Page 72 of A Fate so Cruel

Conversation halted in a wave.

The first couple saw him, then his magic. The female stepped behind her companion, though he looked ready to bolt and leave her behind. The second couple stared, frozen with fear at the sight of his sand. It was subdued, at Selina’s request, but not entirely gone. Just to be sure everyone knew who was in their midst.

Rion spotted the governor before Selina did. Her gaze was preoccupied with the food lined along the rear table. Tonight, she was a female who cared little for politics, especially when there was food and art to enjoy.

The governor spread his hands and smiled wide. “Welcome, Lord Rion, to my humble home.” He sketched a bow, probably the only time this male ever bowed to anyone. If he held any resentment for the gesture, he didn’t show it.

He too wore a long sleeve button-up shirt, though his was sage green. The male had enough gold across his person between rings and necklaces that Rion was certain he never went anywhere without an escort.

Rion nodded in greeting, playing his normal role of disinterest. As he’d told Selina, Saoirse had done most of the talking when they’d last visited.

“It’s been an absolute delight already,” Selina replied, her eyes alight as if she’d never visited a foreign city before. The male’s gaze slid to her, his cobalt eyes gliding down her form and lingering on the curves of her body. The precise ones that had caught Rion’s eye.

She pretended not to notice as she beamed at the male and took in her surroundings. Only Rion knew what she was really doing.

The male’s gaze traveled lower and as his lips parted, Rion couldn’t hold himself back. He loosed a low growl that had the governor’s attention jolting back to him. Those in the vicinity stepped back. A tray of glasses shattered, two females screamed, and fear blasted through the room.

Everyone froze, the governor included, as they stared at The Demon and the sand circling Selina.

But Selina, in all her grace, looped her arm in his. She patted it before turning back to meet the wide-eyed governor’s stare.

“Forgive him, he can be a bit possessive.”

The male blinked in surprise. “I—” He cleared his throat. “Forgive me, My Lord. I didn’t realize you were together.”

Rion’s tone was colder than he meant. “Why else would I have a female with me?”

“Right.” The governor glanced around as if someone might rescue him from the awkward position he’d put himself in, but whoever usually bothered to do so didn’t step forward. “Rest assured, I meant no offense.”

The room waited. Waited to move. Waited to die. Waited for the abomination of Brónach to do all the heinous things he was known for.

Instead, Rion met Selina’s gaze and forced a wicked smile to his lips. He pulled her close. “So long as your hands don’t wander, I won’t ruin the evening over a lingering gaze. She is quite lovely to look at.”

“Impeccable taste. I would expect no less from a Lord of Nàdair.” Selina stiffened slightly against him. Not from his hand around her waist, he realized, but at the male’s comment. As if she were a prize to be won.

The governor gestured for a wine bottle and a servant strode forward reluctantly. The male topped off Rion’s glass, not seeming to realize he hadn’t drunk anything, then lifted his fluteof bubbling liquid and raised his voice. “To good fortune and many years. May the gods rain blessing down on us all.”

The crowd murmured and lifted their glasses. Rion waited until the male had nearly drained his flute before taking a sip himself.

Selina did the same.

An awkward silence fell over the space, then soft music started from another room. A few began whispering amongst themselves. One male downed an entire flute of alcohol before pouring another. Good, just what they wanted.

The governor cleared his throat once again and gestured them toward the table of food. Selina hadn’t taken her eyes off it since their arrival. Rion wasn’t sure that was part of the façade

“I hear you’ve come on pleasure rather than business.”

“A little of both.” Not a lie, but he had to be careful with his words. “Selina,” he angled his head toward her, “wanted to visit a few of the southern cities.”

The male waited for Rion to continue. When he didn’t, he took it upon himself to push the conversation along. “There are many great things in the south, as I’m certain Lord Rion knows. The coastline is especially beautiful this time of year. Do you plan on traveling that far?”

“We might,” he said. Selina was too busy stuffing her face with a lemon cake.

“What is the business part of your trip, if I might ask?”

Rion could have ignored the question altogether. Instead, he used a bit of information he’d discussed with Saoirse before coming. Just in case he needed a cover. “My sister tells me some of the cities are behind on their ledgers and that our treasurer is throwing a fit about not being able to balance them.”

The male blinked. Then blinked again. “The ledgers?” His eyes widened in surprise, then his shoulders dipped with relief.

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