Page 109 of Heir of Illusion

“Don’t,” I cut her off as I stumble backwards, unable to hear anything over the roaring in my ears. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

I don’t know which of them I’m speaking to, Leona or Della.

Without saying another word, I flee. My head spins as I race through the halls and into one of the front rooms. The club is structured into sections, all of which cater to different sorts of clientele. This one is essentially a casino.

Tables are spread throughout the room, each of them set up for a different game of chance. Tonight, most of the onlookers are gathered around one of the craps tables where a high roller is entertaining the masses. He should know better than to tempt the Fates by risking his fortune on the roll of the dice. It’s not in their nature to show restraint.

Smoke wafts through the air, clogging my throat. Heavy music pounds against the wall, coming from the room next door where drunk patrons grind their sweaty bodies against each other. They’ll be dancing until the sun rises. Many of them will likely end up in the upstairs rooms after that, along with some of the gamblers in here.

Instead of heading for the exit as I know I should, I find myself at the bar. Without asking, the bartender slides me a glass with a generous pour. I swallow the whole shot in one gulp, grimacing at the unpleasant taste. He chuckles at my reaction as he refills the glass and leaves me alone to go check on his other customers. It’s unwise to sit here in the open, but I’m past the point of caring. Perhaps I long for danger…

I roll my eyes as someone slides into the seat next to mine.

“Am I expected to call you ‘Your Highness’ now?” Darrow asks in an amused voice, sitting backward on the stool as he leans his elbows on the bar.

“Go away.” I sip my drink, letting it burn my throat on the way down.

“Is that any way to speak to your future subject?” he asks, his tone haughty.

“You won’t have a future at all if you keep talking to me,” I warn. “Go play foolish games with the rest of the degenerates.”

“Speculation isn’t my thing.” He signals the bartender for a drink. “Too many variables.”

“Didn’t you tell me recently that sometimes the risk is worth the reward?” My voice turns icy.

His gaze drops to the floor as he shifts uncomfortably.

“I heard about what happened,” he says carefully. “I’m sorry.”

I huff out a laugh. “Why?”

We fall silent as the bartender returns with Darrow’s drink and he downs it quickly before wiping his mouth on the back of his hand.

“I know what it is to hate your father,” he whispers.

It’s the shared fate of all bastards. I glance down at my own drink, wondering if finishing it would make me feel better or worse. Honestly, I don’t know which one of those outcomes I’d prefer.

“I guess you do,” I say as I push off my stool and prepare to leave.

My gaze slides to Darrow. For the first time since he sat down, I take a real look at him. Dressed in maroon velvet trousers and a billowing white shirt that’s unbuttoned down to his navel, his outfit is utterly ridiculous. A gold medallion sits at his neck while a matching hoop hangs from one ear.

“You look like a pirate.”

He waggles his eyebrows as the side of his mouth kicks up in a crooked grin.

“A verywealthypirate, lass,” he corrects me.

Rolling my eyes, I start to make my way to the door when suddenly a familiar face blocks my path.

Alice Darby appears even worse than before. Her bloodshot eyes are too big against her hollow face. The outfit she’s wearing appears to be the same one she had on before, only now it has several more stains. Based on the smell radiating from her, I have to wonder if she’s been wearing it since then. Her gaze shifts nervously between me and Darrow as she clutches a piece of paper in her hands.

“I see you took my suggestion.”

It would appear Della hired the young mortal woman. I’d meant to let her know Alice might be stopping by, but with everything going on, it slipped my mind.

“Yes.” Mrs. Darby smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you, my lady. They’ve been good to me here.”

“I’m glad,” I tell her honestly, my gaze flitting to the door momentarily. “Did you need something?”

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