Page 42 of Only Flames Remain

Sorin laughed, his sharpened teeth visible as his head tilted back. “Voirel isn’t a maid. She is my sister.”

“Sister?” I sputtered. I knew nothing of a female in the royal line. Nobody did.

Sorin nodded as she appeared in the hall beyond the open door, a smile across her ruby-painted lips. She was still far enough away that despite enhanced hearing, she wouldn’t be able to make out Sorin’s hushed tone.

“My sister is…different. She has the mind of someone much, much younger. Like a child. She requires constant company and looking after. But don’t let that fool you—she is smart as a whip. I need to keep her busy, and I need someone to keep an eye on you. Killing two birds with one stone, and all that.”

My teeth ground together. “I assure you—I have a plethora of experience. I do not need a babysitter.”

I did my best to conceal my frustration, though I was certain some of it leeched into my tone. It would be difficult to enact a plan with Sorin’s little sister sniffing around.

As Voirel drew closer, Sorin leaned down to whisper in my ear. The smell of spice and ash filled my nostrils as he drew close. “I will be the judge of that, Little Dove.”

Little Dove?

I took a step back, surprised at his nearness. His gaze was blazing, latched onto mine as he spoke to Voirel without breaking eye contact.

“Voirel, you will be accompanying my new maid today. You are to show her how I like my room turned down for the night. Only you know the special detergent I use—the one Azhar tries to hide away and hoard for himself?”

“Of course, Sorin!” she chirped, coming to stand at his side. “I’m happy to help…” She lingered, waiting for an introduction.

“Aveline,” I finished for her.

Sorin’s gaze snapped to mine, and the room suddenly felt too small, a heady sensation rolling over me as my chest tightened. I took another step back.

“Would you like me to stay until she is finished?” Voirel asked, her eyes as blue as the Faetide beneath the morning dawn. She stared lovingly up at her older brother.

“Yes, or until an hour past dinner. If you don’t finish the tasks before then, you can complete them tomorrow. I’d like my quarters vacant by then.”

“Expecting someone?” I challenged. The comment was instinctive, and I wished I could take back the words the moment they escaped. I wasn’t sure what had come over me. His molten gaze sent a searing flame jetting down my spine. I felt true fear in his presence for the first time today as the defiance hung in the air between us.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I almost wanted to take another step back, expecting the back of his hand across my cheek for the insubordination.

Voirel giggled. Sorin didn’t respond; he merely moved to the double doors and grasped them with both hands. “Voirel will be watching.”

A warning.

I nodded, turning my attention toward the room and Voirel as my cheeks filled with heat.

“Where should we start?” Voirel asked, sauntering to the chaise before the bookshelf and throwing herself down on it.

“Sorin didn’t say anything about you needing to help me…only that you need to watch over me,” I pointed out.

I preferred to work alone, and I didn’t need her slowing me down.

“Prince Sorin,” she reminded me with a chastising tone. “And good point. When you get to the bed, I will show you how he likes it. Other than that, I’ll be right here if you need me.”

I heard the double doors finally click shut behind me and my heart sank low into my stomach as Voirel and I were left alone.

An uneasy feeling prickled at my back, as if I were being watched.

But when I turned to glance over my shoulder…the prince was gone.

CHAPTER 13

Aveline

Istarted by stripping the bed and allowing Voirel to show me to the laundry room. She showed me the special scent Sorin preferred—notes of citrus and bergamot with undertones of sandalwood. I could only imagine how much this particular scent cost, but I had to admit it was rather intoxicating.