Page 43 of Decoy

“I didn’t expect you to return for another visit so soon.”

Set the tone of the conversation. “I couldn’t resist, considering you’re such an interesting conversationalist.”

His eyes grew wide and shiny, like a child who’d just received praise. “As are you, Your Highness. I will gladly converse with you for as long as you’d like.”

Which would only be until he imparted something useful. I sidled closer with what I hoped was a beguiling smile. “I would love to learn more about you and your family, as well as your family’s history with my own.”

“We’ve worked closely with the royal family for generations. My father currently serves as one of His Majesty’s most trusted advisors. I’m studying hard in hopes of one day succeeding him.” His chest swelled with boyish importance.

That was an interesting bit of news, and definitely something I could use…though I wasn’t sure what he’d be able to help me discover that Sir Rupert himself didn’t already know.

“Though we’re lesser nobles, we’ve accumulated some wealth over the years and currently own fifty acres,” he continued. “Our lands used to be much bigger before the royal family took a portion for their hunting ground several generations ago…though in truth, that’s just a rumor. Father insists the land was rich in minerals and needed to be under the protection of the crown to aid Estoria’s economy and lessen the kingdom’s tax burden, and that our family was well compensated for it.”

He seemed sincere, but I couldn’t dismiss the possibility that this display of loyalty was merely a show.

From the corner of my eye I noticed the advisor carefully watching our conversation with a rare lack of disapproval I wasn’t sure how to interpret…and he wasn’t the only one monitoring my exchange. Luke stood nearby with a taut expression, as if he found the show thoroughly unpleasant.

He managed to hold himself back, giving me little chance to wonder at the reason for his behavior until I brought my handkerchief to my mouth to cover a laugh at a comment the nobleman clearly meant to be witty, being sure to “accidentally” drop it for him to eagerly retrieve. I went so far as to keep hold of his hand when he shyly returned it to me, a gesture that didn’t prove as effective as I’d hoped, as it caused the man to go beet red and become tongue-tied.

It also seemed to be the extent of what Luke could handle, for just as I felt I was finally making progress with the flustered nobleman, he suddenly appeared at my elbow, gaze glinting with dark purpose.

“Forgive my interruption, Princess, but there’s an urgent matter I must discuss with you in private.”

I narrowed my eyes in silent warning. “As you can see, Lord Luke, I’m currently in the midst of an important conversation.”

“It’ll only take a moment.” He wrapped his arm firmly around my waist and guided me forcibly away. Though I’d been trained in various methods to extract myself from such a hold, all would risk drawing the attention of our current audience, leaving me at his mercy.

I looked back to the guard about to follow but waved him off and allowed Luke to lead me from the room to the same abandoned alcove from last night’s confrontation.The moment we were alone, I yanked myself free and spun on him. “Your unwarranted interruption ruined my progress; I was just about to start asking him my more pointed questions.”

Granted, I had no idea what those questions would be, which only escalated my frustration that Sir Rupert had held back anything that might help me. This plan of his was highly flawed since the victim seemed the least likely person to be able to extract any information on their potential killer. Maybe he didn’t expect me to find answers at all, but instead intended for me to catch the culprit when they struck.

“I know, I’m sorry, I just…I’m sorry.” His fluster seemed too genuine to be another one of his acts. I softened slightly.

“You never act without reason; I deserve an explanation.”

He looked around as if desperately seeking one. “You were too obvious. I feared you’d tip your hand if you continued any longer.” Though the explanation was sound, the words didn’t ring true. I studied his nervous fidgeting. Could he be…?

“Were youperhaps…jealous?”

He stilled before dismissing the idea with a derisive snort. “Jealous?Of another man being victim to your wiles? Ridiculous. I don’t want my secrets extracted for anything.”

“Not even from an attractive woman with apparentassets?”

Crimson stained his cheeks. “I’m not so weak as to fall prey to such an amateur trick.”

“Perhaps a test is in order. If we’re to be partners, I must ensure my secrets are safe with you…or if you’ll break at the slightest provocation.”

I stepped forward and he immediately hastened a step back, as pale as if I’d advanced while brandishing a dagger. “No matter what you do, I’ll never tell you anything.”

With his skillset, that was likely true…if I played by the conventional rules. Stubborn pride seemed to be a trait we shared, which meant that like him, I’d go to any means necessary to win. In his vulnerability he’d inadvertently exposed one of his rare weaknesses, giving me the perfect tool.

I smiled alluringly. “If your claim I was doing poorly is to believed, it appears I need to practice with a supposedexpert. What was the first step: set the tone of the conversation? I think I’ve already succeeded in doing that, so the next step is to lower your guard through innocent touches.”

He swallowed. “That’s going too far.”

“Is it?” I advanced another step, forcing his back against the wall. “You seem the perfect target with whom to practice, considering your abundance of secrets yet to be extracted…and I’ll uncover each until I’ve stolen every. Last. One.” I ran my finger along his chest.

He gulped. “Please…stop.” He possessed a myriad of ways in which he could stop me himself, but he remained frozen, for once firmly inmycontrol rather than me perpetually trapped in his. Yet strangely, I didn’t feel as if I maintained a firm grasp, as if every seductive touch and demure smile wasn’t part of a forced charade but instead felt almost…real.

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