“Tonight?” she asked, and I nodded before turning back to my plate. I had until the end of our meal to think of an excuse, a believable one—if one even existed.
Harkin’s stories drew Eleanor’s attention again, and I waited for a break in the king’s conversation to make my request. My heart raced so fast I feared it would fail any minute, but I needed to make this deal, to do what I could for Shade.
“My king …” I kept my voice soft and light, the perfect picture of a demure and submissive bride. “I wonder if I can speak with you a moment.”
Those icy-blue eyes flared as they settled on me, his mouth slashing into sneer. “What is it, my dear?”
I glanced back at Eleanor, making sure she was still engrossed in conversation before I spoke. “I’ve had a chance to think about your proposal, and I was wrong to refuse you. I apologize.” The words were ash in my mouth, but I forced them out. I couldn’t allow him to suspect anything.
“I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.”
I inclined my head and gathered the courage for my next words. “I’ll agree to marry you without protest, but I’d like something in return.”
“Ahh, you do enjoy your bargains, don’t you, my dear?”
I aimed for a coy smile, but it faltered and my chest constricted. “I would like to release Shade from the lamp, let him roam and experience your castle.”
The king was silent, my breathing becoming uneven the longer he went without responding. Then a smile that was anythingbut pleasant spread across his face. “I suppose with your sister in classes all day, you’ll want some company.” He picked up his knife and fork, cutting into the meat on his plate. “He won’t be present for our wedding, Adelia. You’ll send him back then, and you’ll not leave the castle walls in the middle of the day, not even to the gardens.”
My heart pounded roughly, my victory short-lived as the reality of his words sunk in. Not only was he keeping Eleanor away from me, but he was ensuring I couldn’t make another wish, not one he hadn’t commanded of me.
“Thank you, my king.” My voice was small, and the king’s smile only widened before he was dragged into conversation with General Lenek.
I spent the rest of the meal with my eyes on my plate. It didn’t take long for food to be replaced with ale and wine. A small group of musicians took up a position in the corner, filling the room with a lively tune. They were quickly followed by women dressed in clothes closely resembling my sheer nightdresses, except far more revealing. Some began to sway provocatively to the music while others approached the table and were quickly pulled onto laps.
The women who were present for the meal left the table after offering the king a respectful curtsy, which indicated just how this night was about to turn.
I caught Eleanor’s wide-eyed stare as she took in the scene.
Time to go.
The king watched the dancing women, and I loathed bringing attention to myself again, but I couldn’t risk leaving without asking for his permission. I cleared my throat, hoping it could be heard over the loud music. “My king, can I take my sister and retire for the night?”
Those malevolent blue eyes bore into me, a smirk tilting his lips. “Your sister may go, but this party is for you,my dear. Wouldn’t want to disappoint our guests now, would you?”
A test. He was testing me, that much was clear. I refused to show him just how much it rankled me, so I forced another smile. “Of course, my king. Eleanor, it’s time for bed.”
I spoke in the tone I used earlier, the one that wouldn’t allow argument, but she didn’t heed it this time, crossing her arms before she said, “No. I’m staying with you.”
I shook my head. I didn’t know how far this night would go, but Eleanor hadn’t been exposed to the proclivities of men before. Always locked in our room at Port’s Tavern as it grew late and Madame Dee’s ladies arrived in search of customers. Now was not the time to change that, especially not in the presence of Terym, who was growing increasingly unpredictable.
I glanced around the crowded room, visibility lessening as pipes were lit. Across from us, General Lenek nuzzled into a blonde woman’s hair, tongue gliding up her neck.Gross.
“You need to go.” I caught Harkin’s eye, who was mid-discussion with another general, and sent him a pleading look. “Perhaps Lord Harkin can take you for a walk before you go to bed?”
Harkin’s eyes widened when he realized Eleanor stared, mouth agape, at the general and his lady friend who had begun to make out eagerly, attacking each other’s faces with vigor.
He stood, offering his elbow to my sister in the perfect picture of refined poise. “I’d be honored if you would accompany me for a night-time stroll in the garden.” Then he lowered his voice, leaning in conspiratorially close. “Or we can sneak into the kitchens for dessert.”
“Fine!” Eleanor huffed, taking the young lord’s arm. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Lia. We’ll take a walk in the gardens, you need the fresh air after days locked inside.”
I nodded once, then watched Meline and Pierce join them, my eyes following until they disappeared behind closed doors. At least our conversation could be put off until morning.
I relaxed into my chair. With my sister gone, I could focus on not gaining the king’s attention without risk of injury to her.
The woman perched on Lenek’s lap released a loud moan, and I grimaced. The room filled with more people, most of whom I didn’t know or recognize. The other lords were still at the table. Orcan was in deep discussion with another noble, but Beatus was burrowing his face in a woman’s exposed breasts.
To avoid seeing more of the men around me than I bargained for, I focused on a dancer on the other side of the room. She moved sensually atop a man’s lap. Her long hair fell behind her in a curtain of gold as the man groped her breasts, the look on her face pure ecstasy.
