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The guard doesn’t speak as he leads me up the dark staircase, the air growing warmer as we ascend. I clutch my arms around myself, trying to calm the storm brewing in my chest.

When we stop in front of a set of double doors, my pulse quickens. The guard pushes them open, revealing a large room lit with golden chandeliers that gleam against the dark wood walls. I’ve never seen this room before.

And there he is.

Damian stands by a roaring fire, his profile sharp in the flickering light. His posture is rigid, his hands clasped behind his back. He doesn’t look at me.

He finally turns to face me, his dark eyes unreadable as he gestures toward yet another piano. “Play.”

I blink. “What?”

“Play the piano. Now.”

My head fuzzy, I walk toward the grand piano. “What am I supposed to play?”

“Anything,” he says, stepping closer. “But you’re not to stop until I say so.”

I swallow the knot in my throat, pressing the first note. Slowly, a melody begins to flow, soft and hesitant at first. My fingers find their rhythm, and the familiar motions soothe my nerves. “Damian?—”

“Lord Prior,” he snaps, stepping closer. “You’ll address me properly.”

I clench my jaw, the music growing uneven as frustration flares in me. This kind of coldness used to scare me when I first knew him. Now it just feels like childish petulance. “You’re not technically prior. If you want me to address you properly, it’s ‘Lord Regent.’”

When I glance up, he’s staring at me coldly. He should be smiling, or at least fighting a smile. He’s always amused when I behave like a stick in the mud.

He leans down, setting both hands on the top of the piano. “The solstice ceremony is in a week, and the doctor is already here. To examine you.”

Heat suffuses my cheeks. “Right. The charlatan.”

“Keep playing.”

I force my hands back onto the keys, the melody stumbling before regaining its flow.

“It serves my purposes perfectly.” Even without seeing his face, I know his smile is cruel. “I have another plan for you.”

I swallow. “And what is that?”

Damian’s eyes are like blue fire. “You’ve committed two acts of treason. Are you prepared to prove your loyalty to me?”

There’s something about his voice that sends a skittering chill down my spine. “Yes,” I answer.

“Anything?”

I raise my chin. I won’t back down. I trust him. And my heart tells me he wouldn’t hurt me.

It’s time to prove my love.

“Anything.”

A wicked smile spreads over his face. “Then we’ll start tonight. And I won’t stop until I’ve put a baby in you.”

I stare at him, uncomprehending. “What?”

He turns toward the door and calls out, “Doctor.”

The door swings open, and a man in a white coat walks inside.

Damian gestures to the couch without even looking at him. “She’s ready.”