Page 22 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

The arrogance.Does everyone always bow to him?

“You’re the worst kind of danger,” I accuse, stepping off the wall, body strangely missing his warmth. “Whatever is in these halls, I’m sure it pales in comparison to whatIam capable of, heir.”

“Your inflated sense of ego will be your downfall.” He winks and my eyes turn into slits at his cockiness.“You’re all of five feet of puredelicatefeatures and fearsome blue eyes, to be sure. But in this court, you are a commodity—prey for those in power. If they catch you, which they will, you don’t stand a chance, advisor.”

“And this concerns you, how?” I ask, tone biting. “Why do you care? If I’m prey then I’m beneath you. If I’m a commodity, I can only assume you’d like to see me sold. Unless there is a reason, you shouldn’t bother wasting your breath to warn me of dangers not yet seen.”

He laughs coldly. The black submerges his eyes again, stilling my breath. It’s a battle not to shake before him.

But I don’t fear him—his power, maybe, but not him. It’s the strangestthing.

“Care?” He scoffs. “Idon’t. I barely know you. I’m merely offering a warning. Do what you will, with it.”

“And if I don’t?” I challenge, moving closer to him. Moments ago, I wanted him gone. Afraid that if he touched me, I’d burn. Now, I can’t seem to let him go. “What if I continue to haunt these halls, alone? What will become of me?”

“Death, most likely,” he says casually. “Do you wish for death, advisor?”

I snort, glancing away. “Death would be too easy.”

His jaw bounces, weighing his words. “There are horrors in these halls that would scare someone so young. Things that would keep you up at night.”

I chuckle. “You’ve no idea what keeps me up at night, heir.”

He glares, the smirk growing sharper. “I can see stubbornness is a trait you possess in abundance.” He steps close, hand gripping his sword. “Listen well, advisor. Do not go anywhere unattended. Do not attempt to. It will only hurt you in the end.”

“I can defend myself,” I insist, crossing my arms.

Tilting his head, his thumb brazenly rubs against my mouth, as if to smear my makeup. When nothing moves, his brows furrow.

“Perhaps,” he relents. “But you should still listen to me.”

“Listen to someone who doesn’t care? Why bother if you don’t?” I cock an eyebrow as he drains his chalice, finally moving back. “Dark Fae aren’t known for caring for other species out of the goodness of their hearts. Why should I listen?”

He snorts, tossing his chalice away. “And Witches are not known for being hospitable to my kind. Seems we’re both not what the other assumes.”

Moving to the exit, he jerks his chin and my pulse hammers in my throat. “I cannot force you to listen to me, but you should.”

“You’re quite arrogant, heir.”

He winks. “For good reason.” Inhaling, he scans my body again, his lips curling into a dazzling grin. “But if you don’t, you’ll die here. That I can promise.”

My hands tremble as the heir moves to the exit, glancing back to me with bright amber eyes once more.

“Don’t trust me, advisor, but I can tell behind that stubborn mask, you are an intelligent woman. You can tell something is not right in this court. And you would remiss not to listen to me.

“Do not go through these halls alone. Bring a guard.Be smart. It might be the only way to live long enough to see your Coven again.”

With that he leaves me, in the empty hall, apprehension dampening my brow.

Do I listen to the heir—a Dark Fae, known for cruelty and wickedness? He has no reason to help me, but what does he gain from scaring me?

Curling my hands into my dress, I glance around, searching for an unseen threat. He might not be someone I can trust, but Nafre did warn me of this court.

Sighing, I steel my spine. It’s best to play it safe. I already ruined my mute persona with the one person who could use it against me. I’d rather not wait to be prey in this palace.

After a few moments, I yank the door wide, entering the ballroom, noticing the heir’s grin across the room. Scowling at him, I retreat to the back corner and far away from the Fae.

Chapter 9