Page 2 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

After my rather loud outburst in which I may or may not have said that heisa peacock—perhaps I should have chosen a different word for it, but I was too annoyed at the time to mindmy vocabulary—he announced that he would magnanimously forgive me for my careless words. With a caveat, of course. I was to stop all unladylike activities and dedicate myself to becoming the model of decorum.

His prestige alone would be enough, so I do not need to concern myself with such business.

Psh! What an arsehole!

I would have said that to his face, too, if my parents had not promptly removed me from the ballroom.

As it stands, both families have signed the mating contract. The wedding is as good as done. But that doesn’t mean I am pleased about it or that I bow down to what they dictate.

It’s just a matter of…figuring out the best course of action.

So for now, I will smile and keep my mouth shut while silently planning my next move.

After all, it’s not as if Theron likes me either. With his enormous ego, he probably thinks I am not fit to be within a few paces away from him. But egocentrism is not his only quality, you see. He’s also a mamma’s boy. And if his mother has decided on a bride for him, then he will of course do as she says.

Ugh!

“Minerva! Was that a snort I heard?” My mother gasps.

I bite my lip to stop a retort I know willnotbe welcomed. Instead, I put on my fake smile.

“Something was obstructing my breathing, Mother,” I murmur in a low voice.

Her eyes narrow at me.

With a huff, she turns her attention back to the musical.

I release a sigh of relief.

I wonder how much longer I will have to withstand this cacophony.

My mother suddenly rises to her feet. Her eyes sparkle as she looks to the side. I follow her gaze, and my lips flatten in displeasure.

Theron and his mother, Olivia, are heading toward us.

He’s proudly wearing his military uniform. On his jacket, he has displayed all his honors, including the ones that are more of a…participatory nature. But one would only know that if one happened to be in the military as well. To the rest of the world, so many medals on his jacket must be highly impressive.

Peacock.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that I own most of those medals too. But that would earn me a scolding—the last thing I need now.

“Olivia, dear,” my mother calls out. “And dashing Theron.” She studies his medals with interest. “I did not realize you were such an accomplished soldier. My congratulations.”

Theron grunts. Tipping his chin up, a proud smile prods at his lips.

“Thank you.” He inclines his head.

“Minerva,” my mother whispers, giving me a look. “Isn’t Theron so impressive?”

“Of course,” I add with a fake smile.

He preens.

“I would never boast around with a participation prize. But if that gives him joy…” I trail off.

Theron and Olivia gasp at my words.

My mother is a little slower in understanding what I mean, but when she does, she elbows me in the ribs.

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