Page 73 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

My neighbors were already giving me a wide berth since I started trying to heal Darius. How will they treat me now after witnessing that?

Ferria sidles up next to me just before I reach the doors. Her eyes blaze with anger, but she keeps her mouth shut. She grabs my hand, and we walk into the dark, followed by Lev and the other women who are forced to leave the tavern because of the asshole general and his captain.

The soft sound of shuffling and stumbling footsteps fades the farther from the tavern we walk. Lev’s sturdy boots keep a steady pace behind us.

He waits until we reach our street before he says, “I’m sorry, Elara.”

“Don’t,” I snap.

Ferria’s grip tightens. My power rises to the surface, coaxed by the warmth of my sister’s power emanating from her palm.

“I cannot go against a direct order,” Lev continues. “Hesitating was bad enough.”

I don’t know why I do it, but I stop, spin around, and drop Ferria’s hand. “Why did you commission a circlet from Ferria?”

Lev’s eyes blow wide. He glances at Ferria, then back at me.

He licks his lips. “It was meant to be a surprise.”

“A surprise?” He can’t seriously mean he was going to propose.

“Calm down, Elara.” He chuckles, but the amusement sounds forced. “I got it as an anniversary gift.”

I frown. “Anniversary?”

Hurt flashes across his face. Ferria mumbles something about waiting for me inside, then she continues down the street. Lev watches her go, but I keep my eyes on him.

When Lev doesn’t reply, I ask, “What anniversary, Lev?”

He presses his lips together, then lowers his voice. “Of our first night together.”

I rock back on my heels.

That night?

How in the world does he remember the night we first slept together after all these years? He’s never attempted to celebrate it before.

Lev bristles at what must be an incredulous expression on my face. “There’s no need to look so mortified, Elara. It’s not a betrothal circlet.”

“Are you sure?” I search his eyes. “Dian seemed to believe otherwise.”

“Dian was drunk and doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

I bite my cheek and look at Lev. Really look at him. His handsome face is drawn tight. His fists clench at his sides, opening and closing.

He knows I don’t want to get married. We’ve talked about it several times. And he understands why.

Marriage in Verdanthia means a loss of freedom. I won’t be able to own property. I could continue to heal, but my spouse would oversee every aspect of my business. His decisions would override my own. He’d be able to control my actions. I refuse to give another such power over my life.

And Lev understands. He values my position. I have to believe he wouldn’t purchase a betrothal circlet against my wishes.

I sigh and tension flows out of my body. Picking up on the change, Lev takes a hesitant step forward.

“Lara.” He reaches out to take my hand.

When I don’t pull away, he gathers my hand in his and brings it to rest against his chest.

His heart thrums against my palm. “I am sorry about tonight. I don’t know what got into my father.”