Page 58 of Cold Heir

“It’s my understanding that you’ve made quite the impression on my son,” she quirked. “And the rest of the boys, too.”

There was something in the way she said that, a snide undertone I didn’t miss.

I gave a nod. “I’m fond of them as well.”

That look returned. “That’s nice.”

The room suddenly became hot to me, so I began fidgeting a little. It wasn’t far from my thoughts that the woman kept a secret or two, according to Glenn anyway, and I could admit she was incredibly hard to read. Even now, as she stared wordlessly, I had no idea what she was thinking.

There was this overpowering obligation to speak before things got too weird.

“I’m glad you—”

“What’s your business here?” she interrupted. The question caught me completely by surprise, causing me to sit before her with my mouth agape.

“I … beg your pardon?”

Her expression didn’t falter. “I’m dying to understand how all of this came about. You—a human,clearlywell-versed in the Ianite way of life—just so happened to be perusing the gala that night? Just so happened to seduce my son, the next ruler of this Dynasty?” she accused. “Pardon me for thinking it’s all just a bit too … convenient.”

I was breathless. No one had been quite so forward with me, but it shouldn’t have surprised me. If anyone was going to stand fearlessly on behalf of Julian, it would be his mother.

“I’m afraid I’m not quite sure what you mean,” I admitted. It felt like she was asking several questions, all cloaked in one.

“I’ve heard things,” she shared. “Theories on what you’re possibly involved in. So, I’m certain you understand my concern for what plans you have for my son.”

Taking a deep breath, I centered my thoughts and focused. “I have no ulterior motives where Julian, oranyof the princes are concerned. I’m simply here to complete the blood bond, and once that’s done, we’ll live out our lives together. I assure you my affection for them is all genuine, and our connection is surprisingly … normal,” I added, forcing a smile.

However, she didn’t return the gesture, glaring instead. “Forgive me for not buying it.” The words were sharp enough to cut through stone. “Andnormalis the last thing I think you are.”

With those dark, accusatory words, she reached into the pocket of her skirt, and pulled out a black key. Looped through the decorative, vintage head, was a matching ribbon. I’d seen ones like it before. The night of the gala, I spotted a cluster of Dolls seated near the bar, wearing them proudly—some as necklaces, others tied around their wrists and ankles. At the time, I intended to investigate the meaning behind them, but never got the chance. Things sort of took an unexpected turn that night, pushing the memory from my thoughts until now, as I stared at the one Empress Westower dangled from her fingertip.

“It arrived for you this morning, hence the reason I requested that we meet.”

“I’m sorry, but … I don’t understand what it—”

“And therein lies the problem,” she interjected. “The women who hold these keys often don’t receive them until they’ve been vetted. They usually have been at their Master’s service for several years before these invitations arrive. Which is precisely why I find it hard to believe you were worthy of being recommended so soon,” she added, her jaw tense with anger. “Being invited into the Black Key Society isn’t to be taken lightly. These keys aren’t issued to just any and every Doll who spreads her legs for an Ianite man.”

My nostrils flared with the comment, feeling insulted beyond words with what she insinuated. That I was merely a toy to be passed around among the princes, completely unaware of the emotional connection we all shared.

“You can’t speak to me that way.”

The words left my mouth before I could catch them. It was my intention to take whatever she had to say to me, forJulian’ssake, but I was simply not hardwired that way.

Tilting her head, she smirked. “Now, see? That’s where you’re wrong. I have it on good authority that I can speak to you however I wish,” she declared. “And there isn’t a thing you can do about it.”

Hold your tongue, Cori. They’re just words. Just her opinion.

“You may have my son fooled, but my eyes are wide open,” she assured me, leaning forward to shove the key into my palm. “I’ll be watching you.”

When she stood, grabbing the side of her skirt as it swept past my seat, I held my breath to keep from exploding. I listened as she stormed off, seeming to even forego speaking to her son as she left.

Staring at the key I held, there were so many questions.

What purpose did it serve?

Who was this person she spoke of; the one who recommended me?

My heart raced so fast I felt dizzy, my hands shook. Of all the surprises I’d gotten this past week, my first encounter with the empress of the Eastern Quadrant was certainly one I would never forget.

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