Page 30 of Heir of Illusion

The way she’s dressed doesn’t match her usual style. The gown she’s wearing is dark burgundy, an unflattering color on her bright complexion and vastly different from what she usually wears. The courtiers tend to dress in pastels, like Lady Naomi’s soft pink ensemble or Lord Darcus’s yellow tunic.

But the color isn’t the only thing strange about Bridgid’s gown. The plunging neckline hangs awkwardly against her small chest and the thigh slit is far more daring than anything I’ve seen her in before. It actually reminds me of something I’d wear. Now that I think of it, it’s shockingly similar to one of my own… Did she steal it?

That would explain why it doesn’t fit her properly. Where my body is all shapely curves combined with lean muscle from countless hours of training, Bridgid is naturally willowy. She has that straight, waifish frame that’s so popular among the upper-class.

I bite my lip, struggling to hold back a burst of laughter. Is this how she finally managed to capture Baylor’s attention? By emulating me? I don’t know whether to applaud her or feel sorry for her. Either way, I’m glad her efforts have paid off. Let her have Baylor as long as I can have my freedom.

Light footsteps hurry toward the room, bringing everyone’s attention to the door. Morwen rushes inside, her cheeks flushed. She stops short when she sees the group of courtiers huddled together, her gaze immediately landing on the one person I know she hates interacting with.

Lady Naomi.

Morwen and Warrick were the product of an affair their mortal mother had with a wealthy high fae lord, who just so happens to be Naomi’s father. Despite being half sisters, Naomi has never publicly acknowledged the relationship. In fact, she’s taken every opportunity to destroy any hope of a familial bond between the siblings.

“My apologies for the interruption,” Morwen murmurs, dipping into a curtsy and dropping her gaze respectfully. “Have you seen Lady Iverson? His Majesty needs her.”

Bridgid’s expression sours.

“Are you sure he didn’t ask for me?” Her voice rises several octaves higher than before. “I’d be happy to go to him.”

“No, my lady,” Morwen answers politely. “He requested Lady Iverson.”

Naomi scoffs. “Maybe you heard him wrong with your deformed ears.”

A flush stains Morwen’s cheeks as she adjusts her hair to hide her slightly pointed ears, the feature that marks her as half fae. Naomi’s lips curve into a cruel smile as she openly delights in her sister’s discomfort.

“Oh, you’re terrible, Naomi.” Bridgid playfully swats her friend’s arm.

“She’s not wrong, though,” Darcus interjects. “Those ears are ghastly.”

Deciding it’s time to announce my presence, I release the illusion and appear right next to the small group.

For a moment, everyone stares at me in silence as the blood drains from their faces. Then Naomi leaps off the couch, pushing her friends out of the way as she runs for the door, her screams echoing through the halls. Meanwhile, Darcus dives toward the floor, using his hands to cover his head as he rocks back and forth.

“Holy Fates, protect me,” his muffled voice whispers into the carpet.

Only Bridgid stands her ground. Her hard eyes meet mine as she lifts her chin in a show of bravery, but the pulsing vein at the base of her throat betrays her fear. I have to admit, in moments such as this, there’s some sick part of me that enjoys the terror I inflict.

“Thank you, Morwen,” I say, unable to stop the wicked smirk that curls my lips. “I’ll joinBaylorimmediately.”

Bridgid’s fists clench as I say his name. The only people who have ever been permitted to use it were myself and Leona. To everyone else, he’s “Your Majesty.”

Morwen nods. “He’s waiting for you in his study.”

My mirth fades immediately.

When he calls me to his private chambers, he wants to use my body. But when he asks to see me in his office, he wants to stain my hands with blood.

After his most recent request, I didn’t anticipate another this soon. Baylor has already given me four names this year. As his paranoia grows, so does his list of enemies.

Pushing those thoughts away, I offer a parting shot to Bridgid and Darcus. “Enjoy your reading. One always learns the most enlightening information in the library.”

Her eyes go round as she realizes how indiscreet she’s been. Savoring the hatred blooming across her face, I follow Morwen out the door. I stopped yearning for the friendship of courtiers long ago. Instead, I delight in garnering their fear. It’s much more useful.

“You shouldn’t taunt them,” Morwen warns.

“They deserved it.” I shrug. “I’m sorry for what she said to you.”

She shakes her head. “It’s nothing.”

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