“You were raised with him, after all. If you didn’t, I would worry for your mental capacity.” I shifted, turning to face him fully—show him I wouldn’t retreat.
“You haven’t touched your plate.” The glee in his voice scraped down my spine. A lock of black hair slipped over his brow. He pushed it back with impatient fingers. “Such a shame. Egath, didn’t you tell me my guests were obligated to eat?”
“She will.” The Velli set the box on the dresser with care.
Panic tightened around my ribs. Refusal had been the only rebellion within reach. I would feed myself on my own terms.
“Now?” Tallon’s tone lifted, eager and childish.
Egath peered over his shoulder at me. “After her introduction to court. We wouldn’t want to spoil her appearance.”
“Do you often bring your prisoners before your court?” I asked.
Tallon beamed. “You’re my guest.”
“That implies I was invited and had a choice in the matter.”
“Would you rather be locked in the dungeon?”
“Perhaps the amenities would fare better.”
“Tallon, do not make the king wait.” Egath’s voice cut through our bickering.
The boy huffed and rubbed his calf. “That dress is ill-suited for court. I’ve secured you a new one.”
“I think I like this fine.” My hand smoothed over the dark skirts.
Egath opened the box. His mouth flattened into a severe frown as he lifted the contents. Gauze-thin fabric spilled over his fingers, sheer as breath. “Tallon, I advise against this.”
“It’s suiting. I picked it out myself.” Pride edged his words.
My palms dampened. I pressed them against my knees to hide the tremor. Egath’s warning made my pulse race faster. Strange that I trusted him more than the boy at my side.
“This will rile the court,” Egath said, gaze sliding over me. “You’ll make enemies.”
“Are you saying I have something to fear here?” Tallon reclined against the canopy post, curtain swaying behind him.“Vellos knows who she is. Now, they need to know she’smine. This is perfect.”
“You’re taunting them.”
“Afraid your court can’t control themselves? And here, you schooled me for my actions.”
“It’s your choice. She is yours.” Egath dipped his chin, brows raised. “But you risk a challenge.”
Tallon’s flat teeth flashed white in the sunlight. “Let them try.”
Egath’s shoulders rolled in the smallest of shrugs as if he couldn’t be bothered anymore—and handed the sheer garment to the servant. “Dress her.”
The sight of it hollowed my stomach.
Dragons above, I knew that fabric. The prince had once given me a gown like it, intending to parade me around like a whore. Back then I had altered it, stitched a modicum of modesty into its fabric.
Here, no such mercy would be offered.
Egath made to leave, but paused at the door. “Tallon?”
“I’ve nowhere else to be.”
Blood drained from my face. My smile faltered beneath his steady gaze. He tilted his head, daring me to object.
