Page 28 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Amulius was as confused as she was.

“Vita will not be returning to your home. She will be staying at the palace.”

The High Consul looked at him like it was the most obvious thing in Shadowholde, as inevitable as the changing of seasons.

Amulius stood, though the High Consul remained seated behind his desk, watching him through hooded eyes as if the entire situation bored him.

“Vita… she’s not that kind of employee, sir. I can arrange a consort if that is your desire, but Vita does not do that kind of work.”

His hands squeezed into fists at his sides.

Even with her confusion and concern, she wanted to laugh at his words. The audacity of acting like he had no ill intentions towards her, wouldn’t have dragged her to his own bed if he could’ve gotten away with it, if his wife wasn’t there to stop him.

The High Consul hummed, shaking his head slowly.

“I have no desire for a consort. Only Vita.”

His red eyes flashed to her and she froze in her seat. The High Consul stood, and though he wasn’t particularly tall, his presence filled the small room.

“Vita is not available, sir,” the Praetor said, still trying to argue.

What a fool. It was clear any squabbles would be in vain.

“This is not a request. This is an order.”

The High Consul summoned the servant standing by the doorway and the woman handed him a small bag that tinkled with the weight of coins. He rolled the pouch between his fingers for a few moments before setting it on the desk in front of Praetor Amulius.

“Of course, I will pay you what she’s worth. I know how difficult it can be to find good help on such short notice. I’m certain you will have no trouble finding an adequate replacement.”

Replacement meant this was not some one-night rendezvous. She wouldn’t be working for the Praetor anymore. While that thought wasn’t wholly disappointing, the idea that the High Consul was paying for her? Gods, it did not sound good, no matter how much she wished to be rid of Amulius.

The Praetor was speechless as the High Consul cocked his head, that same look Aurora seemed to enjoy delivering.

Slowly, he reached for the bag of coins with a muffled jingle, perhaps realizing the futility of his arguments. He weighed them in his hand before pocketing them and glancing at Vita. Nothing he could do or say would save her from the High Consul.

Did she even want to be saved?

“You are dismissed, Praetor. One of my associates will travel back with you and your wife to collect Vita’s personal effects,” the High Consul said, sitting back down at his desk.

She looked at the Praetor, her eyes pleading, but he just hurried out of the office. She was alone again with the High Consul. He turned his gaze to her, a wicked smile forming on his lips.

“Darling, I am so pleased for you to join us.”

Vita’s hands tingled with the flames of a surge.

Oh no. No, no, no. Not now. Not here, not with him.

“Vita?”

Concern etched the High Consul’s face, and she could only imagine what she looked like, teeth gritted and eyes wild.

Vita gripped the arms of her chair, her mouth clamped shut, unsure she’d be able to speak without the surge pushing through. Why had this one come on so rapidly?

He made his way around the desk to stand in front of her, but still, she dared not speak.

Electricity burned through her body, that familiar sensation coming on quickly, too quickly. The High Consul’s presence towered over her, his arms propped on his hips, studying her reaction.

A sudden rush of flames licked through her body and she prayed for something minor.

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