Page 47 of Until the End of Ever
Lucian was still in his duster, with his fancy leather fighting gear underneath—though he’d brushed off all the dirt from the dragon hunt. He looked like a prince on his way to rejoin the head of his army.
“Well, I’m not a Regis,” I reminded him.
“Yet.” That wicked smile made me shiver, as he leaned in and whispered, “But if you keep pushing your luck, you certainly are at risk of getting kidnapped by dark wizards.”
I huffed, throwing the navy blouse on. “You say that.”
“And somehow, you think I’m joking. Hands up.”
Feeling like a ten-year-old, I complied, letting him slide the top on me.
On the mirror inside the wardrobe’s door, I could actually see that the overall effect wasn’t as terribly excessive as I’d feared.
The diamond did a strange thing, twinkling in the light in a way that made me want to smile. But it didn’t look like an eye-wateringly expensive piece that belonged in a museum. The overall effect was just…nice.
It should have been criminal, really. I knew I was wearing at least my annual salary. It shouldn’t feel like something I could throw on with bloodyyoga pants.
“You love it,” Lucian noted, looking at my reflection in the mirror.
My expression made that plain.
“No wonder you hate Geraldine’s necklace.”
I winced. “I don’t hate it. It’s just…a lot. And old-fashioned. And a little girlish? I can think of better things to do with that many bloody diamonds.”
Like a constellation cape. Damn, I wanted my own. I wondered if Kaelius would be pissed if I stole the design. Maybe I could do it with sea glass.
“In all seriousness, you ought to tread carefully, Valesco. I wasn’t forthcoming as to the reasons why you’re safer in the manor. It’s your business, and we’re not shouting from the rooftop that we’re looking for solutions. So my family has made their own assumptions.” Lucian lifted one finger. “You won over Mother when you said fuck you to the council and hunted her down to help with Elias. And she’sdesperatefor grandchildren. On top of that, Father wants you in his diamonds. Enough said.” The middle finger joined the other two. “And my grandfather would sell his soul to ensure you keep baking him treats. You can expect them all to demand I promptly abduct you.”
I rolled my eyes. “At least your grandmother doesn’t like me.”
“She has arthritis, knee issues, and a bad back. She doesn’t like anyone.” He snorted. “Except Mother, perhaps. I’m supposed to go get the brats for dinner. See you downstairs. Do attempt not to twine another unsuspecting Regis around your little finger in my absence.”
If he was being ridiculous, so would I. “Not promising anything.”
Nevertheless, he was right. I’d never felt as welcomed by anyone outside of my own family. Scratch that: anyone at all. Something told me these people opened their arms to anyone crossing their doorsteps.
19
LUCIAN
Idid my best. I tried very hard to escape my mother, locating her as soon as I entered the dining room, and ensuring she was on the other side of the room at all times.
It took her seven minutes to corner me.
“Why, pray tell, am I not getting an official announcement yet?” Cassiopea hissed, appearing from a dark corner like an eldritch nightmare.
She must have nicked that trick from Ronan.
“She lives with you—don’t deny it, Cassius talked of morning baked goods. You don’t bake. You don’t even do mornings!”
Damn Cassius. I told him not to mention Kleos, but of course he had to find ways around that, the ancient gossip.
“Because,” I ground my teeth together, “there’s nothing to announce.”
“Oh, young people these days!” she growled threateningly.
“Kleos and I are friends. She needs help with an issue, so she’s staying at the manor—in a spare bedroom. And she’s accepting suitors like a good little Pendros, none of them by the name of Regis.”
