Page 169 of Bound to the Shadow Prince

We’d be dead, but I’m focused on moping at the moment, not on reality. The truth is, if Nemeth has never loved me, I suppose it’s best to find out. If his idea was to turn me to his side, he’s failed. I hug his arm tightly and glance around as we head down the hall. “So where is your brother?”

“We’re meeting him in the official dining hall.”

“Shouldn’t there be servants around?” I ask, eyeing the empty, shadowy palace with a bit of unease. “The palace at Lios was always crawling with people.”

“Aye, this is unusual. But I’m told Ivornath has been retreating more and more these last months. It’s one reason why he’s been so difficult to contact.” He pats the hand I have on hisarm. “Ajaxi says that it’s temporary. That most of those that have been dismissed from the palace will be reinstated again soon.”

Or not, because they’ll be dead of plague. But if he trusts Ajaxi, I guess we have to go with it. “Funny that your brother will see Ajaxi but not you.”

“They’ve always been close,” Nemeth confesses, and I hear a familiar wistfulness in his tone. “While I was being raised at the Alabaster Citadel, my brothers took their training together. I’ve always envied them for their kinship. I was more or less forgotten.”

In that, I feel a kinship to Nemeth. I was the forgotten princess, too. Because of my blood curse and my inability to bear children, I was considered useless for the Vestalin line. The focus was entirely on Erynne, and I spent my time with nurses and servants. “You’re still their brother,” I remind him. “Growing up in the citadel shouldn’t change anything.”

Even though I know it does. I just never thought about it much until I met Nemeth.

Another set of fine double doors opens, and a soft, yellow light pours into the hallway. There’s a sumptuous feast laid out on a long, cloth-colored table. The scents of delicious food waft toward us and my stomach growls. Here, there is a pair of servants pouring wine, and Ajaxi, Nemeth’s younger brother, sits at the far end of one table and holds a goblet up in a mocking salute. “Brother. I see you brought your plaything.”

“My wife,” Nemeth says in an even voice. “My mate. You will speak to her with respect, Ajaxi. She is a princess of Lios.”

“And Lios is dust,” Ajaxi continues merrily, drinking from his goblet. Some of it runs down his chin and he swipes it away with one big hand.

I look at him in disgust as Nemeth leads me toward the table. How can two Fellians look so alike and yet one be so very revolting to me? But Ajaxi seems very much like a spoiled boy.He wears similar clothing to Nemeth’s but his are festooned with chains and fobs across one shoulder—medals of some kind for battle. He slouches in his chair and the heaviness of his eyelids suggests he’s been drinking for a while.

As we approach, he smirks in my direction and lifts his goblet, scratching at his collarbones with long claws. “Vestalin princess of nothing, greetings.”

Turd. I manage a tight smile as Nemeth pulls out a seat for me. “Where is the king? We’re here to see him, not you.”

“Ivornath will be along shortly,” Ajaxi says, shaking his goblet at one of the servants. The woman—a Fellian—hurries forward with the pitcher and pours him a fresh glass, the lower half of her face covered with a veil like mine. Ajaxi wears no face wrap, though, and I unwind mine, gazing at the delicious food. Stewed, spiced mushrooms. Braised fish from the harbor. Fresh fruit and nuts. A sinful amount of olives and dates. Pickled eggs. Three kinds of bread. My mouth waters at the sight.

“Ah ah,” Ajaxi says as I touch my scarf. “Keep the human covered. They’re filthy things.”

“We’re here for dinner,” I reply sweetly, though it takes everything I have not to snarl at him. “One cannot eat when one’s mouth is covered.”

He snorts and chugs more wine, scratching at his neck.

I decide I’m going to charm Ajaxi so it hurts more when he’s betrayed. I give him my most coquettish smile and slide a hand over my braid, tugging it toward my cleavage. His gaze goes there automatically and I lean forward. “You must be very close to your brother the king for him to trust you with so much.”

Ajaxi grunts and leans in, his gaze on my breasts. “Truth be told, I’m running things around here?—”

Nemeth seats himself between us, clearly not understanding my play. He glares at his brother and ruffles his wings. “Ivornath will be joining us soon, yes?”

“Soon.” Ajaxi shrugs, toying with his wine cup. I flick my braid and give him a sultry smile. “This one seems more pleasant than her sister. I see why you have her in your bed.”

Bastard. It takes all that I have to keep smiling as if his words are a compliment.

“This one is my mate,” Nemeth practically growls.

“Huzzah,” Ajaxi says, smirking. “To a lovely human in your bed. Wine for my brother and his human.”

“Mate,” Nemeth corrects again.

“Oh, no wine for me,” I tell the servant that sets a cup in front of me. “Perhaps milk or water?”

“Are we a toddler?” Ajaxi asks.

I titter with fake laughter, sliding my wine towards Nemeth. “No! But after so long without eating properly, my stomach fusses at strong tastes. You know how it is. I have to besocareful at what I put in my mouth.”

“Is that so,” Ajaxi murmurs. Nemeth puts a hand on my thigh, as if warning me. I ignore it. If Ajaxi truly is in control of things, it’s best for me to get him on my side. I flutter my lashes in his direction and lick my lips. He flicks a hand at a servant. “You heard her. She prefers a…mild mouthful.”

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