“A little while.”
“From where? I’ve never seen you here before.”
Apprehension coursed through me. I didn’t like feeling cornered, especially with my abilities mysteriously weakened. I couldn’t respond withhere, because clearly Kole was familiarwith this location and likely surrounding area. And I had no idea if other locations existed, though I’d hoped to find out.
Even with my intuition quiet, my own instincts had never failed me.
“Scorpio,” I answered calmly. I held my breath, waiting for a reaction.
He pursed his lips. “What brought you there?”
“The same thing that led me here.”
“What’s your name?” Kole gestured to my hood I kept tucked over my head. “Your identity is always protected, as you are well aware.”
I glanced around, processing the true meaning of his words. Most patrons kept to themselves, entranced by their own indulges. Every now and then, though, a pair of eyes skeptically peered my way through a semi-sheer curtain from the lounge seating beside us. The lounge was occupied by a fair-haired, petite woman who resembled Kole and a red-haired man with a permanent sneer on his lips.
“Orfeas,” I replied. My father’s name burned my tongue.
“An oddly familiar name. You’re certain this is your first time here?” When I nodded, Kole leaned forward. “You’re notreallya guard, are you, Orfeas?”
“What makes you say that?”
“We’re surrounded by gorgeous women, and you haven’t given any of them the time of day.”
“Because I’m holding out for your Black Rose.”
Kole laughed. “Tell me, Orfeas, what is it you secretly desire?”
“The Black Rose.”
“I assure you, we have plenty of others who can tend to yourneedsuntil then.”
“Until when?”
Kole gestured behind me. “Who knows? That’s the fun of this place. Stick around this week and you’re sure to see her.”
I could force him to tell me what he knew, at the risk of causing a scene. I had my Athenian blades on me, but with dulled abilities it would be a mistake to draw attention in the lion’s den.
What Kole asked of me meant treason. The white clothes, the secrecy—it was clear I was in apostate territory.
If this was my purpose, ifthiswas what Gemini had risked communication with Gregorios for, then I would pretend to be what I’d abhorred all my life.
Chapter 16
Rahzlyn
Glimmeringblack jewels secured my breasts in place. Sheer, flowing sleeves extended from my wrists to my shoulders, decorated with black beads and roses. A matching sheer skirt draped over my legs, adorned with shimmering embellishments and beading. A thinly jeweled waistband fitted across my hips, and a dainty black undergarment concealed my most private parts from the world when I lifted my legs. Sparkling chains decorated my arms, legs and feet. There were even jewels and black-painted roses placed throughout my curls. My tanned skin shone from a dusting of gold.
I fastened a black mask across my face, keeping my charcoal-painted eyes visible, as the matron entered the room with a bottle of wine and two glasses in hand.
She appraised me slowly, much like she did when we first met. “Not bad.”
I nodded, knowing I appeared the part.
It wasn’t the scarcity of clothes that startled me. It was the darkness exuding from my glistening body. Even though I was to be displayed for enticement and seduction, Ifeltpowerful in this color—in this setting.
The matron handed me a glass now filled to the brim with red wine. I took it without hesitation and downed its contents, hoping it would both give me courage and quell my nervousness.
