Page 9 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Amulius shot up off the chair he was sitting on, taking Aurora’s hand and shaking it vigorously. She did not seem pleased.

“The pleasure is all mine, Domina Delphi. I am very eager to speak with the High Consul. It has been quite some time since we’ve been able to discuss matters in person, though I know he is a busy man.”

Aurora’s smirk turned to a grimace as Praetor Amulius clasped her hand, her eyes settling on Vita.

“Actually, he wishes for a dance with your lovely guest here.”

Ice flooded Vita’s veins, the Praetor’s eyes joining Aurora’s as they glared at her. A dance? The High Consul wanted to dancewith her?

He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

“Oh, this is just Vita. She is our servant, here to assist my wife.” His voice was a simpering mewl.

Aurora turned her attention back to him, and the sly smirk returned.

“It is no matter. The High Consul wishes for a dance. Should I tell him you are denying his request?” Aurora cocked her head to the side, golden eyes unblinking.

“No, of course not!” Amulius grabbed Vita’s arm and pulled her towards Aurora. “Vita would be happy to dance with him. Wouldn’t you?” He turned to her with his last words, hissed through gritted teeth.

Vita shivered but put on her sweetest smile and nodded. “It would be an honor.”

Without another word, Aurora linked their arms, escorting her to the High Consul’s throne. Her heart raced, dizziness almost overcoming her as she allowed herself to be dragged away from her employer.

Why did the High Consul want to dance withher?

A surge of power trickled through Vita and she willed it away with all her might. Now was definitely not the time.

Aurora stopped a couple of feet away from the throne, pushing her the rest of the way. The High Consul was looking at the ground, deep in thought, though his eyes drew up her body as she stood before him, drifting across her legs, waist, chest, and neck until they finally rested on her face.

A slow smile appeared on his lips as he stood with a slender arm outstretched to her. Vita gave him her hand, and he brought it to those sumptuous lips for a kiss. A shock of pleasure raced through her at the gentle touch.

“Hello, darling,” the High Consul purred, not releasing her hand.

Vita curtsied. She remembered her manners and tried to smile.

“High Consul. It is an honor to meet you.”

The words were true enough, though her voice trembled.

His hands were ice cold, a darkness flashing across his eyes that simultaneously frightened and intrigued her. He inspected her face, brows furrowed as he scrutinized every detail. She wanted to look away, but felt compelled to meet his gaze.

“What a lovely girl you are,” he said, as Aurora took her place beside his throne. “My dear friend noticed you while on business in Shadowholde last week.”

The room narrowed around Vita, the music and revelry deafened as she stared into his glimmering eyes. Her heart beat fast, as if it were about to escape her chest at any moment.

“I-I noticed her as well,” she replied, desperate, but unable to tear her eyes away from his.

A deep laugh from Aurora, and the High Consul chuckled.

“My dear Aurora is lovely, is she not?” he asked as he glanced at the other woman.

The air returned to Vita’s lungs as he looked away, and she sucked in a deep breath. When his eyes returned to hers, the gaze didn’t seem to penetrate as it had just a moment ago.

Vita gulped and nodded. “Quite lovely.”

A blush formed on her rosy cheeks, hastened as the High Consul took the shawl from her shoulders and draped it over his throne. He pulled her onto the marble floor, weaving expertly through the crowd of twirling dancers. Partygoers made space as he led them to the middle of the room.

The High Consul pulled Vita into his embrace, one hand still clasped with hers as his other arm wrapped around her back. He lowered his eyes as the smirk returned.

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