Chapter 39
We transition into another dance, easily swaying as if nothing interrupted us. I find myself sliding my eyes up with a soft smile, hoping that I’ve masked the fiery storm brewing beneath the surface. I didn’t count on him scenting me in his studies.
I glance to my left, catching Elion’s stare, who’s then distracted by Ezra. He leans down to murmur something to Elion, and I take advantage of the reprieve.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” I purr.
A broad smile. “I must admit, you are quite convincing. I have no doubt that you belong in this royal gown, but I don’t believe that you are Sensa Blackwyth as you say. But now I’m intrigued, and that’s a dangerous thing for me to be. So who are you?”
I hold his gaze, my thoughts racing as I carefully calculate my answer. The music fades, marking the end of our second song before Ekrin dips me low, arms holding me steady around my waist. He hovers close with a wide, mesmerizing grin.
“Tell me whose blood it is that smells of Shadovar, but also of royalty? Such power you hold,” he whispers the moment I plant my feet onto the marble, my eyes flicking across the room for any sign of someone overhearing.
Ice coats my veins. “If you breathe those words any louder, I’ll gut you in the middle of the floor while Elion watches.”
A menacing gleam shines in his eyes, as if seeing me for the first time, and then he grins. I find myself facing off with the arrogant male I suspected he was just moments earlier—he’s as arrogant as I thought.
“Then why don’t we find somewhere private to discuss this,” he mumbles, guiding us to the balcony overlooking the courtyard.
We stop at the railing and face each other. Ren follows but hovers by the glass doors with a wary look on his face, remaining far enough away to not overhear our conversation.
I hold Ekrin’s cold stare when he leans in. “I’ve been wondering if it was a coincidence that you stole the wrong documents with a fresh seal, or if you’re just really bad at your job.”
My elbows lean against the railing, a knowing grin lifting the corners of my mouth. I knew that what I stole is nothing important. Not really.
Nothing other than a stack of marriage proposals from women waiting in line for their chance at being a duchess. I placed them into a new envelope with the duke’s wax seal, knowing that what I did find is enough to get him killed.
What can I say? Curiosity is a weakness of mine.
“And what if I did purposely steal the wrong ones, choosing to leave behind what was so bravely left out on the desk? A duke should know better, don’t you think?” I tsk with a smirk.
“Then you have my full attention, because why would you want to steal marriage proposals knowing that what I had lying around was incredibly incriminating?” he asks.
I face the courtyard as he steps beside me. He’s so close that I feel the warmth seeping through his tunic, but I know if we were farther apart and arguing, someone would relay that to King Elion. Ekrin pivots, angling his body toward mine.
His cold but curious gaze meets mine, keeping my voice down.
“I spent my time doing what I could to find out why King Elion had me steal those documents before I even scouted your estate. You’d be surprised by what you can find out when posing as someone looking to leave the realm,” I mutter, and he clenches his jaw.
“You can imagine my surprise when I learned that Duke Ekrin Highcrest has been smuggling out the Shadovar half-breeds and into Aurelia right under Elion’s nose. Or is that Eldryn?”
“What do you want?”
“Answer me this and I’ll tell you. Why do you do it?” I ask, and his gaze softens for a breath before scoffing.
“Because I watched him murder my parents for caring about their half-blooded staff and their Shadovar friends years after he placed the ban. They made the mistake of keeping the knowledge of their Shadovar friends a secret and were then labeled as sympathizers. I watched his eyes glaze over with madness as his guards cut off their heads. He made me stand there, begging for him to stop, and said he used them as an example in case I had any ideas as a new duke. I decided to help those who want to flee from this realm after witnessing everyone I loved die, and I’ll continue to do it until my own head is rolling on the floor. ”
For a moment, my heart stops as I hear one of the many senseless acts King Elion committed all because he was angry with my mother. Was she really the reason he snapped or was it always bound to happen? Silence passes between us before I give him a small nod.
“I’ll keep your little secret to myself if you keep mine, and I’ll agree to be there should you need it if you do the same for me. Now that you’ve sniffed out whatever it was through that nose of yours.”
Because now I have more than who’s necessary knowing what blood runs through my veins, and I can’t risk Elion finding out that I know through a duke.
Ekrin could be beneficial if I were to use him in the future, for whatever plan I decide to brew later.
Who knows how far my mother’s mission will go, but I have to prepare for anything.
“I don’t like to repay debts,” he warns.
“It’s not a debt…” I glance over my shoulder, finding Ren leaning against the frame with a scowl on his face. “Call it even.”
Ekrin chuckles, suddenly yanking me to his chest, my lips parting in surprise. His mouth hovers over my ear.
“You want an alliance? Fine. I’ll even keep to myself how someone of such royalty lives under the roof of her largest enemy, or—” He stops himself, and I stiffen.
“Should I say more? There’s so much I discovered just by scenting you.
Your blood is rich and dark, yet light as the air we breathe.
It hums with power. I wonder what that mate of yours would do…
” He casually glances at guests who continue to dance inside, seemingly unaware of who stands on the balcony.
