Page 66 of The Sorrow of Shadows

“Are you threatening me?” he gasps.

I chuckle and wrap the shadows around his wrists to hold his hands in place. “No, My Lord. That was a promise. Have I made myself clear?”

He nods in understanding, and I release my shadows’ hold on him. He rubs his throat where red lines are now starting to form. Like an idiot, he opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off.

“You are dismissed.” I leave no room for argument, and he turns to storm away from me.

My wine goblet has gone dry and as I turn to refill it, I’m met with the beady eyes of Lord Craylor. I must have a magnet for assholes on me somewhere.

“Interesting conversation you seemed to be having with Lord Seamus, Princess.”

“You seem to be having your own interesting conversations with Lord Seamus lately.” I shoot him an accusing glare.

“I have many interesting conversations, Princess. It’s part of my job, so you’ll have to be more specific.”

I roll my eyes and reach for another goblet of wine on a nearby servant’s tray. “How exactly did you know I was attacked?”

He smiles knowingly. “There are not many things that happen in this castle that Idon’tknow about. You would be wise to remember that.”

I hear the double meaning and threat laced in his words.

“And there are not many things I wouldn’t do to keep myfamily and people safe. You would be wise to rememberthat.”How many threats was I going to have to make tonight?

“Of that, Princess, I am well aware. Anyone that doubts you would be a fool.” It almost sounded like a compliment.

“Did you find the information I was looking for?” I want to end this conversation.

“It took some digging, but it would appear that the new produce supplier is a farm on the outskirts of Ciyoria. A local family owned it until their untimely deaths about a year ago, at which point it was purchased by the crown. There is no record of who is farming the lands, just that the crown owns it.”

“Interesting. Who authorized the purchase?”

“That’s where it gets even more interesting. It would appear your father was the one who authorized the purchase. I’ve left the records in your chambers if you’d like to look at them closer.”

I nod my understanding, trying not to let anything show on my face. “Much appreciated, Lord Craylor. Now, I would like to enjoy the rest of my evening. So please find somewhere else to be.”

He slithers back to wherever he came from, and I feel like I can finally breathe easily again.

By the time I finish my current wine goblet, my body has started tingling and I decide it’s time to enjoy the rest of this unfortunate ball. As if reading my mind, Elijah appears next to me.

“Well, hello there, traitor,” I tease him.

He takes my hand and drags me to the dance floor as a new song begins. “I am no such thing, I resent that.”

“Where is Lady Ophelia? While I must say it was hurtful that you ditched me, at least it was for someone pretty.”

“She hasn’t seen her brother since he returned, so they are dancing together now. She wasn’t going to come, but Prince Ayden suggested I escort her—assuring me he would have no issue escorting you in my place—and you know I can’t resist a pretty face.”

“That snake!” I gasp.

“Why? What did he do?” Elijah looks confused.

“He showed up at my door claiming thatyouhad suggested he escort me because you wanted to take Ophelia!” I whisper-shout at him.

Elijah throws his head back in laughter and nearly has us crashing into the dancing couple next to us. As he corrects us, he says, “It wasn’t entirely a lie, but it was definitelyhisidea. I have to respect the game he plays, though.”

“I can’t believe you’re defending him right now.” I smack him lightly on the shoulder.

“Hey now, I’m not defending him. Just saying the prince knows what he’s doing. As a fellow male, I respect his creativity.”

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