Page 99 of The Faceless Queen

“Thank you,” I said primly, my body perfectly still.

He laughed. “The illusion is remarkable. Not that I was ever fortunate enough to come by this face before. It is divine. I must say, I’m impressed.” He cocked his head to the side, scrutinizing me even closer. “You wear this one perfectly. Confidently. Even your voice changed. Your little walk.”

I shook my head. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

“Don’t you, Olivay?”

Ice ran through my veins. “You are too informal with me, sir. You will address me by the title my station affords. You will address me as princess. Or be removed from the premises.”

Geoffrey took a sip of wine and bowed low. “My apologies.” He rose up and took a step toward me, and then another. Until he was close. Too close. “Congratulations on your betrothal, Your Highness, Princess,” he grinned, “Shamhira.”

I grabbed his arm, pushing him from the crowd. “Are you mad?” I hissed, then immediately released him and stepped back, checking to see if anyone had noticed.

“Mad? I’m happy. Only saying hello to a dear old friend.”

“A friend you’ve threatened for years. Stay the hell away from me and the prince, or I swear to the Gods, I will bring you down with me.”

“Bring me down?” He shook his head. “You don’t want to do that.”

“You no longer get to tell me what I do or do not want.” My nostrils flared. “I’m no longer working for you. In fact, I’m about to have a lot of say over whether you live or die. So how about you tell me what the hell you’re doing here, Geoffrey.”

He laughed.

“No. No laughing.” My nails sharpened to knives. “Answers only. What the hell do you want?”

“Oh, put your claws away. We’re in public.” His eyes sparkled. “And your say over me may not last quite as long as you imagine. I’m also familiar with certain prophecies unfolding in the Book of Orsete.”

My nostrils flared. “I don’t hear an answer to my question.” Then, with a deep breath, I trimmed down my nails back to the length and style Olivay wore them in.

He smirked. “Answer to your question. Let’s see. What the hell do I want? It’s really nothing.” He shrugged. “Much.”

“I could have you killed,” I snarled. “All I need to do is yell out. One word. Dozens of guards stand ready to defend my honor.” I gestured at the blue cloaks. “Do you really want to find out if they’re the type to strike first and ask questions later?” Thinking back on all the years of servitude to Geoffrey, the forced affairs, the ill treatment and threats, his utter lack of care for me, and the others who didn’t fare as well, who didn’t have the power to fight back the same way I could—maybe I should call out to Brennan’s guards. Maybe he did deserve to die.

“Go ahead. Call out to your guards,” he said. “Have me killed. But I should warn you first. If any harm comes to me—any at all—then certain precautions that I have arranged to protect myself will go into action. Immediately. Betray me now, and you’ll be in a box by midnight.”

“Precautions?” I asked.

“You see, I came here innocently with the others, all invited to the castle by none other than our wealthy, altruistic nobleman himself. The Crown Prince Jaron. Or as he is more commonly known,” he grinned, “Brennan.”

“What have you said to him?” I asked.

“Said to him?” He frowned. “Oh … about you?” He smirked. “Nothing. He … he has remained quiet in my presence regarding the dancer Samara.”

I stilled.

“Though I heard he’s looking for her. Hasn’t asked for my help.”

Because he didn’t trust him?

“No. The prince only seems to be offering me his help.” He scoffed. “Who would have thought? A kind and generous prince, one really does exist.”

My hands clenched into fists. “And yet you flout his kindness and generosity by threatening his betrothed.”

“His betrothed?” Geoffrey laughed. “That’s rich coming from you. And speaking of which, what exactly have you done to his betrothed? Is she alive?”

“Of course, she’s alive! I’m not a monster.”

He grinned wider. “Oh, my dear. You gave that up so easily. So she does live.” He lifted his wine goblet as if to make a toast. “I thought I’d have to work a lot harder to learn that.”