11. CHAPTER 11 #3
She breathed in deeply. “I didn’t want to embarrass the governor in front of such important guests.”
The captain glowered. “If the governor welcomes marked women into his home, then you should not hide it for him. That is what you’re hiding, is it not?”
“Yes, sir.” Miya tucked her gloves into her pocket.
What was he doing? Lording his power over her?
“Are there any other women you’re hiding from us to keep for yourself?” The captain asked.
Governor Krowe looked at Miya. “I don’t know of any other marked women. It’s not something I keep track of.”
The captain wiped his face. “Very well. I’ll take this one. Go on and get changed, woman. We’re going into town.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Lance finally looked up from his plate. Was that what this was about? Getting Lance’s attention? She didn’t need the captain’s help with that.
It didn't matter what any of these people who stared thought. She chose to spy. She chose to weaponize her mark. It didn't matter how things used to be, only how they were now, and if they didn't approve, then fuck them.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Krowe’s wife said, stunning Miya. “Our house staff are not permitted to be alone with guests.” She squeezed her hands together. “We don't recognize the legitimacy of that mark.”
“Darling,” Krowe placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay.”
She’d tried to defend Miya? Against this maniac? She couldn’t remember the last time someone spoke up for her, but this woman put her life on the line for a maid she likely didn't recognize.
“The rest of the world does. That’s why it exists.” The captain stood. “Come, men. We’ll have dessert elsewhere. I can’t stomach this place.”
He could have found an excuse to bring her along without all this attention. Tension migrated down to her belly and tied her insides in knots.
Everyone stared, even those who pretended they didn’t by angling away. Whatever. She left to get ready and found the headmistress waiting for her at the dormitory door. “I'll help. Let's not keep them waiting.”
Other women gathered, even though most normally avoided her. They were all terrified of the captain. Maybe even feeling bad for her. Well, she'd be fine. She wasn't scared.
She was fuming.
The captain made a huge scene.
Miya snatched a strappy, fitted dress from one of the maids and stripped off her outfit to change. “Heels.” She stepped into the tight boots the headmistress had placed on the ground.
“Here.” One of the women touched up her mascara while another dabbed her cheeks with blush.
Miya took her makeup bag from one of the women who fetched it for her and applied her lipstick. The headmistress gave her the once-over and laid her hair over her shoulders. “There. You look perfect.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, child. A gift for men is a curse for women.”
There was kindness behind the older woman’s snappy tone. An insult she could take. Compassion? What was Miya to do with compassion? Rather than respond, she left the other women behind.
Miya was over all this. The captain may have a temper, but so did she.
As she approached the double doors of the exit, she noticed a silhouette in the corner of her eye.
Lance leaned against the wall by the coat rack with his hands in his pockets.
When he saw her, he straightened, still for a moment.
Long enough for his gaze to take her in.
A good sign. Too bad Miya was in no mood for the games she needed to play with him.
Now Lance focused on something on the floor that must have been more appealing than her.
“You don’t have to go,” he said.
“Yes, I do.” Miya slid her coat on and fastened the buttons. “No is the most dangerous thing you can say to someone like him. That man is a psychopath. We all should do what he wants. I’m leaving. I’ll be back, and I’ll be okay.”
The muscles in his jaw bunched. Was this an act or for real?
“You’re right that he’s dangerous,” Lance said. “Don’t go with that man. He’s here for war. There’s no telling what he'll do to you.”
She’d spent her adult life coaxing secrets from men. Given enough time, Miya would discover exactly what the captain intended. “You think it’s possible to hide at this point?”
“No. I don’t. Even when there’s no good answer, some things are just wrong. You shouldn’t have to do this.”
“I’ve got this. Goodnight, Lance.” Miya stepped out into the cold.
Whether he truly cared or not, he’d put on a convincing enough show. But she learned long ago never to trust a man who acted as if he cared. Might mean she’d passed on a few good guys, but best not to pick up another bad one.
Especially with such a rotten one to deal with already. The captain might be the most dangerous man she’d encountered, but he had a mission. Something to lose. The worst guys were the ones with nothing. As long as she was useful, she should be safe with him.
Despite knowing this, her body was tensed up so much that her muscles ached. This was the Phaedra they were dealing with. Not just Captain Garrison.