Page 57 of Prince of Masks
Oliver scoffs. “Someone’s grouchy she can’t come to the casino.”
I pick at the table. “It’s not fair.”
“Hm?” Mother asks, “What isn’t fair?”
I suck my lips inwards.
Oliver’s grin widens. He releases my chair and braces his forearm on the table instead. “Liv doesn’t like that she isn’t invited tonight.”
“Not just tonight,” I say, and frown at Father, at his blank stare. “Any night you go to the casino, I’m not allowed.”
“You want…” Amelia hesitates. “You want to go…”
She just can’t get the words out.
I help her out. “Yes. Father, can I come?”
Father’s lashes flutter with the surprise.
Oliver chokes on a laugh that he makes no effort to hide.
Amelia just stares at me.
And Dray smiles into the rim of his crystal tumbler, his cheeks heating into a faint pinkish hue.
I never get to play poker. Such a boys club thing.
I’m always dragged to the baths or the salon or, in this case, sent off to bed. Not that I don’t love all those things, I do, but sometimes I would like to smoke a cigar in a dark room and see if I can clear out Dray’s bank account.
Or even just be allowed to come watch.
Might be boring, might not.
Harold sighs and sets down his tumbler. He says nothing, but I sense the disproval—and perhaps I’ll wait another twenty-two years before he speaks to me again.
“No.” Father’s firm voice sheds my gaze. I look down. “It isn’t proper. Shame for asking, Olivia. You know that.”
I feel no shame for asking.
I feel a rising flicker of flames in my chest.
Still, I just huff and fall back into my chair, mute.
The desserts save me. A flurry of colour, bustling overhead, wobbling on platters, glittering.
The glint of gold lures in my gaze.
Gold-coated, it’s no lie. That chocolate pudding is painted, it’s gilded and beautiful. And it’s set down in front of Dray a moment before I get caramelised fucking pears and a sorbet.
I don’t even like sorbet.
Stupid.
Stupid fucking rules.
In protest, I ignore the bowls in front of me.
I turn my cheek to them and frown at Oliver as he scoops up a hunk of cheesecake. “Would you let your wife come to the casino with you?”
