Page 91 of Bloodguard

Fine. Two can play the false-civility game—at least until Vitor and Soro reveal why they are really here. In a cordial voice, I reply, “Thank you, Soro, for your kind words. I do love roses, but the dahlia will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Behind me, Leith shifts slightly at my tribute.

The corners of Soro’s mouth lift. “Then they shall adorn every last open space at our wedding.”

Wedding? Shit.

It takes a great deal of composure and several visuals of Soro being tarred and feathered to not shriek and throw furniture, but I manage to calmly say, “Oh, have you and Aisling announced your affections at last? Congratulations. You are perfect together.”

Soro’s face remains expressionless as he balances his goblet in his fingers. “She can’t make me king.” He used the same tone at last year’s Winter Solstice Ball when he complained the duck was too dry. “I need a queen for that.”

How…sweet.

Vitor takes a sip of his wine, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening as he scrutinizes me and the way Leith shields me like a lover. Stars above. Does he know what I’m up to?

“You will make a fine queen, Maeve,” Vitor says. “Provided you choose your king wisely.”

Leith’s spine is so rigid I could build a roof on top of him. I’m no less relaxed.

Vitor raises his chalice so Pasha knows to fill it. “Your birthday is fast approaching, my dear,” he says. “It’s time to decide.”

Father reaches over and squeezes my hand. He knows Vitor is onto me, too.

Vitor wants me to marry Soro. There’s no way he’ll risk sharing that power with the other noble houses. As Soro pointed out, Vitor has not been pressuring me—the longer I am ineligible to rule, the longer he retains power—but I can see how that would be a liability. Once I’m of age, the law of succession states that I can marryanyoneof nobility.

Is that why he closed the borders? To limit my opportunities?

My full attention returns to Soro, who is studying me with a self-satisfied smirk. “Come now, Maeve,” he says. “You knew this was coming.”

I did—but not so soon, and I have other plans now. I’m to marry Leith. But I do understand Soro’s haste. While the noble houses of Arrow might not be suitable, there are other lineages outside of Arrow. Soro knows I mean to marry to free my father.Sorois running out of time, not me.

“Now, gentlemen, just because I’ll shortly be of age doesn’t mean I’ll marry the day after my birthday.” I make a point to toss my hair as if flirting. It’s not something I ordinarily do. Flirting and hair-tossing are Aisling’s gifts and not mine. I don’t do either well.

Soro finishes swallowing a gulp of wine. “Then when?” he asks.

Just a day after Leith wins Bloodguard so I may tell you no.

“Just enough time so I feel comfortable.” Which, of course, will be never, and Soro knows it. He narrows his eyes on me, and I shrug. “This is a big decision.” I lean back and take a sip of wine. “I will need time to consider it.”

Soro snorts and rolls his eyes. “I’ll give you one week, Princess.”

Or else what? Is he trying to tell me that I no longer have a choice?

If Leith had the power to freeze others with his glare, Vitor would be chiseling shards of Soro from his chair from now until next spring. Someone may die tonight.Please, don’t let it be Leith.

chapter 33

Leith

Vitor beckons Pasha and Musy closer. “We ate before our arrival. But there’s always room for tea and cake…” He laughs. “And, of course, more wine.”

Lord Dickless isn’t asking. He’s behaving as if this is yet another space he commands.

Pasha and Musy respond as if fearful of angering a nest of hornets as they back out of the way when Vitor, with his head high, stands abruptly and strolls from the library, crosses the hall, and opens the door to the parlor as if he owns it. I don’t understand the look Vitor throws to Maeve’s father, but Jakeb must, because he nods slightly and rises from his chair.

Soro rises as well, pausing when Jakeb offers Maeve his arm.

Pasha and Musy, their hair a mess and sweat darkening the cloth of their light-blue dresses, look to Jakeb for guidance.

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