Page 71 of A Fate so Cruel

Selina kept her voice low. “How do you normally greet officials?”

“I don’t. Saoirse usually handles all the talking.”

“Well, this ought to be a pleasant evening. Watching them feel you out will be the highlight of entertainment.”

He grimaced. “You said you wanted a distraction. You brought one.”

“That was my plan.”

“Just don’t take too long in thebathroomlater.”

“I’m a lady, I can take as much time as I please.” He wasn’t sure she qualified for the title. “And if they grow antsy about my absence, you can just come get me.”

“What happens if we’re both caught?”

She huffed. “You paint too many scenarios.”

“I like to be prepared.”

“What happened to spontaneity?”

“We are on a critical mission, in case you forgot.”

“You’re no fun,” she huffed. “If we’re caught, then you better get busy with your hands and make it look good.”

He blanched. “You want me to—”

“It’scritical,” she said in a mocking tone. “If the situation calls for you, you best treat me as if I’m your newly found mate and you can’t resist my alluring charms.” He wasn’t sure if he could resist now. If he got another taste of her . . .

Something in her body language shifted. He met her gaze and found . . . sorrow. “I’m sorry,” she said, quickly looking away, “I didn’t mean to imply—I only meant I won’t throttle you if the situation calls for it.”

Pain flared through his chest. A new kind of pain he’d never needed to process. He was the only Fae on the continent that wasn’t allowed the deepest connection their species couldexperience. A mating bond. A mate. An individual who would know him on the deepest of levels. Someone who wouldn’t need to be afraid of him because they wouldknowhow he felt.

Even if he and Selina’s companionship developed into something more, he wouldn’t be her mate. And if that male ever came along . . .

“Props to me for ruining the evening.”

“It’s fine,” he said a bit too quickly.

“If it’s any consolation, most never find their mates anyway.” It wasn’t, but he nodded. “I, for one, hope I never find a mate.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want someone pining after me just because some bond tells them to. It just seems . . . I don’t know, forced, I guess. If a male wants to be with me, then they better be willing to put forth some effort.”

He smiled. “I’ll be sure to keep it in mind.”

She playfully nudged him, then the pair found themselves before the estate’s gates.

A pair of guards, both dressed in black, bowed low. Their gazes lingered on Selina and one’s face flushed when she flashed him a bright smile.

He’d learned how good Selina was at manipulating people by watching her in the market. She knew exactly when to smile, when to bat her lashes, when to expose a bit more flesh. She was doing all of that and more now.

The pair walked down the short path that led into the manor and voices echoed from within. The servants bowed and offered a flute of bubbling liquid. Both took them. Neither drank.

They were twenty minutes late, a deliberate delay on Selina’s part so they would be the center of attention upon arriving. There was already a small crowd present.

Selina wanted the governor to see Rion with a female on his arm. To have a conversation in front of all the guests so they would let down their guard.

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