Page 62 of The Sorrow of Shadows

“Well, here’s some more input, My Lord. Try to be more discreet when you fuck your future stepdaughter.”

My blood heats, but I keep my expression neutral. “I’m not sure what you think you know, but I assure you I haven’t fucked anybody.”Yet.

“Maybe not, but you will. Her scent is all around your chambers; it’s not hard to do the math.”

I sigh, clearly done with this conversation, but Ayden is not. “Before you go, I have something for you.”

He disappears into his room momentarily before returning with a stack of documents. King Raynor’s red wax seal sits on the top document, right next to the black seal of Prince Ayden along with both of their signatures.

Fuck.“I thought this matter had been dropped.” My stomach sinks at the realization it was not forgotten.

“Not in the slightest. It was actually settled before Raynor’sdeath, but you had disappeared before I could deliver the documents. I wanted to make sure they were hand delivered to you. I’m sure you’ll see that the queen gets these?” It’s not really a question, but I nod anyway.

“Glad it’s settled, then. I’ll see you tonight.” He turns and leaves me alone with my thoughts.

This is not good.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

BREYLA

Much to my chagrin, getting ready for the engagement ball took all day. But the end result was worth it.

I ended up taking my mother’s suggestion to wear the color of House Rozaria. Frankly, I probably would have ended up in this color anyway. It was the color Aurelius described as being his favorite.

A floor-length wine-red gown hugs my curved frame. It was made primarily of a rich velvet that feels like heaven on my skin. A tight bodice accentuates my breasts, remaining respectable, but just barely. The sleeves are a sheer material of the same color that flow loosely down my arms, leaving my shoulders exposed. Tiny crystals accent the neckline and sporadically cover the sleeves. The skirt is loose with a slit up the side, exposing most of my right leg. The real showstopper on this dress, though, is the back. It dips so low that my back was almost entirely exposed. Thin gold chains crisscross from one side to the other across my bare skin.

I had Ophelia style my hair down, but to the side, so it won’t interfere with the view. My hair is twisted into a braid around my head, starting at my left temple and wrapping to the right side where it turns into loose curls. A few errant tendrils frame my face, and the golden and ruby diadem sits on top.

Normally, I don’t wear makeup, but Ophelia assured me that she knew what she was doing, and I trusted her. She dusted my eyelids with a smokey black color that gradually lightened as it moved from the outside to the inner corners of my eyes. My bottom lids are lined in dark kohl that makes the green of my irises pop. Gold dust covers my cheekbones and the top of my breasts. A deep red that matches my dress paints my lips.

Thin gold bands circle my wrists to finish the look. I smile at the realization that I truly feel beautiful. I normally despised dressing like this, but tonight it feels natural.

According to Elijah’s latest update, guests had already started arriving, and the royal family was to be announced soon. I expected Elijah to arrive any moment to escort me to the ball.

A knock sounds on my door and I excitedly open it. When I do, I’m greeted not by blonde hair, but by a brown so deep it’s nearly black.

“Prince Ayden?” I look at him in confusion. I’m once again hit with a sensation of familiarity as I take an appraising look at him. He’s dressed in black from head to toe and flashes me a wide smile.

“Expecting someone else?”

“Elijah, actually. He always accompanies me to these things.”

“Yes, well. He mentioned earlier that Lady Ophelia was in need of an escort, and he seemed particularly enthusiastic to be that for her. So, I told him it would be my honor to escort you in his place.”

I smile, happy for his newfound interest in Ophelia and thatshe has someone showing her the attention she deserves for once.

“I guess you’ll do, then,” I tease.

“You wound me.” He fakes offense, clutching at his heart.

I wrap my arm through his and pat his chest. “I think your ego can take the hit, Your Highness.”

We begin our journey out of the royal wing and toward the ballroom. The only people we pass along the way are servants, as all the guests are already present and waiting for us.

“I would be doing you a great injustice if I didn’t mention how absolutely ravishing you look tonight. The colors of House Rozaria suit you well. Though, I think you’d look just as amazing in House Mordet colors.”

I smile at his compliment, but it becomes a smirk as I quip back, “It’s not hard to look good in black, dear Prince.”

---