Page 85 of Of Shadows and Blood

Footsteps sound at the top of the stairs accompanied by voices so I quickly jump from the ground, wiping the dirt from my dress to face our new guests. Avonde reaches across the table and places the flower in my hair.

Cedric?

Hello, Liv.

I jump in place and Avonde quirks her brow as the voices echo down.

“As I was saying, you really have no luck when it comes to it. If you would let me place the bets, I will get you twice your money back. Guaranteed.”

“Isn’t gambling outlawed?”

“Yes, but I am the king.”

“So let me get this straight, you outlawed gambling only to illegally gamble yourself?”

The two bicker back and forth playfully before Avonde interrupts them with an “Ahem”.

“Pardon us,” Garreth smiles. “Our king just informed me he is quite the bet maker.”

“Bet maker? No, no, my friend. I am a bet winner,” Cedric replies with a wink.

Nice to see you.

I nod back because I can’t figure out how to reply.

“What do you make bets on?” I ask. Garreth flops onto the sofa, boots still on, and places his hat over his eyes for a nap.

Cedric knocks Garreth’s feet from the furniture, both to make room for himself and to keep the place clean from their riding boots. They must have just gotten here from Krue. Why they don’t just apparate, I have no idea. He leans forward, like he’s telling a secret. “Chess. You would think it’s a fifty-fifty chance but no, it’s more than that. You have to account for the time of day, sun position, what they ate, have they had ale? To this date, and mark me, I have yet to lose a chess bet.”

Avonde snorts.

“Why not just make it legal?”

“My father instituted the law after the nobles were gambling their tax money away. I kept it for the same purpose though it does live on.”

“Surely you see the same nobles at the matches? Do you not fine them?”

He scoffs. “Gods no. Because I’m there in secret as well. Betting on the same games. And taking their filthy money.”

Garreth smacks his hat on Cedric’s head. “If you can’t beat them, join them. Is that your strategy?”

Cedric mimics Garreth but in a much more high-pitched voice before Garreth tackles him to the floor.

“Hey! Hey! Watch the tables. We have potions brewing here from months ago!” Avonde screeches as she shifts the wooden table away from their tomfoolery. I quickly grab my chalice of blood Avonde poured for me when I first arrived.

“Are they always like this?” I sniff the rim.

“Generally. Or much worse.”

I laugh as Cedric puts Garreth in a chokehold using Garreth’s own arm. They’re not tapping into their vampyr strength, simply just tussling like normal people.

“So! To what do we owe this pleasure?” Avonde cuts in, pausing their scrap.

Cedric lends a hand to Garreth and right when Garreth goes to take it, he withdraws and Garreth plops right back down on the floor.

“Ass.”

“Baron sent a messenger. Apparently, he is having one of his infamous gatherings and we have been invited in anticipation for the ball next month.”