Page 40 of A Reign of Malice
I blink. “Um, no? Should I have?”
“It’s a human thing,” Isla answers, flipping her rose-gold hair over her shoulder. “But a fun one.”
Before I can question what that means, they maneuver me into a chair across from where I should’ve been seated.
It’s a subtle move. But effective.
The women on one side of the table. The men on the other.
Oh, Aeson’s definitely going to hate this.
“Exactly,” Estee continues smoothly, grinning as she settles beside me. “We’d like to treat you to one tonight. The fun begins right after dinner, as long as you don’t have any pressing plans.”
I barely part my lips before Aeson cuts in.
“Actually,” his voice is low, edged with warning, “I had special plans for us.”
Strain grows around the table, but Isla doesn’t miss a beat.
She smiles sweetly, but her blue gaze intensifies. “Can’t they be postponed? We’re only here for a few short days, and I was promised time to get to know Queen Sloane.” She pauses, tilting her head. “Something important for our future trade deals, wouldn’t you agree, King Aeson?”
Silence.
Aeson’s grip on his wine glass tightens.
For a second, I think he might refuse. Might insist on keeping me in his grasp for the night.
But then…he nods.
His smile is slow and forced. “Of course, Queen Isla. You ladies have your fun.” His gaze flickers to me, flat and emotionless. “But stay in the castle. I wouldn’t want any accidents to happen to my mate just days before our ceremony.”
Right. That’s why he wants to keep me close.
Isla grins triumphantly. “Excellent.”
Estee squeezes my hand under the table. “We’re going to have the best time.”
Oh, how I wish I could mind-talk with these ladies. Waiting until after dinner to find out what they’re up to just might kill me.
Then again, so might Aeson.
Well, he can try anyway.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
JULIAN
It’s as if the darkness has grown teeth. It gnaws at the edges of my mind, devouring the scraps of strength I have left. Every hour that passes pulls me further into that abyss, my wolf a faint, flickering ember I can barely feel anymore.
But I hold on.
Because of her.
Sloane.
Her name is a lifeline, a whispered promise against the silence. I felt her hesitation when she last left me. The intensity of her uncertainty wrapped around my chest like a vise, but beneath it, there was something else.
Resolve.
