Page 38 of Heir of Illusion

I nod.

“I see.” He coughs into his fist, attempting to hide the flash of amusement in his eyes. “And are you usually this bad at it?”

I narrow my gaze at him. “I was learning a new technique.”

“Mhmm.” His lips twitch.

“With the intention of destroying you,” I insist.

He cocks his head. “And how’s that going for you?”

“Would you like to find out?” My temper flares dangerously.

I expect at least some semblance of the fearful reactions that typically accompany my threats, but instead, he appears delighted. A full smile lights up his face, chasing away the cold perfection of his features. The beauty of it is so striking that for a moment, I forget what we were talking about.

But then he opens his mouth to speak again, and my annoyance comes flooding back.

“I’m merely flattered you’ve gone to so much trouble on my behalf,” he sighs.

I ball my fist, imaging how satisfying it would be to punch him in his perfect face. “You won’t stand a chance, Reaper.”

“Ah, how unfortunate for me.” He gestures to my arms, lined with bruises from Remy’s wooden sword. “Though judging by your appearance, I’d say my impending demise is still a long way off.”

“I’m a fast learner,” I promise him. “I give it a week.”

“How generous of you to warn me.” His demeanor turns grave. “I’ll set my affairs in order immediately.”

“Be sure to name me in your will,” I tell him as we reach the bottom of the stairs, following a path that leads us into the dungeon. “I enjoy keeping trophies to remind me of my victims.”

“Don’t worry,” he says, his voice as warm as melted honey. “I’ll leave you something to remember me by.”

“It’s only fair.” I hurry ahead, eager to put some space between us as he trails after me.

“You know, I think it’s pretty trusting of me to follow my would-be murderer into an underground prison.”

“I assure you, Lord Thorne,” a dull voice cuts in, “you are perfectly safe.”

Chapter

Eleven

Ifind Kaldar in the last cell on the left, lying on a small bench. The rest of the dungeon is empty, as usual. If the king wants someone dead, he doesn’t typically bother locking them up first. As the person who carries out most of those killings, I would know.

A yawning pit opens in my stomach as I realize how much of our conversation Kaldar might have overheard. Thanks to the warmth radiating across my cheeks, I know I’m still blushing. And based on the calculated gleam in the advisors eyes, he noticed.

Fuck.

“What about me?” I ask, attempting to distract him. “Am I perfectly safe?”

His eye twitches. “Unfortunately.”

“I’m sure if that changes, you’ll be the first to let me know.”

“Happily.” He makes a meal out of the word, relishing each syllable.

Thorne’s gaze flits back and forth between us. I ignore the questions in his eyes, not wanting to give Kaldar anything else to use against me. Though I do notice his features appear colder now. He’s once more wearing that mask of detached amusement he used with both Darrow and Baylor. I’m surprised to realize that every time I’ve spoken to him alone, his warmth felt genuine. Although I know better than anyone emotion can be faked.

“Interesting company you’re keeping, Lady Iverson,” Kaldar comments, a sly grin curling his thin lips. “I’d love to discuss what you and the ambassador were doing down here, but unfortunately, this area is off limits.”

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