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Why isn’t he sleeping here? And where is he sleeping instead?

Since I never see horses coming or going, I doubt he has a lover somewhere he meets up with. Besides, no one in their right mind would agree to be in close quarters with that abhorrent man.

And then a strange thought occurs to me.

Is it me?

Does he not wish to be anywhere near me? As if I were so distasteful that he cannot bear to sleep one door away from me? Surely that cannot be it.

But why else would he shy away from the most comfortable room in the house? If it’s truly all the pink giving him headaches, then why not redecorate? No builders or architects have been by. It’s not as though he has anything in the works.

Something is very, very strange indeed.

WHEN THE SOLICITOR LEAVES,I pounce upon Eryx.

“Did you have a nice chat?”

He rubs his thumb and forefinger against his brow. “Not exactly.”

“Excellent. What did Vander want?”

“I called for him.”

“Well, what did you want?”

“That is none of your concern.” I’m sure his deep tone, harsh-set face, and imposing height would silence anyone else—but everything he says feels like a challenge I have to accept.

“If you’re having trouble with the accounts, I can offer my services. I am, after all, older and wiser than you.” Also, I need to get into that room for more information about Eryx. And if he is bungling up the accounts, I cannot let that stand! That’s my money.

“I am more than capable of handling all the accounts, despite the ridiculous charges you made before my arrival.”

“The only ridiculous thingisyour arrival.”

He growls. “Do you need something? Or is there a reason you’re still buzzing in my ear?”

My jesting tone turns serious. “This is my home, too. I wish to be notified of any changes.”

“For gods’ sake, the man was here to discussyou, not the house or the accounts!”

“Me?”

“Yes, thanks to our soon-to-be Shadow Queen, dowries, instead of brideprices, are exchanged upon marriage agreements. I needed Vander’s advice on a sum appropriate for you.”

I blink several times before I can find my words. “I beg your pardon?”

Eryx looks right at me. “You are a nuisance. Everywhere I turn, there you are. At my dining table. In my library. Walking the grounds. Sitting in the gardens. You have an uncanny talent for being precisely where I wish to be.”

Do I? The man must be quiet as a mouse, for I have never noticed him stumbling upon me. Only the other way around. And I don’t divert my plans just because he’s already occupying a room in the house.

“The rooms in the manor are quite spacious,” I say. “There’s plenty of room for the two of us.” Not that I like sharing with him, either.

“I disagree, and I want you gone from my house.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “It is a manor, not a house, and it’s notyoursbutours.”

“Only until you are married. A matter that I intend to hurry along.”

I scoff. “You cannot marry me off against my will. You don’t have that authority. I am a dowager. My life is my own.”