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Anton’s laugh was surprisingly sharp. “Oh, Aberforth. You are fucked.”

“I’m not looking for romance,” Samuel said simply, because it was true. He couldn’t risk it, and he learned that lesson well.

“What’s that saying?” Anton snapped his fingers. “Right, those who have sworn off romance are bound to find it. But anyway, fascinating as this is, I’m not here to speculate on Shan’s love life. Or realistically, lack thereof.”

“I was telling you the truth, Sir LeClaire.”

“Oh, no,” Anton grimaced. “None of that.”

“Fine,” Samuel snapped. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help more, Anton.”

“I really didn’t expect you to,” Anton admitted, setting his empty glass down. “I don’t know why I even bothered coming.”

Samuel couldn’t help the way he bristled. He knew, logically, that it wasn’t personal. That Shan clearly thrived on secrets, that she had plans within plans, and she used people as needed, confiding in no one. She had admitted as much this very night. And if even her twin didn’t know the full extent of her plans, then who would?

It was understandable and disappointing all at once.

This was like the worst game of poker. They both had their cards, but they couldn’t compare them without betraying Shan. And Samuel knew that neither of them would. It was an exercise in futility. “Then why did you?”

“Curiosity,” Anton replied. “And misplaced hope.”

Samuel shrugged. “And how did that work out for you?”

“Not well.” But he looked up with a grin. “If you think that means I’m giving up, you’re wrong. I don’t give up. If we’re going to be working together, you’d best learn that.”

“We’re going to be working together, then?”

Anton’s grin turned sharp. “Haven’t you learned anything yet? We all work for Shan. She’s seen to that.” Samuel sucked in a harsh breath, and Anton’s facade cracked. “I’m not being cruel, Samuel. My sister is… challenging. She has her plans, but she doesn’t trust easily. Or at all.”

Samuel bit his lip. Anton was right about that much. She was like ice, slow to melt, and Samuel feared that the very act of thawing would destroy something fundamental about her. It didn’t stop him from wanting to try, though. “So now what?”

“Nothing,” Anton said, without hesitation.

Samuel could only blink in confusion. “Nothing?”

“Nothing,” Anton confirmed. “I learned what I needed to know.”

“And what is that?”

“That it is too late,” Anton replied. “You are already thoroughly her creature. She has that effect on people.”

“You don’t know anything about me,” Samuel said, but Anton’s words were true. He was her creature and he didn’t know precisely when that had happened. But there was only a small part of him that feared what would happen when she realized it, too.

Anton chuckled. “It’s funny. I wouldn’t have expected the heir to the most dangerous family in Aeravin to be so innocent.” His smile was all teeth, and he looked so much like his sister that Samuel’s breath caught. “I can read you like a book, Lord Aberforth. I don’t know her plans with you, or what she’s going to do to you, but I can tell you care about her.”

“I’m her ally, Anton.”

“For now,” Anton said, leaning back against the wall. He pulled off such a pose of elegant disdain that Samuel almost rolled his eyes.

“I’m going to help your sister in her plans,” Samuel said, keeping deliberately vague. “To make Aeravin better. But I will not go behind her back. If she needs my help, I’ll offer it directly.”

Anton studied him for a long moment. “You really don’t belong here, Aberforth.”

Samuel met his gaze head on. “I really don’t.”

“Fine, then.” Anton pushed away from the wall. He inclined his head—a mocking little bow—and swept out of the room with a dramatic air.

Samuel just stared after him, chilled to the bone. There was something off about this whole LeClaire family, even if he hadn’t figured out the particulars yet. And he was entirely too caught up in their schemes.