Page 73 of A Fate so Cruel

Rion made a show of sipping his drink. “I’m not sure which cities in particular, I was simply told to pass the word along.”

“I’ll be sure to have my staff send updates, just in case they didn’t arrive and we’re on her radar.”

“Saoirse will appreciate it. Alec can be a pain when affairs aren’t in order.”

The male stared at him again, as if astounded someone would dare to speak about the High Lord in such a manner. “I imagine our High Lord has the best of intentions for our great nation.”

Selina snuck another chocolate tart onto her plate, content to let the males converse as she looked around. Even so, she didn’t wander far.

Rion glanced at those still eyeing him. “There’s something else.”

The male lowered his glass. “Oh?”

“There are rumors circling about a rebel faction on the rise.” Selina stiffened ever so slightly and tilted her head toward him. If he’d bothered to meet her gaze, he knew she’d be glaring.

The male’s face paled. “Rebels. Against the crown?” Rion nodded. “I’ve heard a few things, but I haven’t seen any official statements released.”

“You’re right.” Rion eyed the male. His heart had quickened a fraction. He was definitely involved. Or feared being accused of involvement. Rion kept his voice casual. “Alec didn’t want to instill panic, especially over a rumor.” He shrugged as if it weren’t a big deal. “I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

“I see.” The governor swirled his drink. “I suppose even Nàdair’s elite don’t get a full vacation.”

Rion loosed an exasperated sigh, as if the whole ordeal was beneath him. “You have no idea.” He needed to visit the lake house with Saoirse.

Silence stretched between them, but before the governor could open his mouth, Selina waltzed over and complained in a whiny voice, “Must you males always talk about such things? We’re supposed to be on vacation. Can we not simply drink and pretend the problems of the world don’t exist?”

The governor sketched another bow. “My apologies, My Lady.” He glanced to Rion again. “It appears I haven’t been a good host. Your guest is already bored with me.”

“She bores easily. It’s exhausting.”

Both the governor and Selina stared at him, their lips parted. A scowl appeared on Selina’s face and Rion gave her a playful smirk.

She turned from him as if he hadn’t spoken and pointed to one of the paintings along the wall. “This piece is exquisite, would you care to tell me about it?”

“Allow me to give you a tour.” He extended one arm and glanced to Rion for permission. Selina waited as well, such was her role. Rion nodded and the pair were off. “That piece is from the first—”

Rion turned away, uninterested in the history of anything in the room. He eyed those who weren’t drinking. Their hands still lingered too close to their weapons. Those unarmed avoided his gaze and he laughed under his breath at how much they feared a simple conversation with him.

Not that he wanted one. In fact, he didn’t want to be here any longer than was necessary. But Selina had to wait until they were drunk. Beyond drunk. Which meant they had a few hours to kill.

Rion took up residence beside a pillar and stared out the window. He watched the governor from the corner of his eye and found the male watching him in turn. His hands never strayed from Selina’s arms.

Three guards stood next to the stairs. Even if the guests were too drunk to notice her absence, the guards wouldn’t be. They’d clock her every move. He estimated she’d have less than five minutes to search through whatever room she chose. Her comrades would have to take the others.

Rion clicked his tongue. They should have just broken in from the start instead of wasting time socializing. It would have taken him seconds to knock out the guards. They’d have been in and out before the staff even knew they were there.

But if this wasn’t the central hub, then whoever led the rebel operation would know they were onto them.

Patience wasn’t his strength.

Dinner came quickly. Selina sipped her drink and dug in. The roast chicken was delicious. He’d served himself from the main table, despite the servants offering.

Selina brushed her hand across his often and made a show of leaning against him as the governor and others talked about everything ranging from the weather, to food, to politics.

It was the world Rion had lived in as a child and a world he hated now just as much as he had then.

Selina’s voice grew louder as the night wound on. Her movements more sloppy. She was an excellent actress. If he hadn’t seen her sneaking half empty flutes back onto trays or outright dumping them into potted plants, he might have bought her ruse.

She waited until the sun had disappeared before inquiring for the bathroom. A servant pointed to the one downstairs, but she whispered an urgent need and made a show of dancing on her toes.

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