Page 84 of Fall of Ruin and Wrath

I shook my head. “That I couldn’t read from him.”

His lashes lowered, and he was quiet for several moments. “The Prince of Vytrus rode out this morning at dawn,” Claude said, running his hands over my breasts once more, and then his hands went to the table, beside mine. “He told one of the guards he’d be back by supper. I figure that is when he plans to discuss things with me.”

I searched myself for a hint of disappointment over him ceasing to touch me and found nothing but apathy. I didn’t want that. I wanted to find more. “Do you wish to inspect anywhere else, like between my thighs, for signs of the Prince’s brutality?”

Claude snorted. “Maybe later. I’m expected to join the Bower brothers.”

The Bowers were a pair of aristo sons who were as often reckless as the Baron. I really hoped he planned on keeping his mind clear.

“I want you with me when he does speak with me.”

My stomach dipped. “Why?”

“Because I want to make sure he is telling me everything,” he said, fixing the lace on my bodice. “And that he has no ill intentions when it comes to his presence.”

Shit.

I would be as much help to him as a crystal ball. He stepped back, and I slipped from the desk. The gown pooled against the floor as panic threatened to spiral.

“I’ll have Hymel summon you when he returns, so stay close.” He bent, kissing my cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

I stood motionless as Claude strolled out of the study, and I remained there for several moments. “Fuck,” I moaned, letting my head fall back.

“No, thank you.”

My head jerked upward and twisted toward the sound of Hymel’s voice.

He stood in the open doorway, the ever-present smirk plastered across his features. “I’m sure my cousin already took care of that for you today.” He paused. “Then again, that would’ve been unimpressively quick.”

Rolling my eyes, I ignored him as I headed toward the door.

Hymel didn’t move. “What did he want to talk to you about in private?” he demanded. “Was it about Prince Rainer?”

I stopped then, but I didn’t respond.

“He just asked me in the hall to send a message to the Prince of Primvera requesting to meet but wouldn’t tell me why,” Hymel said.

Surprise flickered through me. Could it be about the shadow market? If so, was he just now getting around to doing that? Weeks later?

“I’m betting you know why he’s requested a meeting,” Hymel surmised.

I honestly didn’t, but what I found interesting was the fact that neither did Hymel. I doubted it was something that had simply slipped Claude’s mind. I said nothing as I brushed past him.

He turned quickly, grabbing my wrist. Grip tight, he yanked me back. I stumbled, catching myself as my furious gaze shot to his. I yanked on his hold—

Hymel twisted his wrist sharply. I yelped at the sharp, sudden pain radiating up my arm. His eyes lit up and the tilt of his smile was sickening. “I asked you a question.”

“I know,” I seethed, watching his eyes widen in response to me actually speaking to him. “And I’m ignoring you, so let me go.”

His lips peeled back. “You think you’re so special, don’t you? Yet you’re— ”

“Nothing more than a whore. I know. I heard you the first five hundred times you said that. At least I’m getting off.” I held his stare, knowing I was about to deliver a low, mean blow that was as cruel as he was. “Can’t say the same about you though.”

The back of Hymel’s other hand cut through the space between us, aiming straight for my face, but somehow, I wasfaster.I caught his arm, my fingers curling into the crispness of his tunic. “Do not ever think to strike me.”

Hymel’s jaw loosened, his face paling as he dropped my aching wrist. Our stares locked, and for a moment, I would’ve sworn I saw fear in his eyes. Real, primal fear. Then his expression smoothed out.

“Or what, Lis?”