Page 57

“As king, I must have such caution, even with those who have sworn their loyalty.”

Geryon gave a nod, both in understanding and to dismiss him.

He may be the king’s trusted servant and confidant, but they often had conversations like this. Bradwick considered him a flame he couldn’t control but could wield when he wanted to. That made the king wary of him on the odd occasion. He feared Geryon would turn on him and, with the power he wielded, easily kill him.

They had a special relationship. All the cards had been laid on the table from Bradwick, but Geryon had his secrets. He knew why Geryon was here, but not that he sometimes instigated trouble. He didn’t know the lies he’d been told, things that hadn’t been shared.I will protect his life and his place on the throne, but I also endanger him.

Geryon listened to those seated, his sensitive hearing picking up on their conversations. The dinner had been going for quite some time, but there was one thing missing...

Bradwick waved his hand, eventually calling Geryon to his side. He walked over and leaned down next to his shoulder so he could hear his quiet whisper.

“Lady Cecily is absent.”

His eyes drifted up the long length of the table until they fell upon the empty seat near the middle. He’d noticed that, too.

“While you have been otherwise preoccupied, she has taken it upon herself to explore the palace.”

Bradwick frowned, showing he didn’t know anything about this.

“Although I do not mind what she does when she is not entertaining me, she is not permitted to miss the functions I have demanded she attend.” He gave a huff of annoyance before a short paused followed. Then he gave a sigh. “As much as I know you hate it when I give you demands, I fear she may be lost.” He eyed him through the corner of his lids. “Sniff her out.”

Geryon crinkled his nose and rolled his eyes. “Must I? Chasing after your ladies is not appealing.”

Except for this one.

“Are you truly to let me believe you are so insensitive to a woman who could be lost and scared?”

I highly doubt she is frightened.Still, she could be lost.

“Fine. I will go find her.”

With another wave of his hand, Bradwick dismissed him, and Geryon turned from the room.

Once he was out of eyesight, a wicked grin crossed his features.I will get to play after all.

Geryon followed Cecily’s scent, even though it was faint and trampled on by others. With his keen sense of smell, he was able to track it with ease.Here, kittykitty kitty.

Valerie walked the halls of the second floor with her hands clasped in front of her. They bounced with each step forward as she noted the walls next to her. She appeared like a calm and composed woman merely going for a stroll. However...

I am absolutely freaking lost!Night was already upon them.I am supposed to be in the dining hall. It will not reflect well that I am not there.

She truly had no idea where she was going. At some point, she had gotten herself turned around. She no longer knew if she was travelling towards the centre of the palace or the arms of the building.

It was maze-like, with halls that led nowhere, rooms with locked doors, and everything appeared similar in every direction. She walked into a room to see the windows were dark, while a noble appeared confused that she’d opened the door to their suite.

Not everyone’s living arrangements were as grand as hers. Coming across that noble didn’t stop her from opening other doors, merely issuing the same apology to all.

Valerie had only become horribly confused about her whereabouts when she got to the end and needed to turn back. The way she came looked different. Stumbling across stairs that led to grander living places that didn’t touch the bottom or top levels made it even more confusing.

Have I been going in circles?She thought she may be coming upon the corner of the palace, only to realise it was just another strange hallway.Shit,she cursed.

“It appears the curious kitten has gotten herself lost,” a delectable, gruff voice said from around the corner she was about to turn.

“Lord Geryon.” Valerie tried to keep the relief from her voice.He will know the way back.“It appears the palace floors wish to lead me astray.”

Like he’d been there the entire time, his arms were folded across his chest while his back was leaning against the wall.

Two wall drapes hid him partially from view. They were there to make the long hallways look less bleak, and Valerie had seen them in each hallway on this floor. It gave a warm and cosy vibe compared to the wooden panel walls.