Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Her brows furrow ever so slightly, as if I’m an object of pity. “Has Prince Kyranis not mentioned me?”
When she sits on the table by the notes, I can already imagine Sabine’s expression of fury, but the Marquise seems as at ease here, as if this is her own space.
“Should he have?” I ask, trying to hide my nerves. Has a game of word chess already started, and this is yet another opponent sent by the Goldweeds?
After nearly losing my life in the caves, I decided to heed Kyran’s warning and trust no one but those he authorizes. This woman is unfamiliar, though I have a vague sense I saw her at the execution.
Her hair is the blackest black I’ve seen and so smooth it appears wet, but there’s no water dripping from it onto her exposed bosom as she takes a deep breath.
“I know him fairly well, and he’s been quite distant since he fetched you from the other world,” she says.
Oh.
Oooooh.
My senses go on high alert. Could it be that she was Kyranis’s lover? Irrational jealousy flares up inside me even though the twin she was with has died. Is it strange to feel that way about my own lover’s brother? Just because they looked the same?
Does she hate me?
I would have hated anyone who started hoarding Kyran’s attention.
But that might be a matter of my rotten personality.
I choose to tread lightly. “It’s been quite the whirlwind,” I say, knowing it means exactly nothing. And that’s the point. I’m gonna stay neutral and say noncommittal things, so I’m not again drawn into some intrigue at court.
“They say he lavishes you with attention even when there’s nobody to see,” she says and wags her finger in mock-disapproval. “And you aren’t even married yet.”
I smile, avoiding her penetrating black gaze. “If no one can see, how would they know? I assume the prince is charming toward anyone.” Unless he’s about to kill them.
“He definitely can be. He’s a man who likes to spread his charm around,” she tells me, and as she leans back, the tightly laced dress wraps itself even closer around her waist.
If I were anywhere near bisexuality, I’d probably be whimpering ‘mommy?’ by now.
The idea of Kyran “spreading” his charm takes me aback for half a second. Not because I’m a stranger to slutting around, but because he seems so focused on me. I don’t think he’d have the time for anyone else. Of course, Kyran is not the same person as Kyranis. My Kyran was a very horny virgin, but definitely not the rake this lady is acquainted with.
“I don’t think it would be appropriate while he courts his promised,” I say, even though I have no idea what the rules around that are. What if the elf courting their future Dark Companion was already married? After all, it was made clear to me that not all Companions have romantic or sexual relationships with the people to whom they traded their shadow.
She hides her mouth, but I still spot her initial, uninhibited reaction, a surprised smile, as if she sees me as painfully naive. “I’m just… surprised that you’re a man. That’s not his usual repertoire. Is he… enthusiastic in his courting?” she asks, no doubt wanting to find out if she’s been dumped without a word. Can’t fault a lady for wanting to know where she stands.
How can I milk the conversation for the information I want? She’s been around Kyranis and his family before. While she doesn’t look a day over twenty-five, for all I know, she could have been born earlier than Kyran’s parents.
I glance up at her, pretending I have no idea what she’s talking about. I can only hope no bites are visible on my neck from under the high collar of my shirt. “Very enthusiastic. He brings me flowers, we eat together every day, and he indulges my new pet.” I point to Flap when he decides to peek out of the bag I put on the table, pushing aside the book. He yawns, showing off his needle-sharp teeth. “Didn’t his father have a male Dark Companion as well?”
She sighs, glancing past me, perhaps to study at the portrait I was admiring earlier. “Indeed. He was already married when he chose his companion, which became a… source of tension. Not everyone can cope with other people in the relationship. It was probably Her Majesty who didn’t want him in this painting.”
I dread to think of Kyran ever wanting an elven spouse. Which is silly because I’ve told Kyran that I’m leaving him after the wedding, so why wouldn’t he consider marrying someone else once his shadow bond was secured? He would need companionship and an heir, among other things, but I hope he’d only choose another partner after my death. It’s selfish of me, but no one needs to know my intimate thoughts.