Page 87 of The Blood that Binds Us

I lick my lips. “Only the ones I take to bed, Your Grace.”

I turn and head for the doors, but not before I glimpse theravenouslook on Sin’s face, like my comment incited some kind of hunger as wild and raw as his heart. A heart I will eagerly rip from his chest and devour if he doesn’t make good on his word.

River dropped off a pouch of coin in my room the morning Sin left, insisting the Black Art left it for me to purchase a gown from the modiste’s shop in town. I accepted it, easily reading the unwritten message inscribed on the leather bag. Sin wants to buyme a gown to show just how little he cares that I’ve agreed to attend the celebration with Cornelius. And judging from the number of silvers I found in the bag, he doesn’t want me skimping on quality.

Heshouldn’tcare that I bring a date. Not when the Black Art and I have nothing between us except a night of unbridled lust that was a natural consequence of our magic expulsion. I’ve reminded myself several times since our night in the study that we acted on impulse and nothing more. Singard Kilbreth and I donotbelong together—nor will we ever. The only thing preventing him from riding city to city slaughtering every transcendent in his path is the agreement we made: I keep his secret undisclosed, and he doesn’t brutally murder my family. Only a monster could fall in love with someone like that.

And speaking of monsters, I look downrightmalevolent.

A long red dress made from crushed velvet hugs every single one of my curves, the neckline plunging deep between my breasts, the vertex almost at my navel. Gloves of the matching color adorn my arms to the elbow, and I wear a pair of strappy golden heels. River helped style my hair into a thick crown braid and placed a crystal leaf comb along the side, and I admire how it catches the light when I turn my head in the mirror.

Knock, knock.“I have a delivery for you, my Lady,” a servant calls from the other side of the door. I let her in, and she hands me a long, rectangular box with a small envelope stuck to the top of it. As soon as she leaves, I rip open the envelope and pull out a piece of decorative stationary with a note penned in excellent script.

I crumple the paper, toss it aside, and open the slender box, my eyes threatening to pop from their sockets when I behold the treasure inside. A golden necklace, seated inside a protective velvet cutout, stares back at me, the fine shimmering metal as radiant as the summer sun. A teardrop pendant hangs from its center, a large garnet inlaid in a gold setting.

I swipe the paper from the floor, smooth it open, and reread Sin’s note.

Where you lie.

I nearly ignite the parchment with sparks at my fingertips. There is no doubt in my mind of the double meaning in his words—clearly, a necklace of this value could only come from the kingdom’s wealth. The Black Art wants me to wear the necklace like some sort of kingdom trophy, while also suggesting I am off limits to the lords in attendance tonight.

Off limits to Cornelius.

As if Sin has any ownership of me.

I slam the box shut, toss it onto the bed, and strut out of the room, holding my chin high to accentuate my very bare neck.

Cornelius is striking in a deep blue coat with matching trousers, his wavy hair freshly combed and plastered to his head with some kind of holding agent. He’s waiting for me at the bottom of the stairwell and takes my gloved hand in his when I reach the bottom step.

“You look exquisite, Lady Wren.”

With my hand clutched in his, I dip into a deep curtsy. “As do you, my Lord. Shall we go stir up some trouble?” I shoot him a playful wink and motion towards the long corridor that leads to the castle’s ballroom.

I allow Cornelius to keep my hand as we make our entrance. The space is the definition of elegance, from the golden chandeliers with dripping crystal accents to the fine lace tablecloths draped over the long tables pushed against the walls. Bouquets of flowers picked fresh from the garden spring from decorative vases, their petals rivaling the elaborate gowns twirling around the room for vibrancy. Green garland with colorful berries poking through the leaves wrap around the tall white pillars, the smell of pine penetrating the room with its earthy aroma.

I slam down a wall between my energy and the swarming horde of collectives in the room, refusing to allow it to overwhelm me tonight. With my sister’s fate unbeknownst to either of us, I need a distraction. And right now, Cornelius is looking mighty distracting.

Silver clinks against glass, and Dusaro gathers the attention of the room from the dais at the far end. The sight of Sin’s father alone has my hand itching for the dagger I strapped to my thigh, so I place it on Cornelius’s arm instead. The room erupts into a thunderous applause as Sin and Ileana enter from the far door and make their way to the dais.

Sin wears a black tailcoat tailored to perfection with a crisp white shirt beneath his jacket, and dark trousers that conform to his legs in all the right places. Ileana walks a few steps behind him dressed in a strappy silver gown that compliments her dark complexion, her black curly hair cascading down her back. Never is Ileana without beauty, but tonight, she is nothing shy of perfection.

I scan the room, noting how everyone’s eyes fixate on Sin immediately, as if his presence alone demands their attention. He delivers a short welcome with rehearsed grace, the kingdom’s responsibility in the city’s destruction instantly forgiven with a single speech from their charming leader. As soon as he dismisses the crowd to enjoy their evenings, they are both surrounded by townsmen and their wives eager to share their appreciation for Legion’s recent devastation.

Cornelius is well-mannered and refined, and introduces me to many of the old acquaintances he knew from his past. We sample some of the pastries with fruit filling and share a large slice of a mouthwatering tart, rich with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and caramelized onions. And as promised, he steers far away from the dance floor during group dances, which is why it surprises me when he asks me to join him for the partner dance.

I notice Sin hasn’t participated in any of the group dances either. He’s been swarmed with people talking his ear off on all sides, and I’m not sure if he’s even noticed my presence here tonight at all. Which is a shame, as I really want him to see I have chosen not to wear his stupid, possessive necklace. I also notice the goblet of mead that hasn’t left his hand all night, apparentlyhisdate for the evening.

Cornelius leads me to an open space on the floor as the musicians begin to play their stringed instruments. He places his hands on either side of my waist, remarking on the softness of my dress, and we step in time with the harmonized music.

“You’re decent on your feet for someone who acts like the dance floor might attack them, my Lord.”

“I said I didn’tlikedancing, not that I couldn’t,” Cornelius says, pulling me closer to him and flashing me a dangerous grin.

“Well, dancing looks rather good on you. Perhaps you should engage in the activity more often,” I tease, giving his arms a slight squeeze.

Am I flirting with him?

“Apparentlywarlooks good on you. My father mentioned you fought in the city. How does a woman of your stature find herself tangled up with the lot of Singard’s men anyway?”

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