Page 137 of A Dance of Shadows

My husband rubs his jaw, a gleam lighting in his eyes. He doesn’t like taking guidance, but I’ve also given him an idea that plays into one of his greatest joys: inflicting humiliation.

And he has his own reasons for wanting to keep Bianca close by rather than extending the punishment to her as well.

Of course, he still needs to take credit.

Linus grasps my shoulder, a vicious grin stretching across his face. “See how well my wife has learned our ways with the lessons I’ve given her! You should be glad for my choice in partner, Ennius. Ten years stuck within the borders of Cloelashould be plenty of time for you to reflect, hmm? But we can’t let your lovely wife be neglected in the meantime.”

He snaps his fingers, and Bianca scrambles to her feet to join him.

Linus beckons to the waystation staff. “Get an extra carriage for the viceroy and his things alone. He’s parting ways with us here—for an extended repose.” He pats Bianca on the ass. “You can ride in the best of the carriages.”

From the sharpening of his grin when he glances at me again, I think he imagines he’s punishing me for speaking up as well. As if I want him pawing at me. My only regret is that I can’t imagine Bianca is going to enjoy his attention all that much either.

But once we reach Vivencia, we may both be free of him.

The imperial carriage has just drawn up next to us. As Linus ushers Bianca and me into the vehicle, he gives my ass a squeeze for good measure. My pulse stutters with the fear that he might attempt another joint interlude between all three of us.

Then we settle into our seats, and his gaze drifts to my protruding belly. Undisguised disgust twists his features.

He taps my chin hard enough to hurt. “I do like you with your claws out, wife. Twist that peace to make it torture. Very clever.”

His compliment rolls off me, leaving my skin clammy. “Perhaps we’ve been a useful influence on each other, husband. Have you gotten any peace from the gift I gave you?” I haven’t noticed the Elox-blessed pendant’s chain around his neck.

Linus snorts. “No one needsmorepeace. We’ll see what I can make of you yet.”

As the rest of the court clambers into their own carriages, a soldier approaches our window. She hands a scroll through to Linus. “This just came with a messenger.”

Once she’s left, Linus scans the letter briefly and then tosses it into his small storage trunk.

I can’t restrain my itch for knowledge. “What was that about? I hope nothing’s gone wrong.”

He shrugs. “Tribune Valerisse is simply confirming that she’s joining us in the capital for further consultation.”

I hadn’t known he or Marc had requested consultation—or did the request come from the tribune?

My throat constricts. “Has she said anything about the soldier you sent back to her from Accasy?”

Linus’s sigh suggests the subject bores him. “I can’t imagine there would be anything newsworthy to mention about that idiot.”

With another grimace at my belly, he tugs Bianca close against him and turns all his attention on her.

I drag my gaze to the window, adrift in a whirl of thoughts. Did the soldier who used his gift against me even make it to Lavira—or did Linus have reasons to ensure no one ever questioned the man more thoroughly?

What plans doeshehave for when we reach Vivencia?

For all my victories, I still don’t know just how much of an enemy my husband has become. And once we reach the palace, I may lose my best chance at finding out.

How can I expect Marc to defend me from his twin if even he’s unaware of the full extent of Linus’s villainy?

Perhaps it’s time to determine who’s most interested inendingme.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Aurelia

Iget my opportunity three nights later when the court emerges from dinner in a stuffy waystation to enjoy Dariu’s mild winter climate in the courtyard. They seem to appreciate the weather, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to a winter where you can’t see your breath in a cloud in front of you.

Heading outside allows us more room to move around, though. Marc shoots me one of the fond smiles that feel so wrong from him and ambles over to chat with Counsel Etta and a couple of high-ranking nobles.

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