Page 49 of The Umbra King

A few people were looking at her, some with grins, some with pity. Grabbing a few napkins from the nearby dessert table, she dabbed at her dress, but her attempts were futile.

She returned to her station, all hope of a decent night gone.

She felt the moment he entered the room. Everyone must have because the talking died down to a murmur as Caius approached his throne. He turned to the crowd with a lazy smile.

He looked exquisite in a finely tailored suit that hugged his muscular arms and thighs perfectly. For aether’s sake, looking like that should be a crime.

“Happy Plenilune. Enjoy the night; you have earned it with your hard work this month.” A maid placed a highball glass in his hand, and he raised it in toast. The crowd responded in turn, and it was obvious the subjects of Vincula adored their king.

She was constantly having to separate what she’d been taught about Vincula from reality, as it all seemed to be a lie. The king’s eyes collided with hers, and she held her breath.

His eyes drifted down her body, and when they made their way back to her face, he wore an indiscernible expression. Without breaking eye contact, he reached out his hand and snapped, summoning a nearby maid.

His eyes never left hers as he spoke with the girl before sending her away. Not a minute later, the same maid tapped Rory on the shoulder. “The king needs to speak with you.”

Rory snapped her head back toward Caius, and the side of his mouth lifted a fraction. When she approached the bottom of thedais, he motioned for her to come closer, and once in front of him, he snapped his fingers again.

The same maid appeared with a rag and a jar of something Rory didn’t recognize. The maid handed the items to her and scurried away.

“On your knees, Miss Raven,” the king purred.

Rory looked at the things in her hands. “What is this?”

Caius leaned back with his arms draped on each side of his throne. “My shoes are looking a little dull. Shine them.”

Her jaw almost hit the ground as she stared at him. “You have got to be kidding.”

His brow rose slightly. “Do I look amused?”

“Yes,” she muttered as she bent to her knees.

The same maid brought a stool for Caius to prop his feet on, and he motioned for Rory to begin. The room quieted down and watched as Caius seized a chance to humiliate her in front of the entire town.Again.

As she sat on her knees, the slits in her skirt rode up, exposing her bare hips. The king’s eyes caressed her skin, and she could have sworn the gold in his eyes darkened as his pupils expanded. She suppressed a triumphant grin.

Looking up, she smiled innocently. “You did say you liked me on my knees.”

He brought his thumb to his lip and trailed it over the pillowy flesh, something she noticed he did often. “Yes,” he said in a rough voice. “I do.”

She returned to her task, and when her hand grabbed the back of his shoe, she ran it slowly over his pant leg until she was gripping his calf. His muscles tensed beneath her hold, and she fought another smile.

She ran the rag methodically over his shoes, shining the leather to perfection, and periodically, she would lean back and dab non-existent sweat on her chest with her free hand. Caius tracked hermovements, his eyes growing darker by the minute and when his shoes were finished, she used his leg to help her stand.

Her hand crested the top of his thigh before she straightened with a sly smile. “Is there anything else you need, Your Grace?”

Shadows discreetly trailed under her dress and up her legs in a way that instantly made her wet, and she bit her lip to stop a moan. “This is a dangerous game you are playing, Miss Raven.” He leaned forward, and his shadows retreated. “One that will leave you broken if you are not careful.”

She leaned down to position herself in front of him. “I’m counting on it.”

Straightening, she walked away, swishing her hips for him, full of satisfaction.

16

Caius prowledthe castle looking forher. She’d teased him enough, and it was time to teach her a lesson. He rounded the corner to the kitchens, hoping she was cleaning up after the ball, but she wasn’t there.

Where could she be?

His instinct told him the gardens.

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