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That shouldn’t surprise me. The duke did choose my mother, though she has no birthright at all. "I might just like it in the south."
I'm rewarded by a sunny grin and an elegant bow.
Zale takes my hand before either of us say another word. My head snaps to stare at him, and I frown, unsettled by the feel of his large and delicate palm against mine. His touch is icy, but if I'm startled, it's not by the cold as much as the jolt of awareness running through my entire body the moment our skin meets.
A shiver runs through my arm and I bristle.
Then he leads me away from Dayn Woodhouse mid-conversation, like I am nothing but a slave to his whims.
I only think to withdraw my fingers when we've reached another man for him to parade me in front of.
I hate him so much it hurts.
Once he's ensured everyone here has gawked at my skin through the pearls from up close, he leads us to an informal deep red chaise, and lounges casually. I stand by his side, wondering how much longer I'll have to endure this penance for my imaginary crimes.
His bench is surrounded by pretty women, and I notice they all seem quite happy to sit by his feet as I did last night. I roll my eyes.
"Why won't you sit, dearie?" Zale purrs, bringing a cup of dark wine to his lips.
I may not be much of a drinker, but I could use a bottle or two right now. "Perhaps because you had me dressed me in a row of necklaces."
Somehow, the other women, openly eavesdropping, find that hilarious.
"Did His Majesty choose this dress for you?" a brunette asks.
"It's glorious!" another say.
"And that hair! Is that your natural color?"
"Why don't we ask the king?" AdelaidGyrth sneers. "I'm sure he found out if the carpet matches the drapes."
I'm so done with her nonsense. If we were in the lanes, I would have punched that dark haired dick in the boobs long ago. "Oh, he couldn't tell you," I purr, batting my lashes for her benefit. "I'm all bare below."
I'm gratified to see Zale choke on his drink and Adelaid gape.
The others are various shades of amused and shocked.
"That's beyond the pale!" the lady shouts, jumping to her feet. "Are we to bow to a vulgar cow?" She turns to look directly at her king and screams, "Did you hear what just came out of her mouth?"
I should leave well enough alone, but annoying her is too easy…and satisfying. "The king's quite fond of what I can do with my mouth."
Thanks to her ruckus, more courtiers approached, and they all laugh at her, surprising both me and her by taking my side.
Adelaid's blow is swift, if a little weak, striking right at my cheek.
I laugh, because this turn of events is a delight. Politics, court protocol, being chosen against my will for a role I'd never want, and stupid laws that prevent me from walking out? That's beyond my power.
TeachingAdelaid Gyrth isn't.
Without a thought for preserving my modesty in this joke of a dress, I lift it at my hips and lunge. I watch the brunette brace and gather her hands to her side, and I know she's about to use some magik.
The thing with witches is, they need precious seconds to prepare their spells. Facing another magik user, the delay might be irrelevant, but I don't have any energy to call upon but my own.Fast as I can, I dip low to the ground, swiping my leg out to hers. As she falls, I climb over her, one leather-clad foot pinning one of her hands.
I only glance to the king fleetingly, to check how he takes it. I don't want to lose my head for hitting a bitch.
Zale leans forward and smirks wordlessly.
Men. I chuff in contempt. Great or low, all of them enjoy watching a catfight.
