Page 90 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I resist the urge to tug the borrowed gown’s loose fabric higher, though it would make no difference. The soft, blue silken layers drape over me in teasing folds, held together only by the subtle hooks attached to the corset the maid, Thea, had yanked tight until I struggled to take a full breath.

I keep my eyes forward, not meeting any curious stares, and strain to pick up pieces of the quiet conversations around me.

The size of the mayor’s dining room rivals the town meeting hall in Verdanthia, long rather than wide, large enough to accommodate the oversized table stretching nearly from one end to the other.

An immense painting dominates the wall across from my seat. White ships drift on the crystal-blue ocean while a sunset burns along the horizon, washing the sky in warm strokes of pink and red.

“Lovely, isn’t it?”

My eyes dart left. A blond man with blue eyes smiles at me pleasantly.

“Excuse me?”

“The painting.” He nods toward the seascape. “It’s one of my favorite pieces in the palace.”

Oh.

“Yes. It’s…very nice.”

Rather than taking the hint of my lackluster response and leaving me be, the man smiles wider.

He looks ready to speak again, but the woman at his side slips a delicate hand around his arm. She gives me a brief, curious glance—one that vanishes the moment he turns toward her.

I release a quiet breath, wishing I could melt into my chair. Unfortunately, this cursed corset has my spine locked ramrod straight.

“You are a mistress of words,” a familiar voice murmurs near my ear.

I narrow my gaze on the instigating Fae beside me. “Shut up.”

Darius chuckles, eyes gleaming as they flick from my face to the nearly untouched plate in front of me. “Is the carp not to your liking?”

I grip the fork in my hand and glance at the plates of those seated closest to me. Everyone else has managed to eat at least half of the main course, but I couldn’t stomach more than a bite.

“I’m just full.”

Dinner began with a chowder soup, followed by a berry salad made with fresh fruit that exploded with delicious flavors over my tongue. Either course alone would have been more than enough to satisfy my hunger. But moderation doesn’t seem to be valued in Virendrell.

The cod is now the fourth plate to be placed in front of me. I’ve never seen so much food in my life, let alone eaten so much. I’m one bite away from being sick on the mayor’s white linen.

“Ah.” Understanding softens Darius’s voice. The teasing light fades from his expression. “I remember my first dinner like this. I wasn’t hungry for days.”

He sets his fork down and leans back.

I follow his lead and place my fork on top of the smoked fish.

Not five seconds later, a servant appears between us.

“Excuse me, my lord. My lady.” He retrieves our plates and backs away quickly.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

The man dips his chin, then carries the dishes to an obscure door tucked into the wall behind my chair.

Darius picks up his water glass. His astlerium cuff peeks out from between the stacked bracelets covering half of his forearm. The pieces of jewelry are thicker and broader versions of the five thin bands Thea slipped around my own wrists.

Each of the Shadow Fae wears the bracelets. I assume they’re meant to disguise the manacles that limit their power. Darius’s loose, sleeveless tunic mirrors my gown in style and elegance. Only, instead of accentuating breasts, the thin fabric clings to his broad shoulders and muscular torso. I’ve already caught more than one woman stealing admiring glances at the male by my side.

Darius takes a sip of his drink, then smirks. “Like what you see, love?”