Page 75 of A Steeping of Blood (Blood and Tea #2)

ARTHIE

Arthie’s heart was in her throat when she stood with the cool, bronze mask over her face, her shoulders squared.

Beside her, the Council members asked if something was amiss.

The Ram was barely feet away, basking in the cheers of her people.

What did they cheer for? The Ram had promised nothing tangible.

Arthie, on the other hand, would give them something tangible. She took two steps toward the Ram, her hands inching higher and higher.

Until she froze.

For the Ram rang that bell one more time, ensuring every single errant eye was on her.

Then she reached behind her head and removed the mask of the Ettenian monarch herself, dropping her cloak in one fell swoop, and revealing her identity as Lady Linden to each of her handpicked guests.