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A young noble with a red hat bowed across from me. I curtsied.
And then the music seized me.
With a flourish, the ladies met their partners across the line. My man hooked his arm around mine, smiling, and we twirled around the dance floor, switching off partners on the next crescendo. My heart soared and my flame flickered inside, lighting my steps.
Another swing and I linked arms with a burly man who hooted and had reddened cheeks. I laughed and he swirled me around right into Lord Demious’ embrace.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” he said, taking my hand in his.
I laughed and smiled. “I love to dance.”
“I see.” He motioned to the door leading out to the gardens. “Walk with me.”
We left the dance floor, arm in arm, my heart pounding and sweat dotting my brow. The sisters all glared at me as we passed, and I felt a bit of pride knowing that Lord Demious chose me for a stroll and not one of them.
Baine followed us outside, and the racing in my heart from dancing only intensified. The setting sun turned the sky into a rainbow of soft pinks and lilac, just like Baine’s eyes. Farrow’s Gate seeped with magical energy, and it bled into the sky like a shooting star.
Cascades of fragrant, purple-hued wisteria crawled along the wooden archway that covered the stone path we walked. The hanging flowers were a feast to both the eyes and nose. Even someone like Lord Demious could seem beautiful in this picturesque scene.
“Tell me,” Demious said. “Did you know why you were coming to my estate?”
“I thought to work, that’s what the troll said.”
“Hmm.” Demious pursed his thin lips. “You must’ve shown him something special to be offered a chance to be my bride.”
I couldn’t tell Demious the truth, not the whole truth at least. “I dabble in the arts.”
Demious laughed and patted my hand. “I would very much like to see.”
This was my one chance to find out if I could really leave this place or not. “I’ll happily show you, if you could answer one of my questions.”
“Go on,” he said, keeping his arm looped with mine.
“The troll said nothing about a bridal competition, and while I understand how great an honor it would be, my firehawks need me. I won’t abandon them.”
He stopped us by the garden maze near the pool and faced me. “I admire a woman who can speak freely. Know this, if you do become my wife, not only will I re-unite you with your flock, but I’ll bring them here where they will thrive in Farrow’s Gate.”
“No.”
“No?” Lord Demious eyed me, a darkness clouding over his gaze. The change in demeanor sent a chill through my body as his grip on my arm tightened.
“I am from the North. If you know about firehawks, you know the role they play in the plague happening there.”
Suddenly, the boorish, plain man disappeared, and shadows surrounded his body. I stepped back, trying to pull away. My gaze flitted to Baine who stood still, gaze on his master.
“Do not speak to me as if I am a common man,” Lord Demious growled.
“I meant no offense.” My heart hammered as Lord Demious dug his fingers into my skin.
Shadows seeped out from his body, curling and sliding around mine. I stilled, eyes widening as Lord Demious smiled. “Know this, if you want to save your little birds, you will impress me or you will be shipped off.”
Heat swirled in my core. I’d never taken threats well. “I am not a child, and I have fought bigger beasts than you.”
His eyes shifted to black.
Lord Demious yanked me forward, pressing his fingers into my waist. Opening his mouth, a stream of black mist expelled. He blew the shadows over my face, inserting them up my nostrils. I coughed on the thick mist, gasping for air.
“This is your only warning,” he said, his voice scratchy and rough. “Do not threaten me, ever again.”
