Gregorios engaged in a conversation with Alekko, and Maryn snagged the attention on the dance floor with another baron I recognized from the tutors’ portraits. Despite my ire, I wanted to join them and put my lessons to use with this beautiful music, forgetting my shattered world and every liar in it.
I touched the dress’s fabric across my chest, feeling the outline of Raithe’scommunicahidden beneath it. He hadn’t asked for it back, and I hadn’t bothered to replace it with a different one belonging to the court.
I sensed his gaze on me from somewhere in the room. The weight of hiscommunicaburned between my breasts.
It seemed that no matter what path I chose, betrothed to Jere or not, I was destined for this stifling, noble life. Stars—Jere. If I were to survive my trial, I would have to face him and his intolerable mother at a function like this. If either recognized me, or threatened to expose my identity, the knowledge of her conditionandJere’s apostate affiliation would have to be enough to extort their silence.
It would need to be.
I drifted to the edge of the room, surprised at how much I wished for Letti’s surly company, until a male voice interrupted my brief moment of solitude.
“Care for a dance, Princess?”
I turned. “Baron Ionis.” He was the only one I recognized from the portraits, given how popular his name had been recently. I couldn’t exactly decline with a good reason, so I setmy empty glass down on a nearby tray. Tentatively, I took his extended hand. “Pleasure to officially meet you.”
“I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.”
We remained on the outskirts rather than joining the center where a dozen or so other couples moved to the soft rhythm that played. With palms raised and splayed against one another, we danced in a slow circle.
“I’m surprised to see you here,” I said. “I assumed you would still be in mourning.”
Something sparked in his eyes. “And I’m surprised you’re bold enough to say such a thing. Everyone, especially our queen regent, wisely avoids such topics at events like this.”
I took in his short brown hair and matching kempt beard. While otherwise plain, there was something almost nefarious lurking in his slightly glazed eyes. “I don’t see the point in feigning disinterest. How are you faring?” This was such a sensitive subject—one I likely shouldn’t have broached. But I was tired of false pretenses.
The baron’s steps faltered momentarily. “Fine. Though I could do without the constant surveillance.”
“Surely you’re not surprised by it? Your wife was?—”
“I knowexactlywho my wife was,” he snapped. I reared back. He composed himself quickly with a crooked smile. “Let’s discuss a lighter topic, shall we? You were in my district during the recent attack. I was relieved to learn you were unharmed.”
“Many were not so fortunate.”
“Such is the way these days, I’m afraid. Might I ask what you were doing there? Had I known of your presence, I could have ensured extra protection for you.” From his suspicious tone, I got the sense he didn’t care about my safety. Rather, he was nosy to understand what I’d been up to.
“I wanted to get to know the people that I might hopefully rule.”
“And? Did you accomplish that?” He moved our hands further apart, allowing his face to draw nearer to mine. His breath reeked of wine. “Were you impressed with my city?”
His city?“Disappointed, actually.”
“Oh?”
“I watched a starving boy be killed. He didn’t do anything wrong except climb through the gate?—”
“Thatgateand its surrounding walls exist for a reason. When resources are as limited as they have been for us, we must guard what remains.”
I glossed over his fine clothing. Diamonds glittered from the cuffs and collar of his black tunic. Jewels adorned his neck and wrists. “Yes, I can see you are doing everything you can to spare your resources.”
The skin around his eyes twitched. “I hear you did not attend an Academy.” He paused. “It certainly shows.”
I counted down the seconds until the song, lovely as it was, ended.
“Whatever tutors they’ve provided you, it’s clear you have much to learn about how things work. I would love to teach you myself, in a more intimate and private setting. Perhaps my townhome the next time you are feeling adventurous, so you do not have to witness such vexing situations?”
“Perhaps.”
Baron Ionis’s eyes dragged lazily over my face before landing on my hair. “You are certainly not what I envisioned.”
