Page 157

You know he will not leave you behind, right? That he will come for you.

Time. She needed to give them more time.

“Scarlett, dear,” Mikale said beside her, with a hard squeeze of her arm.

“Hmm?” she asked, turning to face him. Those shadows twirled around her fingers, weaving among them. She held up her hand, playing with them, and saw Mikale wince slightly.

“I asked how you were feeling with your ailment and all. You hardly touched your dinner.” She could see what he wanted her to say. He wanted her to excuse herself so he wouldn’t need to monitor her for the rest of the evening.

“I am feeling quite well this evening. Isn’t that wonderful? I won’t need to retire early for once,” she said, placing her hand on his arm, digging her nails in. She leaned around him to look at Callan and said with a pout, “This poor thing. He’s too good to me. Normally I’m asleep by now. I cannot even tell you how many times he’s come to find I’ve fallen asleep on the cold, stone floor.”

“Goodness,” Tava said innocently. “Why would you be sleeping on the floor?”

“You know how quickly that tonic can take effect,” Mikale interjected. She could hear him working to keep his voice even, and she smiled serenely at him. “She does not always consider what is best for her.”

“Mikale,” Callan said from the head of the table, placing his napkin on his now empty plate. “I would love to see those new hounds now.”

Callan stood. A prince who would not be denied.

“Of course,” Mikale said, standing as well. “Drake and Cassius, I assume you will join us?”

“Of course,” Cassius said, rising to his feet.

Finn and Sloan readied themselves to follow them, but Scarlett said with a small laugh, “Surely his Highness doesn’t need his guards to follow to our own kennels? Do they not trust you, Lordling?”

Mikale’s face went pale at her words, and she knew. She knew he remembered her words from over a year ago.I bet I know his guards better than you. I can get them messages in ways you can’t even fathom.

To her relief, Finn spoke from the doorway. “She speaks the truth.If you are okay with it Callan, we’ve been here enough to trust nothing will harm you.”

“Thank the gods,” Callan said with a wave of his hand. “A moment’s reprieve from you two. Lead the way, Mikale.”

As the men went to leave, Scarlett did not miss the look Mikale threw to Veda. Neither did Tava.

After the men’s footsteps had faded, Tava looped her arm through Veda’s. “Show me the dress you plan to wear to the ceremony. I bet it is simply stunning.”

“I have a couple of options picked out,” Veda said carefully, looking from Tava to Scarlett. “Maybe you and Scarlett can help me choose?”

“Oh, I would love to, but I’m afraid I was putting up a front for Mikale. He worries so much, but I really should retire and take my tonic,” Scarlett said sadly. “Tava has excellent taste, though. She selected nearly my entire wardrobe when I was welcomed into their home a year ago.”

“Then allow me to escort you to your rooms,” Veda said sweetly.

“No, no,” Scarlett said, waving her off. “You have company, dear sister.”

“Do not be silly,” Veda said, her teeth clenching. “You know how turned around you still get in this big house. Mikale would be most upset if I did not care for you when you are not feeling well.”

“One of the guards can assist me. Take Tava and show her your dress options,” Scarlett said, draining the last of her wine.

“I cannot wait to see them,” Tava said, tugging on Veda’s arm. “Is one of them pink? Pink would be stunning with your complexion.”

Scarlett wiggled her fingers at Veda, who looked over her shoulder at Scarlett while Tava pulled her from the room. The woman’s eyes were pure hatred.

“Effective as always,” came a voice from behind her.

She turned to see Finn behind her.

“Perceptive as always,” she replied. “I don’t have much time.”

“You are in danger?”