Page 27 of Tides of Shadows

“None of your concern.”

I wished to change the subject, so I congratulated him on the deer.

“I saw the kill. A fine stag.” I lifted a brow with feigned admiration. “How did it happen? Did it run into you by accident, find you so unbearable that it thrust the arrow into its own heart? I would do the same to spare myself the torment of your company.”

His smile faded.

“Why do you dislike me so much?” he asked, and there was a hint of weariness in his voice.

I sighed.

“Do not flatter yourself. I don’t like most noblemen. You are all alike. You believe the world belongs to you, and when you cannot have what you desire, you become cruel.”

His jaw tightened.

“Do not compare me to Magnus,” he said, his voice rough with anger.

“I was not speaking of him,” I answered, and sorrow slipped into my tone in a way that startled him.

Before he could answer, I turned and walked away. Too many memories. Too much pain. This place was not meant for me.

I was tired of the day and decided it would be best to return to my chambers. I longed for a long bath to soothe the edges of my anger.

To reach my rooms, I had to cross the main courtyard, where the revel was gathering strength.

The nobles were growing ever more drunk, shouting and singing at the top of their lungs. The ladies laughed louder and louder, their cheeks flushed by wine. Musicians played lively tunes, and couples began to dance around the fires.

Lovers began making out freely. This kind of night was much less formal than a ball, and it was clear everyone was indulging.

At some point Velena stepped into my path, flanked by two of her companions.

She was the last person I wished to see now.

In one of her companions I recognized the girl who had run after Aidenar in the gardens a few days before. Jasmine was her name. I wondered if Velena knew of her dear lord’s little adventures.

“I see someone has dressed as a dog handler. Or perhaps a stable boy?” Velena looked me over with lofty disdain. “You never cease to astonish me, Lady Veymaris. Is this some extra work in the palace so you can keep yourself? Have your funds already run dry?”

Her companions tittered on command.

“In your place, I would concern myself with my own affairs,” I said calmly. “And with your companions.” I let my gaze rest pointedly on Jasmine, who lowered her eyes, blushing scarlet.

Without waiting for an answer, I slipped into the crowd. Speaking with Velena gave nothing in return but a headache.

I decided nothing better awaited me there, so I walked back to Families’ chambers. The clamor of the feast slowly faded behind me, replaced by the hush of the night corridors.

As I moved along the empty arcades, I heard unmistakable moans.

I halted. No doubt some couple had sought privacy in one of the niches.

I had no wish to stumble upon them too closely. The last thing I needed was to walk in on someone in the midst of their business, so I slipped between the columns.

Yet my wretched curiosity won out, and I glanced toward the alcove.

I saw the girl first. Chestnut hair loose upon her shoulders, a deep green dress hitched high about her thighs. I knew her, a sister or a cousin of Magnus. I had seen her at balls, among the Dorthal Family.

Her excitement was plain in the sounds she made, in the way her body moved with steady rhythm.

And she sat astride none other than young Cavareth.