My eyes go wide as I reach back, feeling the mark in my hair to ensure that it’s secured beneath my thick waves. His brows pinch. Did he see the mark of Aurelia? He couldn’t have—it’s hidden.
“I don’t have a mate,” I mutter, stepping out of his hold.
He tilts his head with a smirk. “I guess that means you’re available then. If that’s the case, I would like to formally ask for your hand in marriage, Sensa Blackwyth. If that’s your real name.”
A small grin tugs at my lips. “I’m already spoken for.”
“Are you? I don’t see a ring on your finger, and you’re clearly not mated.” He narrows his eyes, assessing me again before briefly glancing at the doors. “Why not create the best alliance through a marriage bond? We could change the world.”
“You’re only interested because of what runs through my veins. Nothing more,” I say, and his pale green eyes narrow in assessment, as if I’m a prize to behold—something precious.
“That would be a perk, wouldn’t it? Though that’s not why I ask, because I have a feeling you are incredibly…
. important. But out of everyone I’ve met, you are by far the most captivating.
And although you’re really good at lying, you’re the only one that has ever given me such an interesting conversation.
And that really intrigues me. You’d be an incredible asset, and we could make the perfect team since you clearly sympathize with…
them, don’t you think?” he mutters, refusing to say those specific words out loud.
“I have a thing for the mean ones. It’s always been a flaw of mine. ”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I purr, giving him a once-over. “I got it from my mother.”
He gives me a slow smirk, and the way his pale green eyes hold mine—like he knows—makes my smile falter. My breath catches in my throat. He couldn’t know just by scenting me… could he?
“Just think about it,” he murmurs, casually tucking his hands back into his pockets.
“I don’t need to. I’m not interested,” I say cooly, somehow managing to hold my composure as I walk toward Ren, my dress sweeping across the cold stone. My side grazes him before looking over my shoulder at Ekrin, who leans against the railing with a hungry, knowing look on his face.
“What did you do?” Ren asks quietly. The look on his face tells me that he’s heard at least some of our conversation—but how much?
“I just formed our first alliance.”
The next morning, I chose not to wait for Karina to send someone up to my chambers. Already awake, I secured my weapons to my waist, gathered the borrowed items, and took them to her.
Now, as I step into the hall, my attention is quickly drawn to King Elion and Ren striding past with Theron closely behind.
Elion’s eyes land on me. He halts a few feet away and motions for Theron to remain at the corner of the hall.
The gesture is clear—he intends to have a private chat with me.
Ren remains silent behind Elion’s left shoulder.
I bow. “Your Majesty.”
“Isa, I just sent Theron to your chambers, but you weren’t there. I’m curious, what did you find out last night?” he asks.
Looks like we’ll be discussing this in the hall, but okay.
I lift my chin. “I believe the rumors being spread about Duke Ekrin Highcrest have something to do with his previous childhood relationship with a Shadovar. But once the ban was put in place, it was clear to me that he remained no contact with those of the other realm. He even expressed great interest in finding a duchess of Elderheim, mentioning the most recent proposals he’s received from all over the realm. ”
He grunts, stroking his jaw for a moment. My hands remain clasped tightly behind my back, steadying myself under his piercing gaze.
“I agree,” he mumbles. “That would explain why he asked for your hand in marriage, which came as a shock to me, but that just told me you did your job correctly for once.”
I straighten. “He did?”
Elion smirks. “Yes, but I told him you were already spoken for by a selected match from your aunt and uncle in Eldryn. He was quite… enthralled with you. He even offered a hefty payment, which was more than enticing, but Captain Demaris made an excellent point—you’re exactly where I want you to be for the moment. ”
My blood turns cold at the double meaning, and I realize that both Ren and King Elion had time to discuss this already. Yet I can’t shake the fury rising in my chest at another choice being stripped from me. By Elion.
Despite that, I only respond with a small nod. “My wish is your command, Your Majesty. Anything for the realm.”
He gives a small wave of his hand, catching Theron’s attention before giving me one last glance, accompanied by a cold smirk.
“Anything for the realm,” Elion murmurs, then walks past.
Ren remains in front of me, and I wait until King Elion is out of earshot before I speak.
“Why?” I ask, but he looks past me, refusing to meet my gaze.
“Because a male like Ekrin Highcrest wouldn’t know what to do with you.”
“You made that choice for me,” I snap quietly.
I never would have agreed to it because of Rydian, but the option—the choice—was stripped from me just like every other time. After spending my life with choices taken away, it feels like a violation. Bitterness coats my tongue as I glare with a lethal calm when he finally meets my gaze.
“We both know Ekrin is not where you need to end up,” he says so quietly, and I quickly realize the true meaning behind his actions—he speaks of Aurelia.
He knows that if the king decided to marry me off, I wouldn’t be leaving with Rydian by the end of this mission—whenever that is. One way or another, I won’t be tied here much longer, and Ren just secured that for me.
I blink, registering his words, and give him a curt nod before King Elion calls for him down the corridor.