Page 128

“Have you and Cassius ever fought like that?” he asked quietly after several minutes had passed.

“We have fought, but this is definitely in the running for one of the worst we’ve ever had,” she replied, her face still in her hands.

“He is worried about you going before the Council?”

“No,” she sighed, finally lifting her head to look at him. He was studying her with those golden eyes, rolling his flames among his fingers. A small part of her marveled at the magic, and she secretly envied him for it. She would eventually learn about her Fae heritage, but not yet. Not now. She had too many other things to worry about. “This is not the first time I have been summoned and will not be the last. If they pass judgment, I will endure it as I always have.”

“And the Assassin Lord?” he asked. “The Commander seemed more worried about him than the Council.”

“As he should be. What he did to me today was… Let’s just say he is the embodiment of every wicked thing that is said about the Black Syndicate. If your Court is looked upon as being evil and cruel, he is a Dark Lord who would make your Court look like a land of flowers and rainbows.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently.

“No,” she said slowly. She shook her head, clearing her mind from what was to come tomorrow night. She patted the seat next to her on the sofa and took a deep breath. “I want you to come and sit while I tell you a story.”

Sorin seemed to freeze in place. “You do not need to tell me, Scarlett.”

“No, I do not,” she answered, slowly unlocking that place where those memories had been pushed so far down. “But you should know.If you are going to help me plan, you should have all the facts. You should know why I refuse some things so adamantly. You should know why that fight just happened. You should know why what happened before Cass showed up happened. But mostly…” She brought her eyes to his as he carefully sat back onto the sofa beside her. “I trust you, Sorin. I trust you with all of it.”

CHAPTER 35

SCARLETT

ALITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO

Callan had convinced her to attend the feast by coming with Cassius who attended with the Tyndell family. As nervous as she had been to be seen publicly with him, the midnight blue dress she was wearing made her ridiculously happy. It was floor length with gold beading that sparkled when the light hit it just right. It had a wide neckline, dipping low in the back, tight sleeves, and a fitted bodice that flowed out from the waist. Her gold slippers were accented by the gold combs that had pinned her hair up. Kohl smudged her eyes and her lips were painted red. Gold had been dusted across her eyelids, and gold earrings hung from her ears. Her spirit amulet hung at her throat.

“Once you are queen, you’re going to let us in the castle the normal way, right?” Juliette asked with a wink as she helped finish dusting on cosmetics.

“I’m not going to be queen,” Scarlett scoffed, sliding a gold bracelet onto her wrist.

“You would be an excellent one, you know,” Juliette replied, her voice softening.

“I am Death’s Maiden. I cannot be queen.”

“I think the Crown Prince would say otherwise,” Nuri countered from where she lay sprawled on the bed.

“Maybe someday you will think differently,” Juliette offered with a shrug.

“I may care deeply for the prince, but not enough to bind myself to a throne,” Scarlett said, getting to her feet.

“So you will be content to just be his mistress on the side?” Juliette asked sarcastically as Scarlett slung her cloak on and threw her a vulgar gesture. “He’s going to need to marry sooner or later, you know. If it will not be you, I suppose you should enjoy it while it lasts.”

“I will,” Scarlett retorted snidely. “Maybe the two of you can keep your noses out of my godsdamned business. I’ve never said a word about the men you parade through your beds.”

Things had been off and tense between them all for months, ever since their fight. It was affecting everything.

“That’s not what I meant—” Juliette started.

“I will see you in the morning,” Scarlett said with a wave of her hand, and she left her room without a look back.

She danced the first dance with Cassius, but then was intercepted by the heir of the King’s Hand, Mikale Lairwood. His sister had been dancing with Callan since she arrived, and Finn and Sloan had given Scarlett glares when she’d entered with the Tyndells on Cassius’s arm. Their eyes had been on her all night. She curtsied to Mikale, and he began leading her through the steps of the dance.

“You finally make a public appearance then?” he said. She stumbled at his words, but he held her upright and a low laugh escaped him. “My sister has been dying to meet you, you know.”

“You know who I am?” she asked, keeping her tone neutral and conversational.

“Easily the most beautiful woman in the room who has never been seen here before without a mask? Yes, I know who you are. You are the secret the prince has been keeping,” he said. She didn’t know what to say as he spun her around to the music. “Do you know who I am?” he asked when she remained silent.