Where she thought they might live afterward—wherever, what the fuck did it matter.
How many children they might have—enough for Cael to get his father off his fucking case.
Though briefly, the thought of becoming a father sunk claws past his ribs and he nearly had a panic attack outside the stables. He’d likely be just as shit at it as Arran was.
His future unfurled before him, an endless immortality of doing his father’s bidding, raising children with a female he’d never love, and sinking deeper and deeper into his episodes.
This future was the price he’d paid for Xenia’s salvation. He’d thought he could live with it as long as she was safe. As long as she had a chance at happiness, even if it didn’t include him.
But as he walked the solemn grounds of Stoneridge, his fiancée prattling into the wind, he knew he’d made a terrible bargain.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Xenia was only half-listening as Mistress Ostere, the head of the human staff, lead her on a tour of Stoneridge’s lower floors.
Xenia tensed every time they rounded a new corner. Every time the woman opened a new door. Every time they reached a new hallway.
But Xenia had yet to encounter what she was looking for.
Gray eyes, grumpy frown, lone wing.
When Xenia had arrived earlier, Master Laskaris had given her into the care of Mistress Ostere, who seemed kind enough, if not a little curt. Grumbled something about having to train new staff at a time like this.
“Here’s your room,” the woman said, opening a door at the end of a low-ceilinged hallway. The cramped nook contained nothing but a pine-framed bed and wardrobe.
More comfortable than Xenia’s last cell, but still a cell.
“Shared bathroom’s over there.” Mistress Ostere gestured down the hall before opening the wardrobe to reveal three evergreen dresses and white aprons, plus several pairs of gray stockings. “Your new uniform.” She pulled a box from her pocket and handed it to Xenia, who rattled the contents. “Hairpins. Keep that wild mane of curls tamed. From now on, you’re invisible. Your goal is to blend in with the furniture. Do not speak to the Fae unless spoken to first. And even on those rare occasions, be absolutely certain a verbal response is desired. And keepawayfrom the High Councilor’s sons. Especially Tomas, the blond one. If he gets a hold of you, it’s best to just let him have his way. Don’t fight him. He’s killed human girls for less.”
Xenia shuddered, trying to find the positives of her situation and coming up empty. She was nothing but a piece of property—bought and sold to a new master. Barely different than the Shrouded Sister she’d been in the colonies.
Though there wasonepositive here.
Cael.
She needed to find him and convince him to…do what, exactly? Escape with her? Return to the colonies? Join the rebellion she’d heard Laskaris yammering about during their journey?
“Get yourself dressed, and pin back your hair,” Mistress Ostere said, exiting Xenia’s room to give her privacy to change.
“It’s time for your introduction to the High Councilor.”
Xenia stoodin the darkened hallway outside High Councilor Zephyrus’s office, pulling at the hem which barely passed the top of her thigh-high wool stockings. She didn’t want to expose her thighs, especially not in front of Phidion Laskaris, whose growly voice echoed through the thick oak doors.
Mistress Ostere was already gone, having deposited Xenia here moments ago. She’d told Xenia to listen for a pause in theconversation, then knock to be let in. Xenia was a bit shocked to be left to her own devices.
Was the woman not concerned that Xenia might try to escape? She hadn’t toured these upper floors yet, but they were as silent as the night outside. Perfect for prowling.
Xenia had already risked plenty to find Cael. Why stop now?
She’d only taken a few steps away from the office doors when someone shuffled up behind her and a deep, amused voice whispered into her ear, “What are you doing up here alone, little human?”
She spun to face a handsome Fae male with melted chocolate eyes and the same tousled hair as Cael. His wry smirk exposed a hint of fang, and his fleshy wings rose over his shoulders.
Xenia didn’t know if she should answer or not. Had he seen her slip away from the door? And what had Mistress Ostere said? Don’t speak unless spoken to.
The male was very obviously one of Cael’s brothers. If she hadn’t been able to tell from the hair, his long nose and sharp jawline would’ve given it away. His lips were fuller though, and he had an air of casual sensuality that didn’t match Cael’s severity.
He stepped closer. “Are you new here? You seem lost. You can answer me, you know.” He held out a hand. “Erik Zephyrus. Third spare heir and indolent lay-about.”
