He smiled, and a flicker of amusement in his brown eyes indicated he knew something I didn’t.
“I take it you don’t know who I am?”
Unease wound tight in my stomach.Who had I agreed to dance with?I studied his face, and a touch of familiarity hovered, but I couldn’t place it.
“Have we been introduced before?”I asked.
He chuckled.“I don’t believe so.You can call me Zandyr.”
I nearly stumbled at the name.PrinceZandyr.Valeris’s brother.I could have slit my own throat for my mistake.
I let out a light laugh.“Oh, please forgive me, Your Highness, I’ve met so many people since the balls began I’m afraid they have all run together.How lovely to make your acquaintance.”
“Yes,” he said.“You caused quite a stir among the nobility due to your affiliation with my brother.Tell me, how did you two meet?”
I stiffened, knowing he was digging.“I’m not quite sure.In passing?”
“Ah.”He twirled me around before bringing me back to him.“I would hope there is something more than political gains involved with your fascination with him?”
My eyes darted to the musicians, wondering how long before the song ended.I needed to tread carefully.
“I wouldn’t refer to it as a fascination,” I mused.“More of an amicable friendship.We get along well.”
I would have laughed out loud at the idea if I wasn’t trying to convince him.
“That’s a strong observation for someone you have just met.”He pulled me closer, changing the pattern of the dance, and I struggled not to squirm.“However, I don’t think there is any need to fool one another, Analleia.I know there is nothing amicable between you and my brother.The man would sooner scale a building than trust solid stairs to hold him.He only ever does anything for himself.Whatever you’re scheming with him, I can offer you more.”
I arched an eyebrow, curious as to where this conversation was going.“More what?”
“More of whatever he’s offering you.Money, secrets, trades.I can match it, double it if that’s what it takes.All I need is for you to report back to me on his activity.What he is planning, what alliances he is trying to form.”
Why would he want to double cross his own brother by having me spy on him?
I pretended to consider his proposition, but the wheels in my head were turning in the other direction.He and his brother didn’t get along, and it seemed they were somehow pitted against each other.What could they possibly have to wager for?He wanted to know about Valeris’s alliances.Maybe the siblings participated in a competition at the Paravellian Balls to see who could secure the most alliances or perform the best.
“That is a tempting offer,” I said.“But very involved.I’m not sure the reward is worth the difficulty.”
Annoyance flashed across his face.“Well then, I guess we’ll have to find a way to make it worth it.”
Would I really have to fend off two sons of the man I was trying to kill?I didn’t even want to work with Valeris, but he was my ticket to Athello and keeping the enchantment on my face.
A finger tapped Zandyr’s shoulder, and I turned to find Valeris glowering at his brother.
This night couldn’t become any more inconvenient.
“I think it’s my turn to cut in, don’t you think?”
Zandyr clenched his jaw at the words, but he released me without a fight.“Certainly, brother, might as well enjoy yourself while you can.”
My throat bobbed as they exchanged a look, speaking a language I didn’t understand.
Zandyr stepped back and Valeris filled the empty space, taking my hand in his and placing his other at the small of my back.I tensed, overwhelmed by his presence and all too aware of the warmth of his hand pulling me closer to him.He wore a dark blue suit, a sharp contrast against the lighter colors of the evening.Silver buttons and an intricate embroidery pattern decorated the material in swirling designs.
I looked up into his green eyes, my eyebrows raised.“I’m surprised you’re fine with me in such close proximity to you.”
He maneuvered us between the dancing couples, falling in step with the music.“Only on my terms.”
I pulled my gaze away from his in an attempt to tamp down my irritation.Not only was he arrogant and condescending, he carried his own set of demands as well.I wanted to punch him, but I had to endure him for a while longer.
