Page 121 of Tales of a Monstrous Heart
‘You know an awful lot about restricting fey magic, Lord Percy,’ I countered politely. ‘Is it a subject of interest for you?’
He stiffened at that, so tense I could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.
‘You should count your blessings I managed to survive the ordeal,’ I continued, my smile as sweet and demure enough to enrage him further. ‘I’m certain you wouldn’t want your negligence to be the reason the Peace Agreements failed.’
His face had gone purple with rage, his breath uneven and his fist white-knuckled at his side.
I leaned closer, letting my smile sharpen into something vicious. ‘However, I would love to see how you deal with the rebellion at your throat. Since one woman seems to have rendered you … quite impotent.’
Disgusted, I moved to push past him, but he seized my arm, pushing me back against the alcove with a speed I didn’texpect. He stepped into my space, his bitter drink-filled breath striking my face.
‘I’d be careful with your temper,Miss Woodrow,’ he bit out, and I could smell nothing but the putrid stink of him. ‘The Council only need hear of thefamiliaritybetween yourself and Blackthorn and you’ll be on the streets. From gossip, patrons would pay good money for a fey bitch like you in heat.’
Heat. Like an animal.
His grin was cruel as my heart hammered against my ribs, a coldness streaking through me as I remembered Emrys’s lips on my own.
They’d ruin me for it.
My magic rolled through my limbs, the lamps surrounding us flaring brighter in response to me, revealing the grotesque decay of the ballroom walls. Then I saw the scarring of his ears. Evidence of his shame. That he was fey-born and still possessed no magic.
‘Like your mother?’ I smiled in response, a harshness to the words. Almost willing him to touch me again. To let me break his nose. The Kysillian in me vicious for the blood of it.
The glass in his other hand shattered, wine spilling down his front as he stumbled back. My breath came in short pants as I looked at my hands, not seeing the flare of brightness in my veins. It hadn’t been me.
‘It appears you’ve had an accident, Lord Percy,’ came the annoyed voice of Thean, who had stepped close to my side, weaving their arm effortlessly through mine and pulling me away further into the room.
‘I didn’t—’ I began, turning to the voyav, but they were already glaring down at me.
‘If you could refrain from almost causing a massacre, I’d appreciate it.’ Their bored tone had returned as they stole aglass of wine from a passing maid and led me away. ‘Eaveshaw lace is difficult to clean blood out of.’ They indicated the ridiculous shirt they wore beneath their embroidered evening jacket, the silk collar slightly ruffled in a fashion a few centuries out of date.
‘The horrible bastard came over tome.’ I confiscated the glass from them and contemplated throwing it over the voyav. However, I found I needed the drink more than the drama to settle my nerves. I downed it, letting it chase away the bitter bile from Lord Percy’s threat.
‘I meant for wearing that dress.’ Thean’s eyes dragged up my skirts with annoyance as they plucked the empty wineglass from my hand and held it out to a passing servant.
‘Alma picked it.’ I ran my hand over the bodice, the perfect shade of midnight. Simply beautiful as it curved around my waist and rested demurely at the edge of my shoulders. No adornments needed. However, Alma’s ruthless lacing meant far more of me was on show than I appreciated, but considering I’d decided to linger in the shadows, it hadn’t bothered me that much.
‘Of course the little nightmare did.’ They let out an irritated breath, their gaze locking on something over my shoulder.
‘You have two options,’ they commented wryly. ‘You can dance with me or with the greasy man over there that seems intent on asking you.’
Dread made me shudder.
‘Lead,’ I snapped, taking the voyav’s hand before they could offer it. Thankfully the music started with a slow and short waltz. It had been a long time since I’d danced, and I was glad for the distraction of having to focus on my feet and the music that swelled around us. Watching the other couples laugh and dance as they moved across the floor, most giving me a sharp irritated glance.
‘Are you all right, darling?’ Thean asked quietly, making me look into those amber eyes and seeing they’d lost their sharp edge.
‘I should ask you the same thing, I’m surprised Alma let you live.’ I sighed, not needing to give away any more weaknesses.
‘I think she’s quite fond of me,’ they teased, manoeuvring us effortlessly into another turn.
‘Did the claws at your throat give you that impression?’ I asked, unable to stop the mocking smile that came to my lips.
‘She should be flattered I let her catch me.’ They winked, and then I did laugh. At the ridiculousness of it. As if they stood a chance against Alma.
However, it appeared the voyav wasn’t laying games, their face becoming quite pensive as he considered me. ‘What hunts those ruins takes its toll. You should tell your dark protector about it.’
‘What was it?’ I asked. Watching the sharp planes of their face, the mischievous glint in those amber eyes dampened slightly.
