Page 47

Richard doesn’t give in. “Would you like to come as well?”

“Absolutely not,” Elijah responds in a low, dark voice. “I have better things to do.”

Richard observes the scores scattered on the table. “Do you have to train your voice?”

“In a sense.” He rises slowly and turns toward me. “Goodbye, Viscount.”

Then his eyes shift to Richard. “My lord.”

He heads for the door, with Étienne leading the way to show him out.

“So, shall we go, my dear Viscount?”

“You won’t leave me in peace until I say yes, will you?”

“Quite right.” He straightens up. “We’ll go in my carriage.”

“Wait for me here, Richard.”

“Yes, sir.”

He reaches out, not even deigning to sit down, and helps himself to one of the scones on the tray, biting into it with a satisfied air.

I leave the room before he can say anything else.

As soon as I enter my bedroom, Étienne appears as if materializing from the shadows. I go to the cabinet, grab a glass, and pour some brandy. The amber liquid slides into the crystal; I take a slow sip, the burn descending into my stomach and slightly soothing that dull ache that refuses to let go.

Nom d’un chien... pourquoi ça ne passe pas...

Étienne opens the wardrobe without a word. When I turn to him, he has already prepared my clothes on the screen.

“You look magnificent,” he comments, helping me drape the dark blue coat over my shoulders. “Are you well, Viscount?”

“It isn’t necessary for you to come tonight, Étienne.”

“As you wish.”

He hands me the black leather gloves, I cast a final glance at the mirror, then head out.

I find Richard exactly where I left him, scone in hand, smile already at the ready. The evening hasn’t even begun, and already I wonder how much I will regret it.

8

King of Hearts

Evander

The carriage pulls up before the entrance of the club. The Brownell coachman opens the door, and the scent of rain hits me square in the face.

Water lashes the pavement in small, glinting shards, a few drops catch my cheek as I step down. Richard reaches my side, turning up his collar.

“Don’t wear that resentful expression,” he says from behind my shoulder. “Or they’ll think I’m bringing you here against your will.”

“And you would never do such a thing.”

He draws level with me, his arm brushing mine.

“Come now, you need the company. It will be illuminating.”