Page 27 of Facade

My steps were soft, slow, until I stumbled over Lyra’s boots, and a string of curses tumbled from me after my steps echoed in an effort to catch myself. Once I was sure Lyra still slept, I eased to my target. The door to the wardrobe clicked open, and I grasped at the unknown, feeling around until my fingers brushed something soft and thick. I yanked; a hanger fell to the floor with a clank—

“Put that tail away, you shameless beast!” Lyra yelled, sitting up in bed, waggling her finger. My body went stone still—until she dropped back, her snores resuming.

A sigh eased out of me as I pulled out a large wool sweater and tugged it over my head, leaving my hair free.

It hung mid-thigh, and I had to roll the sleeves, but otherwise it covered more than the slip had. I went across the room and eased the door open.

Candles lit the empty hallway. Shouts drifted from downstairs. I slipped fully out the door, pulling it shut, then padded down the hall, checking over my shoulder sporadically for anyone else until I reached the banister and peered over.

The guards who traveled with us stirred about, their swords in hand. Thaddeus stood at the front door, peering through a small window set high, still in his fine evening clothes, now with a sword in his grasp.

“I see eight. No—ten. There’s one in the tree,” he called over his shoulder, followed by a dark laugh. “Since when do they climb trees? Honestly. These evil creatures are bad enough on the ground. Now we have to watch above and below. It’s maddening.” He clucked his tongue as he talked to no one in particular.

Adrenaline slammed through my veins as muffled screams and shrieks came from outside. The tremble in my fingers as they slid along the banister was only from the chilled night air. It had nothing to do with what I thought Thaddeus was referring to…

Aiden stalked across the entry, armed to the teeth—my steps faltered. I’d seen males in fighting leathers before, but I’d never actually allowed myself to look. My goal had always been to deflect attention. That meant no eye contact. But Aiden… I swallowed past the lump in my throat as I debated whether or not I could retreat to my room, unnoticed.

Thaddeus moved, letting Aiden look outside.

“Hardly a threat,” he scoffed. “You up for some fun?” His attention slid to Thaddeus, then past him, freezing when he noticed me.

Shit.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek as my gaze trailed over the black leather that hugged every inch of muscle as he moved, up to the baldric that sheathed his sword. To his hard jawline and face—where his smile faltered, a darkness settling in its place. Thaddeus followed his line of sight straight to me. A grin tugged at his mouth.

“I apologize, my Queen.” He gave a small bow. “We have some unwanted guests around the perimeter. But do not worry! Aiden is very good at what he does,” he said with a wink.

My jaw ticked as I met Aiden’s scowl.

Had he expected me to stay in my room? It wasn’t locked. Besides, I’m a Queen right now, aren’t I? He had to keep up appearances.

I descended the remaining steps, linking my hands behind my back as I approached.

The other guards ignored me as they ran past. Except Malachai, who hesitated at Aiden’s side a moment, looking between us before he too bolted out, sword drawn. Aiden’s eyes didn’t leave me until I was close enough, I had to crane my neck.

“Is there a problem?” I asked, eyebrows raised innocently. His jaw flexed once, his gaze raking over every inch of me—exposing me more than I already was.

“Why, my Queen, I don’t think that sweater has ever looked that good,” Thaddeus commented, amusement threading his voice.

Mortification spread through me like spilled ink, seeping into every inch. I dropped my gaze to my attire, acutely aware of how indecent this was for someone pretending to be a queen. Shit. Should have just worn the stupid chastity tent that had been packed for me.

“You should be in your room. Where it’s safe,” Aiden ground out, his tone sharp.

“I heard shouting. Who’s out there?” I directed my question to Thaddeus, pretending I hadn’t heard Aiden.

Thaddeus’ brows pinched, his lip curling. “A small horde of skurs, my Queen. There’s been an uptick in activity as of late.” My heart thudded in my chest. They’re real. They’re actually real. Blood drained from my face as I strained to catch a glimpse through that small window behind him.

“Are we safe?” I asked, trying—and failing—to ignore the feel of Aiden’s glare.

Thaddeus laughed low and deep. “I assure you, they’ll be dispatched before you make it back to your room.” He showed no concern for the chaos of screams and snarls outside.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Aiden growled, looking once more at my attire disapprovingly, then at me before he turned and stormed out the door.

“What’s wrong with him?” My fists tightened at my side.

Thaddeus only shrugged. “Aiden has a bit of a past he carries with him.”

“That’s not an excuse for his mood swings,” I hurled, folding my arms. But the movement pulled the sweater up further. I dropped my hands, jaw feathering.