“The thieves and rebels who seek to destroy our realm. And the other aristocrats in the kingdom; your power makes us a level above them, and they must realize that.”
“Are we having a tiff with the other royalty?”
The possibility amused but didn’t surprise me. Many licked my father’s boots, but I doubted anyone liked him.
He smiled as he set his glass on the table beside him. “Of course not, that would be beneath me. However, things in Tempest aren’t as stable as they were under Leo’s reign, so wemustportray strength.”
“Maybe things would be more stable if you hadn’t trapped everyone here. I doubt few are pleased that they can’t leave Tempest.”
“You would know.”
When my father smirked, I restrained my hands from clenching. “I’ve found my own entertainment here. Who isn’t content with booze, women, and revenge?”
His smile slid away. “That must come to an end.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you are the future Duke of Locksley; you have a duty to me and your position in this realm. And that duty does not include constantly running off to fuck whores. What happens if you impregnate one of them?”
“Don’t worry, Father, I figured out birth control centuries ago.”
“You never know what could happen.”
This statement piqued my curiosity; we’d never discussed anything like this before. “Are you speaking from your own experience?”
He huffed. “Of course not. I’m not so foolish or reckless, but you, my boy, care little about your responsibilities.”
It was more like I cared little forhimor anything he wanted me to do.
“Are we done?” I inquired.
“You’re to stay here tonight; we’ll leave at sunrise.”
I bristled against the command but could still open a portal to meet Ellery tonight and return later. Besides, I had to attend this party; I planned to make the earl’s coffers a little lighter before leaving.
“Whatever you say, Father.”
I rose as one of the doors leading into the solar opened. A servant stepped back, bowed gracefully, and waved his arm to usher someone in.
A woman with black hair swept into the room. Her skirt swirled around her ankles as she glided toward us with her shoulders back and chin high.
My father smiled as he rose and held out his arms. “Ah, here she is.”
When the woman was close enough, he clasped her hands and leaned down to kiss each cheek. “Hello, dear; I’m so glad you could join us.”
“Of course, milord,” she murmured in a demure, husky voice.
“I’d like to introduce you to my son.”
When they both turned toward me, I gave my father a questioning glance. I couldn’t remember the last time he’d greeted anyone so warmly.
I didn’t trust it.
My attention shifted to the woman, and when it did, something about her caused a strange tension to coil in my belly. There was something strangely familiar about her, but I’d never seen her before.
Her high cheekbones, fair skin, and black hair were striking. Her tall, willowy build reminded me of the dark fae, but if she had ciphers, the dark fae’s marks of power were hidden by her modest dress.
I was certain I’d never seen her before, and it took me a moment to realize her warm, brown eyes were what made her so oddly familiar. A memory teased at the edges of my mind as I studied her.
