Page 117 of Of Glass and of Gold

Magda carried a new level of repressed stress upon her shoulders, possibly the only one in the castle to struggle with Nora’s influence. But, sensing that, Nora started probing what Magda liked, and since receiving a new section of garden to work with, Magda accepted the changes, albeit begrudgingly.

Something else Nora took note of was the families of staff, asking if anyone had any needs. She’d recorded five individuals, all located in South Harbor, that had health struggles. Nora had a trip planned today to stop and visit each one. Not even crowned yet, and already at work. My heart swelled.

That, among other parts, when I trapped her in an alcove before her departure and ravished her with my tongue as her legs wrapped around my neck. Her biting down on her screams nearly had me undone. But she had things to accomplish today, my busy queen, and I wouldn’t keep her from them. A kiss to my lips promised we’d get back to those activities upon her return, and I slapped her ass on her way out, counting down the minutes.

58

Nora

Iwanted this done. Out of the way, to leave me in peace with everything else I had planned today. The carriage came to a stop outside the looming three story townhome. The paint appeared darker, less inviting, the age and chipping more prominent to me now. I hadn’t realized how much it’d been falling apart, kind of like myself.

The paper in my hands would free me of it forever. Commander Druller had escorted me, and remained by my side as I’d requested. Melody and Kenzie jumped with giddy excitement as they welcomed me at the door. Melody, because she cared for me, and Kenzie, because of my new status.

We all walked deeper into the house of tortured memories until I came upon Eucinda in her sitting chair. She tossed her embroidery to the side, clasping onto her cane to stand. “Nora, how lovely to have you visit.”

Lies wrapped in a thinly veiled assertion that this was no longer my home. I smiled against the anger surging in my veins, resisting the urge to crumple the paper and toss it into the burning fire next to her. “As I’m sure you’ve put together, I will no longer be working at The Thirsty Tankard. My fiancé has been kind enough to cover the debts my father owed Caine. In exchange, we have received the deed to this house.”

Relief almost shook her balance, and a small part of me wanted to tell her it belonged to me. That I would keep it. That I would be the one who owned her life, just to inflict a fraction of the stress she’d inflicted upon me. Nick said he’d support whatever I decided, didn’t balk at the devious desire.

I knew I wanted to be free, though, more than I wanted payback.

“It is yours. You are free of me and have only your daughters and yourself to care for now. Melody has accepted a room at Highcrest Castle, and will move in after the wedding. Kenzie is permitted to visit her guest suite whenever Melody permits. You, Eucinda, do not have a standing invitation. Up to the discretion of my sister, you may visit on occasion.”

Watching the insult creep over her face, stoning her features, didn’t bring me joy. That lingering fear she’d instilled in me returned whenever her expression morphed like this. Knowing that Commander Druller stood at my side was the only thing keeping me from breaking.

My sisters watched in semi-stunned silence, knowing it’d been years in the making that I finally severed ties. There was nothing left for her to say, and I was done. Commander Druller and I left, stopping only to bid farewell to my sisters at the front door.

“I have business in town with some of the guards, Ma’am. If you’ll allow me leave, Chanston shall attend your visits. What time should I tell His Highness that you plan to return? You’ve got quite the list of families you intend on visiting today.” Ever respectful, Commander Druller bowed.

I huffed a laugh. “Yes, I’m finally feeling well enough. I’ve already made them wait too long, I want to make sure they all get seen today.” I gazed at the afternoon sky. “I probably won’t make it home until well past sunset.” Home. The word tasted sweet on my tongue.

He whistled, waving Chanston over to take his place. “Then I shall leave you to it. Go bring a little light to our people.” He paired a wink with a smile before sauntering down the street.

“Where to first, Your Grace?” Chanston asked, dressed head to toe in pristine guardsmen wear. I wondered if he had ever ventured outside the walls based on the cleanliness of his uniform. Guards posted down here never finished a shift clean, not with the unkempt roads, horse droppings, and winds off the water kicking up dirt.

With a smile set on my face, I gave him the address and we departed, leaving behind my past in pursuit of my future. A better future.

59

Nicholas

Marco had been my only company during dinner since Nora had yet to return.

Sebastian informed me she may be late, and that he’d left her with one of his trusted men. I’d be lying if I said waiting for her didn’t put me on edge.

Marco noticed, and graciously offered to hand my ass to me in the ring. I had to give credit to his trainer in Duski; he had some moves that caught me off guard a few times. I banked them in my mind to use on Nora, and Odion, just to see the looks on their faces. Hours went by, and we were both drenched in sweat by the end.

“Well, now that I’m thoroughly disgusting, I’m going to go soak in that gods-blessed tub in my suite.” Marco clapped my shoulder on his way out.

“Enjoy,” I said, convincing myself I should do the same. Especially if Nora was up to keeping her word once she came back.

I racked my weapon, stretching my neck and working the stiff muscles knotting my shoulders.

Before I made it more than a few hallways away from the sparring ring, Sebastian jogged down the hall toward me. “Sire, there’s been another murder.”

Shit. “Who?”

“Not identified yet. The report just came in. It happened in the market. The guards on patrol have kept it quiet and are keeping citizens away from the area. I was about to go down and thought you would want to join? See the preliminary evidence for yourself.”

---