselves. I scanned the crowd and saw a solemn Tarben talking quietly to Magnus. Feeling my gaze on him, he offered me a small, morose wave.
Oriane was standing a few feet from Tarben, surrounded by ladies I recognized from the night before. She looked unusually subdued while the rest of her companions spoke in hushed tones. It seemed odd that she was not spearheading the gossip that was rapidly circulating the great hall.
As if my thoughts had summoned her, she caught me staring and shot me a glare that could only be rivaled by Prince Hugo. I really needed to stop making enemies at this court.
Once I’d returned Oriane’s unfriendly expression in kind, I looked around the room again. Amalie was ushered away by her lady’s maid, while Hugo stood with his guards, silently assessing the crowd with his shrewd eyes. My chest tightened as I recalled our earlier conversation.
Livia was being comforted by a group of nobles. I would have to offer her my condolences, but now didn’t seem like the best time. Not with every remaining man and woman descending on her all at once. Some of the courtiers wept performatively, while others quietly chattered amongst themselves, barely able to contain the perverse thrill of something so exciting happening at the castle.
Feeling heavy, I made my way back to my bedchamber. I knew I had work to do, but I was exhausted. So unbelievably exhausted. All I wanted was to lie down.
By the time I reached my bedchamber, I was ready to dive into my bed, but a flash of white on the floor caught my eye.
It was another envelope.
Chapter 21
With trembling hands, I ripped open the envelope.
My heart was in my throat as I unfolded the piece of parchment and studied the words. My shoulders sagged in relief the moment I saw the handwriting.
Dear Alara,
I’m sorry we haven’t had the chance to speak again since last night, but today has been particularly demanding.
I’ve just been informed that, in the aftermath of Hywell’s murder, my presence is urgently required at the border. I leave in two days’ time, but I would love to see you before I go.
I need to see you.
Meet me at sunset tomorrow?
I can’t stop thinking about you.
T.
I clenched my jaw as I reread the note. Tarben was going away?Fuck.This put a most inconvenient wrench in my plans. Especially because the note didn’t say when he would return.
What if he was still away by the full moon? I’d have to return back to Vantillios a failure! How would I ever face mygrandmother? My subjects?
I paced my bedchamber. Unless I could get him to declare his love for me tomorrow night? It would be a challenge, but not impossible. Things were progressing in that direction anyway, I just needed to speed them up.
I’d have to give the performance of a lifetime—every line, every touch, perfectly delivered. I’d bring him to his knees, then I’d stomp on his heart.
It wouldn’t matter once he left for the border, the curse would be broken and I’d be halfway back to Vantillios.
