Page 115 of A Fate so Cruel

The librarian didn’t look up. Didn’t hesitate or think before saying, “Those documents are classified.”

Rion raised a brow and waited for the librarian to meet his gaze. He did. The male scowled and widened his eyes as if to say,anything else?

It was both difficult and pleasant to be in a place where not everyone recognized him.

“I think a Lord of Brónach would meet the necessary qualifications.”

“He certainly would, but—” The male stopped talking when Rion’s magic inched from beneath his sleeves, twisting up and around his arms in a lazy pattern.

Fear filled the foyer and the male retreated a step, his look of annoyance shifting to one of absolute terror.

Selina peered over her book. “I’d suggest hurrying. We’re hungry and you’ve already kept us waiting.” Rion glared at her, but the librarian rushed off after a quick bow and muttered apologies.

Rion faced her. “They’re afraid enough without you pushing the issue.”

She slammed the book shut and three Fae jolted, then pinned her with a glare. “You really don’t like it, do you?”

Rion opened his mouth to reply, but the librarian returned, out of breath, and directed them to a secluded table upstairs. “You won’t be disturbed here. Is there anything else you require?”

“No, we’re fine, thank you.”

The male bowed again before scrambling back down the stairs, his heart beating faster than a hummingbird’s wings.

“Well, he’s a jumpy fellow.”

“Comes with the reputation, unfortunately.”

Selina eyed him again, but Rion shifted his attention to the blueprints. Every room was outlined in stark detail aside from the basement, which led Selina and Rion to the same conclusion.

“Well, that answers that. When’s the ball again?”

“According to the invitation, in a few days.”

Selina stretched her arms overhead. “I heard the spa is divine. We could always visit that while we’re here.”

“I thought you just wanted the food.”

“There’s no reason I can’t have food and a spa day.” Her stomach grumbled. “Speaking of food.”

Rion carefully rolled the prints back up. “Did any of the restaurants catch your attention on the way in?”

“Nope. I figured we’d walk the streets until we found something that smelled good.”

Well, that could certainly add to their ruse. It would also give him a few minutes to see where the business districts ended and the residential ones began. He’d mark the storefronts and who ran them. Then watch the governor’s palace over the next few days to see which vendors he chose to visit. Maybe he could figure out how they were shipping the poison and put a stop to it before the ball.

“If you’re done thinking, can we get a move on?”

He smirked. “Lead the way.”

Chapter Twenty

When Selina had claimed her tastes were expensive, she’d meant it. Either that or she was just testing him, trying to see if he’d live up to his offer to spend the entirety of his family’s money.

He probably wouldn’t succeed even if he tried.

Rion cast a glance toward the line of waiting patrons. The females all wore fancy dresses and were adorned with expensive necklaces, rings, and earrings. The males were dressed in finely pressed tunics with their hair combed back and shoes polished.

He and Selina looked like beggars in comparison. “I’m not sure we’re properly dressed.”

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